Clarks Fork Yellowstone River Fishing Report

Information
Fly fishers who seek to get far from the maddening crowd should consider the Clark’s Fork, as it offers ample fish, scenic beauty and alluring solitude. The river makes its grand entrance into Wyoming from Montana through a rift in the jagged, glaciated Absaroka Mountains. Surrounded by soaring, snow-capped peaks, the river is bounded by the Beartooth Mountains to the northeast and the rugged Sawtooth Mountains to the southeast.  Running for over 60 miles through the state, its upper waters are full of Yellowstone cutthroat, rainbow and brook trout while grayling and brown trout can be found below the famous Canyon section as the river makes its way back to Montana.
 

Designated as Wyoming’s first Wild and Scenic River, it flows through verdant, conifer forests, a stunning, 20 mile-long Canyon area, and open farm and ranch lands.  The river descends from 8,500 feet at its headwaters near Cooke City to less than 3,000 at its northeastern crossing at the state line. The spectacular canyon portion of the river is as popular with hikers, kayakers and river rafters as it is with fishermen. Adventurers around the globe come here to experience its Class IV to Class VI rapids.


Technically the river is open year-round for fishing although the Colter and Beartooth passes are usually blocked by snow until late May. Public access can be gained from the highways that parallel most of the upper river through the Shoshone National Forest and anglers can, with a few exceptions, stop and fish at their leisure. Much of the lower river runs through private land although the Wyoming Game and Fish manage 4 public access points making it possible to enjoy fishing in these waters. Spring runoff can continue through June, sometimes even into mid-July, and then tends to remain steady from late summer and well into September.
 
Featured Fishing Trips
Guided Fishing Trips
$
525
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
The Yellowstone River is wild and scenic. With over 650 miles of untamed flows, the Yellowstone is the longest un-dammed river in the contiguous United States. From its origin inside ... moreYellowstone National Park, through Paradise Valley, the town of Livingston, Montana and beyond, the Yellowstone River offers approximately 200 miles of exceptional trout fishing. In addition, each stretch offers different scenery and unique fishing opportunities. Fishing four different stretches of the Yellowstone can feel much like fishing four different rivers entirely. Healthy, wild populations of Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat trout keep beginners in the action and the avid fisherperson on their toes. Even though the Yellowstone is a well known river, it is not uncommon to spend a day on the water without seeing another boat. Mountain back drops and opportunities to view wildlife along the way, The Yellowstone offers an experience that few rivers can match.
$
550
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
Join us on the Yellowstone for a great day of fishing. With over 20 years experience floating the Yellowstone, Water's Edge Outfitting knows every riffle and pocket of water to help ... moretailor your trip to meet your expecations and skill level. Whether a first time angler or and expert, we will help you create great moments for a lifetime of memories. We are located near Livington, Montana and have extensive knowledge of nearby rivers.
Additional Information
Tributaries:
The Clarks Fork Yellowstone River is a tributary of the Yellowstone River
Source:
Beartooth Mountains
Mouth:
Laurel
Length:
141 miles
Seasonal Conditions
Season
Hatches
SpringBaetis, Caddis, Midge
SummerGolden Stone, Baetis, Caddis, Midge, Terrestrials
FallBaetis, Caddis, Pale Morning Dun, Midge
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Fishing Quality
Scenery
Access
Water quality

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