Clarks Fork Yellowstone River

Boat Ramps: 4
Access Points: 20
Species: 15

The Clarks Fork Yellowstone River is a remarkable waterway spanning both Montana and Wyoming, offering diverse fishing opportunities across its 241-mile length. Originating high in the Beartooth Mountains near the Montana-Wyoming border, this freestone river flows southeasterly into Wyoming for approximately 40 miles before returning to Montana and eventually joining the Yellowstone River near Laurel. As Wyoming's only designated Wild and Scenic River, the Clarks Fork features breathtaking landscapes ranging from steep mountain canyons to open valleys. Fed by numerous glacial lakes draining the Beartooth Plateau, the river provides excellent habitat for various trout species and other game fish, making it a destination for anglers seeking both scenic beauty and quality fishing experiences.

Wyoming licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Clarks Fork Yellowstone River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Arctic Grayling

Thymallus arcticus

Burbot

Lota lota

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Golden Trout

Oncorhynchus aguabonita

Lake Trout

Salvelinus namaycush

Mountain Whitefish

Prosopium williamsoni

Shorthead Redhorse Sucker

Moxostoma macrolepidotum

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Clarks Fork Yellowstone River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Clarks Fork Yellowstone River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Wyoming licenses and regulations

Wyoming Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Wyoming Fishing License

A fishing license is required for residents and nonresidents age 14 and over. Nonresidents under age 14 do not need a license if accompanied by an adult possessing a valid Wyoming fishing license.

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Wyoming Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Wyoming Stream Access Laws

In Wyoming, landowners own the streambed. Anyone may float across private land on navigable water, but the streambed is the property of the owner. Minor and incidental contact with the streambed is not considered trespassing. As stated by Wyoming Game and Fish Department, “Anglers are not allowed to wade fish or fish from a bank or island without permission if the stream bank, island, or streambed is privately owned. Wading, bank fishing, or anchoring without permission is trespassing.”

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Take Clarks Fork Yellowstone River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Clarks Fork Yellowstone River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Clarks Fork Yellowstone River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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