Fishing Season: April-November

North Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

56

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

Recent rains have bumped the river level a bit and stirred up some bug activity. Most cutthroat trout on the North Fork are migratory, moving to Flathead Lake for the winter. You'll find them on the lower stretches. We have not been seeing the large October caddis that we had in September, but the sunny days will have fish rising to tiny dries.

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 10/20/25

Beautiful fall weather at the start of this week will have smaller dries like midges hatching and be effective in slower seams.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/20/25

Look for slowly-moving water for small dry flies, or deep eddies and tailouts for long perdigon droppers below terrestrials.

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:

Glacier Rim to Blankenship Bridge

Best Access:

Blankenship Bridge