Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 64 Bear Creek and the outflow cascad- ing down out of the lake are the hot spots with trout eagerly waiting for a presentation of any popular dry fly or slowly stripped streamer. CLARKS FORK OF THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER Shortly after Beartooth Lake, the road descends sharply. On the west side of the highway is a quick pull off where a view of Pilot and Index Peaks are clear. The sharp and jagged peaks demand the viewer's attention. However, at their footsteps flows a trout filled stream with fish at every pullout. The Clark's Fork screams down from the high alpine across the border in Montana and flows southeast then north into the famed Yellowstone River. Named after William Clark from the Lewis and Clark expedition, it is only appropriate that the angler devotes some time casting on this incredible fishery. Much lower in elevation, the river mean- ders its way through coniferous forest creating pockets, pools and riffles. Any skill-level of angler can luck into a fish of a lifetime, complete with amazing scenery to enhance the inevitable photo- graph thereof. GEAR For the most part, the fish will barely break the ruler stick in size. That being said, a three to five weight rod will be more than enough. The same weighted reel with a floating line are perfect for the alpine lakes and steams. Anything from 7x to 5x tippet are a must for the crystal clear water to help disguise the fly. The flies will vary depend- ing on if you want to fish sub-surface or with dry flies. For steamers and nymphs, small wooly buggers and leeches will work great along with bead heads, scuds, san juan worms, and calli- baetis. For dry flies, the popular elk hair caddis, grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and mosquitoes will be productive. CONTINUED

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