Flathead River Fishing Report

Glacier National Park Fly Fishing

When you fly fish Glacier National Park, you are fly fishing on the Flathead River system, which is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park. The Flathead River system is made up of three forks that eventually drain into Flathead Lake. When Glacier Anglers go fly fish Glacier National Park, we go fish both the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead. Typically, we start fishing both rivers in late June through September using dry flies.

The Middle Fork of the Flathead originates in the Great Bear Wilderness and creates the southern border of Glacier National Park. From deep in the wilderness, it flows roughly 70 miles before it’s confluence with the North Fork of the Flathead. Many sections of the Middle Fork of the Flathead are comprised of canyons as well as class II-III whitewater. We navigate these waters using rafts with custom-built fishing frames instead of the traditional drift boat.

The headwaters of the North Fork of the Flathead originate in Canada and flow south into the United States. The North Fork creates the western boundary line of Glacier National Park and provides some spectacular views inside the Park. In many areas, the North Fork widens up and braids in between Glacier National Park and National Forest Service lands.

Fly fishing Glacier National Park provides a healthy population of native Westslope Cutthroat Trout that are eager to eat and fun to catch.

Montana Fly Fishing:

Middle Fork of the Flathead River Fishing Report

Fishing Report
Fly Patterns
Water Flow and Tide Chart

Glacier Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name:	Colors:	Size(s):
Griffith's Gnat	black	16-20
Bead Head Brassie	natural	16-20
Micro Egg	brown	12-16
Blue Winged Olive	olive	16-20
elk hair caddis	brown	14
purple haze	purple	16
Adams Parachute Dry Fly	olive	16
Prince Nymph	black	20
ants	black	16
copper johns	copper	16

Griffith's Gnat
Bead Head Brassie
Micro Egg
Blue Winged Olive
elk hair caddis
purple haze

Glacier Anglers's Recommended Gear

Best Leader:

Super Strong Plus Leaders
Best Tippet:

SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
Best Fly Fishing Rod:

4-Weight 9' Fly Rod
Best Floating Fly Line:

WF Trout Fly Line
Best Sinking Fly Line:

Clear Sink Tip Fly Line

Description: About Middle Fork Flathead River

The Middle Fork of the Flathead River originates in the heart of the Great Bear Wilderness in one of the most remote and pristine areas in the lower 48. Once the river reaches Hwy 2, just west of Marias Pass, if flows westward, following the highway and making up the majority of the southern boarder of Glacier National Park until its confluence with the North Fork near Blankenship Bridge. The Middle Fork is a true Jewel, with excellent West Slope Cutthroat fishing along its entire length.

North Fork of the Flathead River Fishing Report

Last Updated:

Fishing Report
Fly Patterns
Water Flow and Tide Chart

Glacier Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name:	Colors:	Size(s):
Hairwing Western Green Drake	Natural	8
Pale Morning Dun Thorax	peacock	12
Sparkle Dun	green	14
Indicator Beetle	black	14
hoppers	brown	8/10
ants	purple/blk	14/16
Adam's Purple Parachute	purple	16
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Wet	natural	16
purple haze	purple	16
beetles	red/black	14