Clearwater River
Near Missoula, Montana
The Clearwater River flows through the scenic Seeley-Swan Valley, connecting a chain of over two dozen lakes between the Swan Range and the Blackfoot River. This intimate stream offers diverse fishing opportunities including brown trout, native westslope cutthroat, and brook trout, with the stretch between Seeley Lake and Salmon Lake being particularly productive for large browns. The river and its chain of lakes also support populations of kokanee salmon, northern pike, yellow perch, and rainbow trout. Float fishing from Seeley Lake to Salmon Lake requires portaging around log jams but rewards anglers with excellent fishing in a remote setting. The Clearwater Canoe Trail above Seeley Lake provides a peaceful 3.5-mile paddle through pristine habitat. Summer and fall offer the best conditions, with standard western hatches of mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials keeping trout active. Highway 83 provides easy access to multiple campgrounds and fishing access sites along the valley.