Clarks Fork Yellowstone River
Near Billings, Montana
The Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River originates in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness near Cooke City and flows northeast through a spectacular canyon before crossing into Wyoming and returning to Montana near Bridger. This remote freestone river offers excellent fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, along with rainbow, brown, and brook trout in various sections. The upper river near the Wyoming border features pristine mountain scenery and wild fish in a relatively unpressured setting. Access can be challenging through the rugged canyon terrain, but roadside pullouts along Highway 212 provide entry points to productive water. The river joins the Yellowstone near Laurel after flowing through agricultural valleys in the lower reaches. Summer and early fall provide the best fishing conditions, with standard freestone hatches of caddis, mayflies, and stoneflies keeping trout active. This is an overlooked gem compared to the crowded waters around Yellowstone Park.