Fishing Season: April-November

Middle Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

37

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

The past week of warmer weather had more people out fishing and having some success. That should continue this week. Look for slow, deep holes and keep nymph rigs deep and quiet.

Directions open in app

Map of Middle Fork Flathead River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Glacier Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 12/31/24

There are several days in the coming week forecasted with air temperatures several degrees above freezing. Those mid-to-high 30s should allow for pleasant days on the water. Snow is predicted, so dress in layers and take caution on the riverbank. Snowfall will bump river flows a bit, but should not displace fish from the slower, deep holes.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/31/24

Drop a perdigon nymph, San Juan worm or a girdle bug to the bottom and don't move it much. Stay away from shallow riffles or fast water. Look for slow, deep holes in known overwinter areas, like mouths of creeks (be sure to be fishing in the river, and not in the creek as they are closed during the winter) and large eddies.

Local Species Available April-November

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

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 tan 12-16
Flashback Hares Ear Nymph olive 14-16
Zug Bug olive 10-14
Cone Head Muddler Minnow natural 12-14
Pale Morning Dun Thorax white 18-20
Birchell's Hatching Midge grey 18-20

Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ

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Item #46EC

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Glacier Anglers's Recommended Gear

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 - Kalispel (FCA)

Hatches:

All heavy nymphs, small streamers and beaded worms are of equal importance. We are not seeing any dry fly action.

Best Time to Fish:

afternoon

Best Stretch:

West Glacier Golf Course

Best Access:

West Glacier FAS