Fishing Season: April-November

North Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

64

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

The North Fork is fishing very well on all stretches, from the border to the main stem. The time is prime for an unforgettable dry fly experience. Seeing a native, wild westslope cutthroat trout rise to a single caddis, mayfly, or stonefly pattern, or a terrestrial, is what it's all about.

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 7/27/26

The weather is set to be hot this week, so carry a water thermometer with you. Optimal water temps for fish health are between 55 and 65 degrees, and you should cease fishing when temps reach 66 degrees.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/27/26

Throw single stonefly dry fly patterns up along the rock faces, into pocket water, or in the fast seams. Try colorful mayfly patterns like the Patriot Adams pattern in slower seams. Bounce small caddis patterns in pocket water!

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
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

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:

morning

Best Stretch:

All stretches!

Best Access:

Great Northern Flats, Glacier Rim