Fishing Season: April-November

North Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

42

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

Adfluvial cutthroat are starting to move up from Flathead Lake, and we are catching some fun, eager fish in the lower stretches of the North Fork on warmer days.

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 4/21/25

Warm air temps with mixed sun and clouds are getting the bugs going and fish are getting active! Water temperatures are starting to get to where fish are willing to move for dry flies, and we expect this to continue this week.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/21/25

Look for eddy lines, seams, soft water in inside bends, and along the banks. Don't bother with faster runs and riffles, as fish are still unwilling to expend energy. You'll find them in "winter water" this time of year, so look for slow-moving, deeper spots.

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):
Vernille San Juan Worm pink 12-16
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer tan 12-16
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail tan 14-18
Cone Head Muddler Minnow black 12-14
March Brown N/A 12
Patriot Dry Fly purple 12

Vernille San Juan Worm

Image Not Found

Item #0290

Buy Now

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:

stonefly nymphs adult midge pink worm March Brown BWO

Best Time to Fish:

afternoon

Best Stretch:

Glacier Rim down Water Condition: Clear

Best Access:

Glacier Rim