The Flathead River (Salish Indian: ntx̣ʷetkʷ, ntx̣ʷe) in the northwestern part of Montana, originates in the Canadian Rockies to the north of Glacier National Park and flows southwest into Flathead Lake near Bigfork, Montana, then after a journey of 158 miles (254 km), empties into the Clark Fork River. Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, and many terrestrials including hoppers, ants, and beetles. Experience Montana fly fishing at its finest with Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and National Forests as breathtaking backdrops. The result is that a fishing excursion into the wilderness portion of the Middle Fork, whether it be by foot, plane, or horse, provides outstanding scenery, chance encounters with the local fauna (this area is prime grizzly bear habitat), and solid action for average sized fish. It should be noted that Moccasin Creek is a put in spot only, don’t plan on taking your boat out at this access site unless you want to paddle up a side channel of the Middle Fork Flathead River for more than a quarter mile in shallow water with fairly swift currents (experience learned the hard way). Read this guide for information on how to select the right type of boot for your needs. On a hot summer day fly fishermen can catch 60 fish a day and rarely see anyone else on the river. The Flathead River is part of the Columbia River drainage. Call Chris and Tara now to book yourMontana Fly Fishing Experience (406) 249-1482or (406) 210-0511. Bull trout can also be found in the river du… Fishing The deep wide and cold waters of the Flathead River don't offer the best fishing around, but that very reason is what makes this stretch of water a great place to fish. Beginning in the Great Bear Wilderness area near Glacier National Park, the Middle Fork offers excellent fishing in its wilderness area and spectacular floats once the river leaves the wilderness area behind. This keeps the level of nutrients in the river low. Montana's Flathead River offers spectacular scenery and excellent dry fly trout fishing throughout the summer and fall. Full and half day trips are available on the Flathead River and our professional guides are eager to lead you down the river both on 1/2 day trips or on a full day of instructional and fun fly fishing. Most of the heavy-duty whitewater lies in the wilderness section, where the Middle Fork has a “wilderness” designation (no motors). Bigfork, MT. The trick to finding them is to cut the river down to size, fishing obvious holes and pools behind rocks, fishing around the numerous forks in the river, and along bank cover, such as downed trees. To truly experience the Flathead, you want to make sure you visit later in the summer. The Flathead River has something for everyone. The Flathead River can fish well all year, but our summer months are best for dry fly fishing. After West Glacier, the whitewater section ends and most floaters disappear. Flathead River has two very excellent conditions aside from the lower pressure; fly fishing in Kalispell on the Flathead River does not require as much skill or specific flies like other areas of the state. The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead Lake. Fish the morning and evenings hatches! As a result, the Middle Fork is not noted as a top trout stream. Best time of day to fish: all day. For the 27 miles from Schaeffer Creek down to Essex and Highway 2, where the Middle Fork Flathead River turns into a “recreational” river, the Middle Fork provides continual whitewater, mainly Class II rapids, with numerous Class III & IV rapids as well. For the wilderness portion, a heavy-duty inflatable kayak or raft is  needed, as they are by far the easiest to pack into the Great Bear Wilderness. Hoppers, ants, and beetles are on the menu, and your guide will often have you throwing a hopper/dropper combination. South Fork Flathead River One of the best flyfishing streams but it’s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear. Flathead River The Main Stem of the Flathead River is only minutes from the doors of the fly shop. What can I see and do along the Flathead River? Fly fishing the Middle Fork Flathead River ranges from easy to very difficult, depending on the section you choose to fish. 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