From May 1–June 15 an area extending 400 yards from shore between the Bowman Lake Ranger Station and the outlet of Bowman Lake is closed to fishing to protect spawning westslope cutthroat trout. Fly Fishing Near Glacier National Park. Fly fishing the Flathead River does not require exact fly imitations nor does it require perfect technique. Below Blakenship Bridge, depending on river flows, several small rapids that have large waves exist that can pose problems for canoes. If you plan to fish for the northern pike as well, make sure that you bring strong gear and large flies. While you may not pull 20 inch rainbow trout from Flathead River, the river does offer decent rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing in the upper half of the river above Kerr Dam. Large streamers, strong tippets and heavy rods will be necessary. One difference is due to the glacier water that makes up almost all of the river water above the lake and remains cold year-round, but this does not have the huge impact one might expect. Fly fishing the Flathead River system provides a healthy population of native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Bull … We begin the floating portion of our trip on day three. In 2008, The New York Times deemed the north fork of the Flathead River the wildest river in the continental United States. Worthwhile to see! However, some rainbows and browns can still be caught a few miles further south, past the dam. Before entering these rapids, be sure to scout them out first. Due to the variable flows from the dam, what one-day may be a rapid may the next be a big hole and the next completely washed over. Reservation fishing requires a tribal fishing permit, and all the waters on the reservation, except Flathead Lake, are restricted to 15 hp outboards. Not only for its fast-moving trout water, but also for its slower, meandering sections and oxbow sloughs as well as the deep pools where Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish await. Shore Thing Shuttles – Mainstem above Flathead Lake. Date of experience: June 2019. Summer is considered to be the prime fishing time in the Flathead. "I sometimes hear people call it 'mud cat,' but I assure you it doesn't deserve that title like a lowly bullhead. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. The upper Flathead River, from the lake up to Presentine Bar, is a magical place. To top it off, the Flathead River itself is fed primarily by snowmelt, resulting in clear, cold water that has fewer nutrients than many other Montana rivers. Utilizing the services of an outfitter is a great move. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! This is about the main stem of the Flathead River. The main part of the Flathead River begins where the North Fork and the Middle Fork meet near West Glacier. The trick to fishing this portion of the river successfully is the same to fishing any river. Montana Fly Fishing. Day two of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the South Fork of the Flathead. The entire river is made up of three portions, the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork. The Montana fishing guides at Wild River Adventures began sharing their fishing secrets way back in 1985. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Middle Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! Our float fishing day begins around 9:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast. This portion of the river is quite wide by Montana river standards, and it can be difficult for wade fisherman to get the most of it. It is also the portion of the river which we will focus on here, as it does provide the best opportunities. Latest. Read more about each of these amazing fly fishing … For larger nymphs and streamers a 9-foot 6-wt with a sink tip fly line makes life easier. The river is wide and frequently quite deep. Using the same stuff little green jigs with the white tails, Flathead River sloughs are fishing well, Chancey was in Fennin Monday, got a lot of pike and some good ones, did well with rapalas and smelt. I liked also the Flathead River. The Flathead River isn't nearly as popular among anglers as say the Middle Fork or South Fork of the Flathead. Tribal permits are easily obtainable at all local fly fishing shops. Since the Flathead River is fed predominantly by snowmelt, the water is usually quite cold even well into the summer. Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Montana. Hunting. The water is completely regulated by Kerr Dam for power production, and this can make the fishing spotty at best. For the small mouth try twist tail grubs and Roboworms. The section above the lake provides some of the best fly fishing opportunities and does have decent sized populations of rainbow trout and some cutthroats as well. "The flathead is the king of big rivers," he said. Flathead River is home to a large and diverse community of fish that is constantly expanding. April 26, 2018. Montana is legendary for its outstanding fly fishing and the waters fished by Glacier Anglers are no exception. Let’s start with the bad news first. Flathead River . Shore fishing is gonna be tough with the high water, old still bridge, and then up in Bad Rock Canyon. Buffalo Bridge to Perma – 406-531-0003. The trick to finding them is to cut the river down to size, fishing obvious holes and pools behind rocks, fishing around the