CLARKS FORK OF THE YELLOWSTONE

CLARKS FORK OF THE YELLOWSTONE

Exploring new water drives me. Especially when headwater exploration, untouched riffles, plunge pools and long hikes through grizzly country are all on the menu. Why you ask? Because, I know I’ll have much of the water to myself. That’s what you’ll find if you tackle the waters of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone in MT/WY.

For starters, there are really three kinds of water to fish on the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone. First, you have the headwaters with meadows and smaller, easily waded water. Then you have the mid-section with canyon water filled with boulders, rapids and very few other anglers as the river flows, cutting its way down towards Cody. Down here, anglers find the third section, the broader, warmer bigger, drift boat water as it flows to the north back into Montana, eventually joining the Yellowstone River near Laurel, MT. As you might imagine, year-round action is possible at the lower elevations, but if flows are low, the slower waters here can see more ice.

The headwater fishery begins in the Montana mountains, but it soon gets my attention near Cooke City, Montana, better known as the small town, situated at the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone Park. Traveling along the highway leaving Cooke City (away from Yellowstone), the river and many campgrounds are ideally situated for a couple days of fishing on the Fork. Every pullout looks inviting with amazing mountain peak views, wide open river options and very little competition. Cutthroat are everywhere and the obvious pools, plunges and open riffles produce during the season, particularly after runoff and through the far reaches of fall.

Terrestrials, attractors and streamers would serve you well on this high-elevation fishery in and around the Cooke City area. If you are a more of the match-the-hatch angler, carry caddis, PMDs and of course you can catch and release all day on the standard nymphs.

On the upper waters, there is some private land, a couple ranches to deal with, but there is plenty of public access to thoroughly enjoy the Fork. And if you park at a pullout, don’t be afraid to hike a couple miles to get to water few fish on a regular basis, but carry bear spray. A good fish here will run 19 to 21 inches, but the average will be 12 to 15 inches all day.

The water when I was there this past August, was low, gin clear and the fish were spooky, but regardless of flow, summer outings will demand longer casts from downriver. Maybe the water flow will be higher when you fish it but given the cobblestone/ rocky terrain and super clear water for the most part, I’d stick with a 9-foot leader or more, toss a medium-large hopper or attractor and utilize a dropper with a size 16 or so Prince or Hare’s Ear. Once the fish start crushing the dry, then get rid of the dropper. In my experience fishing lots of headwaters in the region, you can sleep in, have a good breakfast, and tackle the water about 9:30 AM—that’s when it feels like these types of fisheries wake up. If you’re going to try nymphing or a dropper, feel free to start earlier.

As the river flows on, it begins to carve one of the deepest canyons in the country. There are several access points along the highway as the scenic drive winds down. Enjoy the many vista points, but steep walls and rapids will limit action along here, even for the most adventurous angler. As the highway drops down to the valley, the access points will be more obvious, but take a few minutes to enjoy the views when you’re high up on the highway and bridges.

If you’re not interested in the extra effort, the waters you find closer to Cody and all the way to Bridger, MT, is again a stretch where anglers will find easy, roadside access. Adding to the fun in this stretch are rainbows, brownies and whitefish. There are a few more spots to try including Fromberg and Silesia bridges. You find a fresh flow of cool water from Rock Creek joining the river here as well. This is more of open country, slower flows and bigger fish—so good luck. Lastly, I would highly suggest a stiffer, heavier rod (6 wt?) if you plan to fish the lower river. The wind can be a significant factor on the lower, open Montana stretches as the river passes Bridger and nears Laurel. For up-to-date information and the best bug selection, I’d highly suggest talking to the knowledgeable team at Tim Wade’s North Fork Anglers in Cody. Tap https://northforkanglers.com/ to start planning your trip today.

High Country Angl er contributor Brian La Rue enjoys giving fly fishers ideas of where to go for an adventure. Feel free to reach out to Brian at Brian@hcamagazine.com if you want your lodge or guide service featured in an upcoming promotional marketing plan.