Fishing Season: April-November

North Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

56

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

Take caution! There is a lot of woody debris in the river from the 2000 cfs spike that occurred last week.

Directions open in app

Map of North Fork Flathead River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Glacier Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 11/21/25

The river spiked more than 2000 cfs in the last week due to rain and rain-on-snow events in the mountains. It became unfishable at the peak of the spike but is starting to recede.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/21/25

Wait for the river level to stabilize toward the end of next week and choose a warm, overcast day to find fish rising to midges near creek mouths, or fish the slow, deep eddies with san juan worms and girdle bugs.

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):
CDC Caddis purple 12-16
Elk Wing Caddis olive 12-16
Yellow Sally tan 12-14
Patriot Dry Fly blue, red 12-14
Flying Ant yellow 12
Hopper any color 14

CDC Caddis

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Item #17X1

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Glacier Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About North Fork Flathead River

The North Fork of the flathead Flows directly south from the Canadian Border, and makes up the western boarder of Glacier National Park until its confluence with the Middle Fork at Blankenship Bridge. The North Fork is an exceptional West Slope Cutthroat fishery, with breathtaking views of Glacier National Park.

Nearest Airport:

Glacier International - Kallispel (FCA)

Hatches:

Mayfly adult Stonefly adult Caddis adult Midge Mayfly nymph

Best Time to Fish:

late afternoon

Best Stretch:

Blankenship Bridge

Best Access:

Blankenship Bridge