Fishing Season: April-November

Middle Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

56

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

Because of heavy rain and rain-on-snow events in the mountains, the river spiked to several thousand CFS last week and remains above average. This has displaced fish and made fishing challenging.

Directions open in app

Map of Middle Fork Flathead River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Glacier Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 11/21/25

The river is dropping this week, but slowly, providing clearer visibility in the next several days. Beware of remaining woody debris, and look for fish in slow eddies.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/21/25

Do not wade until the river goes down. Even if you're skilled at wading at this level, there is a lot of woody debris in the river, making conditions dangerous. Many people are enjoying targeting whitefish on the main stem.

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):
Hopper purple 12-16
Flying Ant yellow 14-16
Larson's Legend Golden Stone Dry olive 10-16
Griffith's Gnat natural 12-14
Flash Beetle yellow 12-16
Elk Wing Caddis blue/red 12-16

Hopper

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Item #0414

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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:

San Juan Worm Girdle Bug

Best Time to Fish:

late afternoon

Best Stretch:

below Blankenship Bridge

Best Access:

Blankenship Bridge