Fishing Season: April-November

North Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

It's a magical time of year on the North Fork, folks. Get out and enjoy the fall colors. You'll find plenty of cutthroat trout rising to black and cinnamon ants, as well as October caddis patterns this week.

Directions open in app

Map of North Fork Flathead River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Glacier Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 9/28/26

The weather is looking stellar, but it's a bit cold in the mornings for fish (and humans) to move around much, so consider waiting until midmorning or afternoon when water temperatures rise above 50-degrees.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/28/26

Bounce a few caddis in the soft seams. Let those little ants fall near logs and overhanging banks where they natuarlly would fall into the water. Look outside the classic "fishy" banks, and try fishing large, foam terrestrials smack dab down the middle of the river and in sportier runs. Bigger fish are still rising in bigger water to bigger 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):
Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper purple 12
Flying Ant black 12-16
Gee's Supafly Stone Dry tan 12-14
Patriot Dry Fly blue, red 12-14
Bead Head Stonefly yellow 12
Vernille San Juan Worm any color 14

Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper

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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:

Hopper Cinnamon ant black flying ant gulp beetle Mayfly adult Stonefly adult Caddis adult Midge Mayfly nymph

Best Time to Fish:

afternoon

Best Stretch:

Glacier Rim to Blankenship

Best Access:

Glacier Rim