Diamond ArrowCarbondale, Colorado
“Great property. Hooked into a good number of 16-18in Browns and Rainbows in the riffles. Great property, landowner was friendly and helpful.”
Looking to fish a big Montana river with breathtaking scenery? Clark Fork Overlook Ranch is just an hour’s drive from Missoula, Montana, to get to the main property or a 35-minute drive on the Frenchtown side of the river. Here you will find 1 3/4 miles of fishing on the Clark Fork River.
Once below the confluence of the Bitterroot River, the Clark Fork River takes on a new character. Here you will find a big Montana river that is wide and flowy but still very fishable. At the top of this property, you will find Bear Island, aptly named, that splits the river which allows for multiple fishing access. When the water comes back together, it forms a riffle across the entire river that allows for great pocket-water fishing (depending on water levels). At the bottom of the run, there is a great fishing hole where you will find Rainbows and Browns. A chance for Pike is possible at the large back eddy near the Hayfield campsite.
There are multiple access points on this property. The upper section requires an angler to be sure-footed with steep access via game trails to get down to the river. As you progress further downstream to the middle of the fishery, it becomes easier to access with only steep banks when the water is low. An angler can consider this section moderate to easy. Albert Creek is also located on the property, but the fishing can be very limited. This is thick, overgrown, small, shallow water with occasional pockets. It will take a lot of exploring to find the fish in Albert Creek.
Want to make a long weekend or week out of it? Camping is permitted here. There are 3 separate camping areas on this property. If you have a large group consider booking our neighboring property, Slow Eddy Montana Ranch, as well.
Please note, Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high-water mark. Although unlikely, you could potentially see other anglers while on this property. RareWaters mission is to spread the power of the outdoors and the inspiration to conserve it. To that end, we try our best to find properties that are away from the crowds for a serene fishing experience.
Fishing Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Although we typically get your booking approved within a few hours, please allow up to 1 business day for booking confirmations.
Camping prices are per vehicle/per day. Camping is dispersed camping. Please practice “leave no trace” principles and pack out all trash. You will need to supply your own water. Bear spray is recommended. Montana law requires a locking cooler or bear-proof food storage. Campfires must be a propane gas ring, no open fires allowed. There are a few spots at this property that can have larger rigs.
RESOURCES
Know before you go
Check out the resources below to help you prepare for your upcoming trip and ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for a stellar day on the water.
- Don’t forget your local fishing license, you can grab one online here.
- Check your local flow report here.
- Contact a local fly shop for the most up-to-date hatch and fly information.
- Know the local regulations.
- Fishing Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Fishing Season: December to March.
Most of our properties are ranches, so expect to walk through hayfields, cow fields, or even hop a few fences. These are not "groomed" properties. They can be rugged and wild and we believe that is part of the adventure with RareWaters! If you have specific questions or concerns, please reach out in advance of booking a trip!
River Data
5-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday
12/7/2023
41℉ / 36℉
Friday
12/8/2023
36℉ / 28℉
Saturday
12/9/2023
30℉ / 20℉
Sunday
12/10/2023
35℉ / 26℉
Monday
12/11/2023
38℉ / 31℉
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Frequently
asked questions.
What is RareWaters?
We provide affordable and easy access to private ranches for you to experience do-it-yourself (DIY) fly fishing experiences. No upfront membership fees are required. Just pay as you book! Pricing is listed at the top of each property's listing page. DIY fly fishing means anglers are responsible for determining weather, river flow and fishing conditions. When the information is available, we include weather and river flow information for the properties on our website.
What hours can I fish?
Each landowner sets their fishing hours, and most are sunrise to sunset. We have a few landowners who deviate from that timeframe. This information is listed on each property listing page.
Can a non-angling friend or relative join me?
At this time, everyone over the age of 12 must pay the full rod fee to be on RareWaters' property. This is to ensure that all anglers have the serenity, space and outdoor experience we are committed to providing.
Will I get the water all to myself?
We limit each property to a max number of anglers, typically no more than 3-4 anglers per mile. This is different for each property, so be sure to go to the property's listing page to find out what the maximum is for the property you want to book. For example, if you have 2 anglers in your group and the maximum number of anglers is 4, we may add 2 other anglers to the property that day, even if they are from another group. If you book all 4 (or more) rod spots that day, then your group will have the whole property to yourselves.
How do I know where to go after I book?
After we receive your payment, you will receive a booking confirmation email. Within 7 days of your reservation, you will receive a property map via email with GPS coordinates, directions, parking and camping information, etc. We strongly encourage all anglers to save GPS coordinates into their smartphones before leaving cell service. Many of our properties are remote working ranches with limited cell service. Google Maps is our preferred app for all angler directions.
What are your booking policies?
Great question. Here are a few policies you should know before you go:
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made ten (10) days or more before the booked date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made five (5) to ten (10) days before the booked date will receive a credit for future use. Cancellations made five (5) days or less before the booked date will receive no refund or credit. By submitting a booking request for any RareWaters' property, you agree to this cancellation policy. If you request to book a property within 10 days of the request date, and the booking is approved and you cancel the booking, you will receive a credit for future use. RareWaters is not responsible for weather, river flows or fishing conditions. Anglers are responsible for determining weather, river flows and fishing conditions. Refunds and credits will not be issued for weather, river flows or fishing conditions. The Cancellation Policy may be superseded by extenuating circumstances as deemed appropriate by RareWaters' staff.
Maximum Angler Policy:
Please note, if your party does not equate to the maximum angler amount for the property you've booked, you may encounter another angler or group. Maximum angler amounts are listed in the description for every property on the website. Please practice good fishing etiquette around other anglers by giving each other plenty of space and sharing different stretches of the watershed.
Leave No Trace Policy:
All anglers must adhere to RareWaters "Leave No Trace" policy. This policy requires all anglers to leave properties better off than they found them. If you see trash, please pick it up and pack it out. We ask that you kindly be respectful of the land, any livestock, and the watershed so we can continue to offer fly fishing access for years to come. Trespassing will not be tolerated and all violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. By submitting a booking request through the RareWaters website, you agree to this Leave No Trace Policy.
Solicitation Policy:
Under no circumstances may an angler or their guest solicit RareWaters' landowners for any reason. During your trip, anglers and guests are not permitted to promote, sell or offer any kind of services or products to RareWaters' landowners. Additionally, anglers and their guests may not compete with RareWaters in any way while visiting RareWaters' properties. By submitting a booking request through the RareWaters website, you agree to this Solicitation Policy.
Paden Knight
October 12, 2023 at 3:07 pmI had a great couple of days here in late-September. Isolated ridgetop campsite with amazing views and easy access to the river. Fun to sit back and watch all of the rises. And the fishing was lights out! Got my first pike on a fly at the Pike Hole. What a blast!!! Can’t wait to get back next year. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Conor Wynne-Parry
August 24, 2023 at 6:20 pmThe fishing under the overlook is insanely good, with trout consistently rising. There is a spring creek that feeds in right above this amazing hole, caught fish cast after cast. Amazing camping locations, very scenic and isolated. Love it!
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