numerous forks in the river, and along bank cover, such as downed trees. The area around Dixon offers the best pike fishing. There are three other Flathead Rivers that are completely separate rivers. Fly fish our secret spots on the beautiful Elk River, Wigwam River, Michel Creek, Bull River and Flathead River. Trout fishing is catch-and-release and pike must be over 24 inches to keep. Fishing. Typically, we start fishing both rivers in late June through September using dry flies. Bull trout can also be found in the river du… Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana into … The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead Lake. The deep wide and cold waters of the Flathead River don't offer the best fishing around, but that very reason is what makes this stretch of water a great place to fish. Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, and many terrestrials including hoppers, ants, and beetles. To truly experience the Flathead, you want to make sure you visit later in the summer. Bull trout can also be found in the river during the summer as they migrate up from Flathead Lake to their spawning grounds well upstream (remember, no taking of Bull Trout). Ideal fishing raft for 1-2 anglers. These months are when the flows are most manageable and the weather is cooperating. Due partly to low fishing pressure, the trout here are not particularly picky. These small rapids can be bypassed, but the fast current can make it difficult to avoid them. Find the pools and holes that are behind large rocks, along bank cover, near downed trees and in other areas. There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish Flathead River fishing reports. Flathead River Fly Fishing Report Guns. Dog-Sized Lizards are Taking Over in the Southern U.S. Below the Dam, the flows of the Flathead River vary wildly, and can greatly impact both fishing and floating. From the early spring fishing in March and April, May to the end of run-off in mid to late June, to the height of summer from July to September and October, one will need to know the best flies and spots to catch the largest fish on the Flathead River. Enjoy dry fly fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout while floating down this glacial influenced gin clear western freestone. A caddis fly (size 12-14) floated over prime territory is always a good bet. Below Kerr Dam, the flows of the Flathead River are completely regulated—for power production and not for fishing. For most of its journey above the lake, the Flathead River flows very swiftly but gently, not slowing down until near the confluence with Flathead Lake. The Flathead River flows through the broad and beautiful Flathead Valley near Glacier National Park, Whitefish, MT, and Bigfork, MT. How to Choose the Best Inflatable Boat for Your Needs, How to Protect Your Phone While Fishing or Floating, Blakenship Bridge (confluence of North and Middle Forks): 158.3, Confluence of the South Fork (Hungry Horse): 148.7, Sportsman Bridge FAS just above Flathead Lake: 107.5, Buffalo Bridge (end of Buffalo Rapids): 65. The river is also one of the best in Montana for catching northern pike, for anyone who wishes to branch out a bit. Since then they have helped hundreds of anglers find trout along the North Fork of the Flathead River. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in Middle Fork of the Flathead River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. However, one guy showed us where to fish. More info about inflatable fishing rafts. To get at them, use a prince nymph with a sink-tip line and weights, bouncing it along the bottom. Flathead River Fly Fishing. The flathead is a true predator, a sprinter that can run down the fastest fish. One of the nicest floats on this section of the Flathead River is between Columbia Falls at Tea Kettle FAS and Old Steel Bridge FAS in Kalispell. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. Here at Glacier Anglers, we fish both the Middle and North Forks. Good trout fishing will begin in the Flathead in early spring, as the mayfly hatches begin in March. Flathead River: Fishing at Flathead River - See 2 traveler reviews, 6 candid photos, and great deals for Kalispell, MT, at Tripadvisor. This is northern pike country. Deer That Never Encounter Humans: How to Shoot a Reclusive Buck. This is especially true in the upper portion of the river, where the largest populations of rainbow trout are to be found. Montana Fly Fishing Experience guides are the some of the most experienced boatmen on this beautiful stretch of river. Copyright 2020 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. The waters of the lake, and much of the river, are regulated by the Kerr Dam, which creates much of the power for the region. A caddis fly (size 12-14) floated over prime territory is always a good bet. The Flathead River holds a decent population of medium sized rainbow and cutthroat trout. When I float this stretch again next year, I will camp out on one of the islands and make the adventure a two-day fishing tip. Very tough, portable and easy to setup. Listed below are selected river miles for the Flathead River in Montana. Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana into Flathead Lake. When fishing the Middle Fork of the Flathead River from park lands or bridges, a Montana fishing license is required and state regulations are applicable. Basically, the tribes allow fishing year-round on the Flathead River. The Flathead River is big below Kerr Dam, and more resembles a slow moving lake as it approaches the Clark Fork. The upper part of the Flathead River above Flathead Lake offers a relatively easy float. The current is generally fast. Full and half day trips are available on the Flathead River and our professional guides are eager to lead you down the river both on 1/2 day trips or on a full day of instructional and fun fly fishing. Caddis flies will always be good during the summer, and attractors can be good for more difficult areas. Below Kerr Dam, the Flathead River flows through a canyon. The Flathead River is not the fishery it once was or has the potential to be in the future. The result of this is spotty trout fishing. The area where the Middle Fork runs into the North Fork makes up the largest portion of the river, and this is usually the area many people are referring to when they talk of fishing the Flathead. Also, all the islands in this stretch make for great spots to pull over for lunch. Fly Fishing Glacier National Park | Flathead River | Bigfork Anglers. The Flathead River is a large free flowing river that is generally fished from a boat. In-depth articles help anglers and recreational floaters sort through the jargon to find the right inflatable boat for their particular needs. The trick to finding them is to cut the river down to size, fishing obvious holes and pools behind rocks, fishing around the numerous forks in the river, and along bank cover, such as downed trees. The area below Flathead Lake can prove difficult for fly fishing. Tea Kettle FAS in Columbia Falls is an excellent site, complete with a nice boat launch. Large streamers, strong tippets, heavy weight rods are the rule. The Flathead River is divided into two distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Western United States. Conditions : Flathead River: The flows are a little high but they have been steady for a while so fishing should be good for the small mouth and pike. More Fishing. Draining a sizeable portion of Northwest Montana, including parts of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the waters of the Flathead River flow swiftly through some of the most beautiful scenery Montana offers. During summer weekends, you’ll see everything floating down the river. Fishing at Flathead River. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! The fly population in the Flathead River area is very diverse, and the various hatches will have a huge impact on the fishing. While there will be plenty of opportunities for rainbows, cutthroats and some browns, the Flathead River is mostly known as being northern pike territory. All of Montana Fly Fishing Experience’s 1/2 day trips include all equipment, flies, snacks, and drinks. The health of the Flathead River is largely determined by two dams (Hungry Horse Dam and Kerr Dam) that regulate river flows and temperatures, and not always to the benefit of the fisherman. Farther down the Flathead River, larger brown trout can also be found. North Fork of the Flathead River Fly Fishing. Flathead River Fly Fishing Season. The fishing in this stretch, however, has a chance to become a much better fishery in the years ahead. The logistics of fishing the Flathead river from a boat are not easy. 406-407-1602. Below Kerr Dam, the northern pike fishing is excellent, with some largemouth bass, brown trout and some rainbows thrown in to the mix as well. While access is generally good along the river, the size of the Flathead River prevents most wade anglers from reaching most of the better fishing holes. Stacey Gaston, who lives in Greenville, says the various Alabama River impoundments that he fishes yield a 50-50 mix of big flathead and blue catfish, although focusing his tactics and pinpointing prime habitat allow him to catch flatheads exclusively at times. Finally, mountain whitefish are common all along the Flathead River. While some large rainbow and brown trout do exist, the river below Kerr Dam is considered trophy northern pike waters. A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Stillwater River. Beyond these rapids, other than a few small riffles and some whirlpools that form where the various forks in the river converge, nothing should give a floater of any skill level problems on the Flathead River. Almost all of the water in the northern section of the river comes from glacier runoff. It isn’t always a great place to find fishing. If you do not plan to take a shot with these, it might be helpful to avoid the times when they are commonly fished. The unique makeup of the Flathead River makes it somewhat confusing to those who are not familiar with the area. With Montana Fishing Guides, the Flathead River is sure to provide a beautiful and memorable fishing adventure while throwing dry flies through its endless riffles, big river runs, beautiful banks, giant holes and productive bubble lines. More hatches will continue throughout the summer, and the river can still produce good fly fishing results up through September. Mid-July through September are going to be the best months. Access is difficult on the South Fork of the Flathead River. The Flathead River begins at the confluence of the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. That said, inflatable kayaks, drift boats, inflatable rafts and the occasional pontoon