Fishing Season: April-November

Middle Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

Winter conditions have arrived! The cutthroat on the Middle Fork have migrated to their winter zones in their tributaries, which are off-limits to fishing in the winter season. However, they often slide out into the river to feed, so they can be found at the mouths of the tribs. Just be sure that you are fishing the river and not the tributary.

Directions open in app

Map of Middle Fork Flathead River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Glacier Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 12/8/25

Rain and warmer air temperatures have had some midges popping, and we have seen some rising cutthroat in the river at the creek mouths and in some of the slower eddies.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/8/25

Be careful wading, as the rain-on-snow has made for fluctuating river levels and slippery banks. If you see fish rising--go for it! Use goober midges, griffiths gnats and bwos. If you don't see anything rising, throw girdle bugs and worms in the slower, deep 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):
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

Image Not Found

Item #0414

Buy Now

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 adult midge driy

Best Time to Fish:

late afternoon

Best Stretch:

below Blankenship Bridge

Best Access:

Blankenship Bridge