Fishing Season: April-November

North Fork Flathead River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

62

Glacier Anglers's Tip of the Week

The upper stretches are getting pretty low for floating, but it's still doable and fun. Just be sure you have enough time for your stretch. The level is 1900 cfs, which is 800 cfs lower than last week. The North Fork is fishing lights out on every stretch. Enjoy this dry fly season! While you may increase your odds with nymphs, dry fly season on the North Fork is something special, especially with the opportunity to see native and wild westslope cutthroat trout rise from the bottom in gin clear water to kiss your dry fly!

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 7/13/25

As temps increase, (62-degrees F water temp right now on the North Fork) get out early and let the fishery rest in the hot afternoons.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/13/25

Don't forget about the tailouts of runs. Often, bigger fish are sitting in those bubble lines at the tail ends of deep runs, waiting for the conveyor belt of bugs to slide over them. This is often in shallower water than you may expect to find them in, but don't give up on that drift! Also, look for cold, fresh water coming into the river, where you'll find hatches of mayflies and midges and eager fish in the seams coming off Parkside creeks and even Forest Service-side culverts.

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):
Adams purple 12-16
Elk Wing Caddis olive 12-16
Yellow Sally tan 12-14
Patriot Dry Fly blue, red 12-14
Stimulator yellow 12
Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig any color 14

Adams

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Item #0330

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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:

From the US/Canadian Border to the Main Stem! Water Condition: Clear

Best Access:

Big Creek