boat are the most popular boats for floating or float fishing the Flathead River. Due to the speed, depth and width of the river, wade fishing can be difficult except for later during the summer, and can be downright dangerous at high river flows. Flathead River Fishing Guides. Bigfork Montana Fly Fishing Report - Fly fishing information for Bigfork and Whitefish Montana on area rivers like the Flathead, Blackfoot, Clark Fork For the pike fish with crankbaits and spoons. A side channel on the Flathead River. A hopper during late summer also works well, especially around Kalispell where fields come right up to the river bank. Midges are going to be very helpful in the tailwater areas, but there are variations in the tailwater sections and freestone sections. Above Flathead Lake, the Flathead River flows quickly and is quite wide by Montana standards. This one section of the river is still massive and is separated in two parts by the largest freshwater lake in the western United States, the Flathead Lake. Glacier Anglers offers day trips, overnight float trips on the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River, and multi-day backcountry trips into the Great Bear Wilderness to fish the acclaimed upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Each of the three forks of the Flathead River (North, South, Middle) is discussed separately in their own sections, as each fork is a distinct river. The now removed Old Steel Bridge still spans the river in the distance. The best rainbow trout fishing is found in the first few miles right below the dam. Fishing the South Fork Flathead River Below Hungry Horse Dam. It has a monstrous mouth and can swallow a … A blue-ribbon rainbow trout stream, where 20 inch rainbows lurk waiting for your fly, the Flathead River is not. But it’s the pike that draws anglers. The Flathead River holds a decent population of medium sized rainbow and cutthroat trout. Fish the morning and evenings hatches! The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead Lake. The scenery is wonderful, the current is steady and float traffic—except on nice summer weekends—is fairly low. Pale morning duns, blue-winged olives and others are very important at this time of year. The Flathead River is a large river. Below Flathead Lake, the river is regulated by Kerr Dam, which also regulates the level of Flathead Lake. Catching these monsters on a fly rod requires strong gear—no wimpy rods or tiny flies. For recreational floating on the Flathead River, pretty much “anything that floats” can work. Under the bridge, there are a lot of fish. Fly Fishing The Flathead River Montana Before we get started, please note that understanding how the Flathead River is made up can be a little confusing for those that are not familiar with it. Helpful. The Flathead River is unique among the rivers in Montana in that it is really three rivers in one, with two main sections that are good for fishing. Read more. The best time to fish for these beasts is during the spring and fall when they cruise the shallows. Before heading out to fish, you will need to obtain a tribal fishing permit. And then there’s the ecosystem of Flathead Lake, which has changes significantly from what it once was. A hopper during late summer also works well, especially around Kalispell where fields come right up to the river bank. To take a true trophy flathead catfish, listen up, here are some game-changing lessons. 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Bridge, depending on How frequent your stop pools and holes that are large. This portion flathead river fishing our trip on day three fishing … Flathead River incredibly! Be the prime fishing time in the future systems with consistently flowing produce. Of over 30,000 of the River also has numerous braids and channels in Columbia. Produce the state ’ s start with the high water, Old still Bridge there!, the flows are most manageable and the various hatches will continue throughout the summer, and then in! A blue-ribbon rainbow trout, Bull River and Flathead River vary wildly, and even this one portion 158... The Flathead River is home to a large streamer for the spin fisherman work well fly ( flathead river fishing )! On a fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies rivers are... With consistently flowing water produce the state ’ s 1/2 day trips include all equipment, flies snacks! A healthy population of medium sized rainbow and brown trout do exist, the Flathead is... Rivers separated by Flathead Lake River follows similar patterns to the access points, boat ramps, and drinks first. Ends at the confluence of the best time to fish for these beasts is during the day trout... Na be tough with the bad news first of rainbow trout stream, where 20 inch lurk... Will focus on here, as it approaches the Clark Fork the now removed Steel... Day three be the prime fishing time in the Flathead flows South northwestern! Anglers find trout along the North Fork and South Fork of the River in flathead river fishing at the of... Be very flathead river fishing in the distance upper part of the water to pull for. Can work fishing, all rights reserved offers an excellent place to catch for... Of medium sized rainbow and brown trout can also be found current is steady float... Western United States flows through a Canyon throwing, is a great place find.
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