LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
You’ve heard it a thousand times in real-estate but it is much more important in fishing. The Clark Fork Outpost is located on the Clark Fork River in its most exclusive stretch. Across from the outpost there are no roads, trains or highways… just 8 beautiful river miles of forest. I’ve been fishing the waters of Montana my entire life so when I pick a place to put a lodge there is a reason.
THE CFO is surrounded by over a hundred miles of the lower Clark Fork. We can put in and take out at the CFO which reduces windshield time and keeps us in the water. The Clark Fork River is best characterized as big water, not easily wade fished without a boat. It has delicious flats to stalk rising fish throughout the different seasons. Riffles merge the flats with productive places to find fish… throw in the famous Clark Fork foam lines and eddies and you have the best big fish dry fly stream in Montana… without the crowds.
The Clark Fork is known for its sturdy West Slope Cutthroats, sparkling Rainbows and bug crushing Cutt-Bows that have humbled more than a few anglers with their speed and determination. On a rare occasion we will see a Bull, Brown or Brook Trout. (Grand Slams are possible) The Clark Fork Fishing can be broken down into three season. Early, summer and fall. The early season runs March through April. This is the best time of the year to catch mister big on a dry fly. Spring fly-fishing can be some of the most productive for big fish. All have been semi-dormant during winter and are now hungry and eager to take a well-placed fly. The best times of day are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on most days. On cloudy days that are cool, the prime time’s shorten and hatch activity may slow down. On bright, warm days the Skwalla stonefly will be the bug of choice. Along with the Skwalla we have the big Grey Drake (Western March Brown), and the Blue-Winged Olive in the Mayfly category. In addition to these we can anticipate the American Grannom Caddis will make its April appearance to round out our fishing menu.
SEASONS
Early Summer:
Mid-May to Mid-June is typically high water on the Clark Fork. It varies by year so it is best to stay in touch with us.
Summer: Late June through August
Late June the CF clears and fishing coming on strong with Stoneflies and some bigger mayflies. The Caddis will just begin to show up at this time. Good bug activity runs through July, transitioning to Tricos & Terrestrials (hoppers) in August.
Fall:
September into October are the glory Days of the Lower Clark Fork. The consistent hatches make for predictable fishing. Comfortable temperatures during the day and cool nights keep the water just right for trout and bugs alike. During this time we will see Baetis, October Caddis and Mahogany Duns until it becomes to foul to fish. (Mid-late Oct.) This is a beautiful time of year without the tourists of summer.
CLARK FORK RIVER OUTPOST RATES
Day Trips
$575 1 or 2 anglers
Includes guide, flies, lunch, beverages, and as much fun as you can have in a day!
Clark Fork Outpost Rates
3 days/4 nights $2700
4 days/5 nights $3600
5 days/6 nights $4500
Included: Lodging, meals, beer and wine, guides, gear and airport shuttles. Not included: State of Montana fishing license
Gratuities
Gratuities are at your discretion. The following are guidelines. For guides, we suggest $50 per guest, per day. We prefer you tip them directly. For lodge staff, $20 per guest, per day. This can be left with your final bill.
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
The High Plains Drifter staff, in correspondence and conversation with you, will do their best to convey the most up-to-date information about which dates are available for your group. However the reality of the boutique nature of the fishing adventure world dictates that we cannot hold dates for you without a deposit. Most sporting seasons generate interest from several parties for every available opportunity. Until a 50% (fifty percent) deposit is received in the office, the dates that you desire to schedule for your trip will still be available for other High Plains Drifter clients to take advantage of.
Likewise, because the trips we offer often require a great deal of planning, preparation and scheduling on behalf of the participant, they are not items that can be readily resold on short notice. Your 50% (fifty percent) deposit is non-refundable. Deposits cannot be used for alternative dates for trips. Payment in full is due 90 (ninety) days before the scheduled departure date for your trip. Failure to make payment in full by that date evidence to High Plains Drifter that you do not intend to complete the trip, and we will release your dates and attempt to resell them. Parties who arrive with fewer members than are actually booked will be charged for the number of guests booked at the time of reservation.
An experienced angler knows that the best-planned trip can be impacted by the unexpected, that’s why we recommend Travel Guard Travel Insurance to protect your financial investment. This valuable protection covers trip cancellation for any reason, medical evacuation, sporting equipment coverage and more. It is reasonably priced (about $150 per person for a $3000 trip) to purchase this insurance or learn more visit www.travelguard.com.
Mike Hillygus
PO Box 516, Missoula Montana 59806 | Call: 406.721.2703
www.highplainsdrifter.com
