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Flathead River Fishing Report

Flathead River Fishing Report, Flathead River Fishing TripsGlacier 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

5-Day Outlook as of 11/24/22

Looks like we'll be seeing cold overnight temperatures, daytime highs in the upper 20's and lower 30's Opportunities to fish will land in the middle of the day, best bet is to pick a sunny afternoon.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/24/22

San Juan Worms and Stonefly Nymphs 10-12 feet under an indicator is your best bet. Try slow stripping an Olive Woolly Bugger if your fingers get cold!

Glacier Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ brown 8-10
Vernille San Juan Worm pink 8-10
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer black 6-10
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail natural 12-14

Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ

Image Not Found

Item #46EC

Buy Now

  • Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ

  • Vernille San Juan Worm

  • Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer

  • Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail

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:

    5-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.

Nearest Airport:

Glacier International - Kallispel (FCA)

Hatches:

Stoneflies Mayflies

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon, when temps are highest

Best Stretch:

West Glacier - Blankenship

Best Access:

West Glacier

North Fork of the Flathead River Fishing Report

Last Updated:

5-Day Outlook as of 11/24/22

Looks like were into a cycle of cooler temps. Opportunities to fish will be during the warmest part of the day.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/24/22

San Juan Worms and Stonefly Nymphs 10-12 feet under an indicator is your best bet. Try slow stripping a Woolly Bugger if your fingers get cold!

Glacier Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ brown 8-10
Vernille San Juan Worm pink 8-10
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer black 6-10
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail natural 12-14

Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ

Image Not Found

Item #46EC

Buy Now

  • Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ

  • Vernille San Juan Worm

  • Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer

  • Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail

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:

    5-Weight 9' Fly Rod

  • Best Floating Fly Line:

    WF Trout Fly Line

  • Best Sinking Fly Line:

    Clear Sink Tip Fly Line

Description: About North Fork Flathead River

The North Fork of the flathead Flows directly south from the Canadian Border, and makes up the western boarder of Glacier National Park until its confluence with the Middle Fork at Blankenship Bridge. The North Fork is an exceptional West Slope Cutthroat fishery, with breathtaking views of Glacier National Park.

Nearest Airport:

Glacier International - Kallispel (FCA)

Hatches:

Stoneflies Mayflies

Best Time to Fish:

Evening

Best Stretch:

Big Creek-Glacier Rim

Best Access:

Glacier Rim

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