Fishing Season: April-November

Middle Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

46

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

The river is high and fast, but clear and green! Green means go, as long as safety is the top consideration when fishing. Please wade or float safely, and you'll have a great day.

Directions open in app

Map of Middle Fork Flathead River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Glacier Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 6/4/25

Air temperatures are on the rise, with very hot days this week. However, cold nights are keeping the river levels from spiking again.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/4/25

Look for the slow eddies and side channels where fish are chilling during this high water. With this week's clear water, we are seeing some fish looking up, so lean toward a dry-dropper setup. Avoid boily, fast seams and whitewater, as fish are not ready to expend too much energy there.

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
Griffith's Gnat olive 10-14
Cone Head Muddler Minnow natural 12-14
Pale Morning Dun Thorax white 18-20
CDC Mayfly Emerger 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:

Golden stonefly adult Beadhead black stonefly nymph CDC flashback pheasant tail PMD adult Goober midge

Best Time to Fish:

afternoon

Best Stretch:

West Glacier Golf Course to Blankenship Bridge

Best Access:

West Glacier FAS