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
Last Updated: 4 / 6 / 2021
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby: |
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Glacier Anglers |
Water flow: 1526
Visibility: 60 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 50 Degrees F
Water condition: Clear
Best time of day to fish: all day
Best stretch: Teakettle to Presentine
Best access point: Teakettle
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:
attractors caddis ants beatles hoppers
Fish species: Trout
Fishing season: April-November
Nearest airport: Glacier International - Kallispel (FCA)
Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader
Recommended fly fishing tippet: 5X Tippet
Best fly fishing rod: 9' 4 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line
Best sinking fly line: Clear Sink Tip Fly Line
Real-time water flow data from USGS:
North Fork of the Flathead River Fishing Report
Last Updated: 4 / 6 / 2021
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby: |
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Glacier Anglers |
Water flow: 1545
Visibility: 60 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 58 Degrees F
Water condition: Clear
Best time of day to fish: all Day
Best stretch: Canadian Border to Polebridge
Best access point: Candian Border
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:
caddis Girdle Bugs attractors ants beatles
Fish species: Trout
Fishing season: April-November
Nearest airport: Glacier International - Kallispel (FCA)
Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader
Recommended fly fishing tippet: 5X Tippet
Best fly fishing rod: 9' 4 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line
Best sinking fly line: Clear Sink Tip Fly Line
Real-time water flow data from USGS: