A raft floats past a towering cutbank while floating the upper North Fork of the Flathead River in late July. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. The higher up the river, the more you will find. See here for more information about the Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Rock Creek in Montana! 200 Ranger Station Road
Since the Flathe… RM 80: Schafer Work Center - Access is difficult on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Highway 2 and the Burlington Northern Railway run through the canyon cut by the river, though they seldom impose on it. The Middle Fork of the Flathead had never been on my radar before, but a quick Google revealed a gem of a river that actually inspired the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act back in 1968. This river cuts through the middle of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering unbelievable dry fly fishing for cutthroat, and streamer fishing for bull trout. 8:00 - 4:30, Tally Lake Ranger District
Spotted Bear Ranger District (winter)
Learn about fly fishing on Montana's Blue Ribbon rivers and streams. General location: The Middle Fork of the Flathead River serves as Glacier National Park's southwestern boundary. Envision a native cut-throat lying on the bottom just downstream of a fast riffle waiting for the cur-rent to wash feed down to it. The logistics of fishing the Flathead river from a boat are not easy. The fish, forever famished, doesn't have the luxury of an in-depth analysis on the Middle Fork. The designated river includes the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork above Hungry Horse Reservoir and features recreation, scenery, historic sites, unique fisheries and wildlife such as grizzly bears and wolves. Needless to say, with such remote access, the Middle Fork of the Flathead offers a whitewater experience like none other. Access to the river is good, although a four-wheel drive vehicle is handy for some boat launches. Glacier Anglers offers day trips, overnight float trips on the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River, and multi-day backcountry trips into the Great Bear Wilderness to fish the acclaimed upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Freestone streams are not overly rich in nutrients, so the Middle Fork doesn't boast prolific insect hatches or even predictable ones. (406) 837-7503 (fax). Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/flathead/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=77702&actid=43, Cascadilla Flat River Access Boating Site, East Side Reservoir & Emery Creek Roads Temporary weekday closure. Supervisor's Office
The Middle Fork has bigger cutthroat, up to 16”- … The Middle Fork of the Flathead River By Steve SmithWhen was the last time you fished a river and a grizzly bear swam in front of your boat? Access to the river is by footpaths at Kinney's Ford, Higginsville Bridge and Bunker Hill. The Middle Fork Flathead River originates in the Great Bear Wilderness at the confluence of Strawberry and Bowl Creeks. Typically, we start fishing both rivers in late June through September using dry flies. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more, Some of the world's most famous rivers are found in Southwest Montana including the Madison, Bighorn, Yellowstone, Bighole, Beaverhead, Gallatin and Jefferson, Central Montana is best known for the Missouri River tailwater and Smith River Canyon but many other lesser known gems are also found here, The rivers in the Missoula region include favorites such as the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Rock Creek and the Blackfoot, Northwestern Montana is home to the Kootenai tailwater and several great back country rivers including the headwaters of the Flathead River system, Montana's best gulper fishing over the calibaetis hatch can be found on lakes such as Hebgen and Ennis in Southwest Montana, Some of Montana's largest lakes such as Canyon Ferry are found in Central Montana and are home to some large trout along with warmwater species, Western Montana is home to some great stillwater fishing including Georgetown Lake, Northwest Montana is home to some huge lakes such as Flathead Lake and Hungryhorse Reservoir, Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the West's most hallowed fly fishing waters such as the Lamar, Yellowstone, Gardiner, Firehole, Madison and Slough Creek to name a few, Glacier National Park is not as famous as Yellowstone for trout fisheries but it does have some special backcountry gems, Montana fishing changes by the season. South Fork of the Flathead River Long before I had a bucket list and two pack donkeys, I yearned to hike up the South Fork of the Flathead River. Within the Park you must carry in your possession a copy of the regulations. If you are un-able to make a good presentation, try dragging a nymph in front of the boat, or let your dry fly draw under the water at the end of your drift. The trout snatches up a stonefly nymph, scrambling along the bottom. Research how conditions change based on time of year, Weather in the Rockies in famous for its fickle nature, Find out what rods, reels and line setups are appropriate for Montana waters, Information related to Montana's primary towns as gateways to great fishing, Information on rates for Montana fishing licenses as well as Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Articles and book reviews related to fly fishing in Montana and surrounding National Parks, About Montana Angler, site sponsor for glaciertoyellowstone.com. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River punches its way through the mountains of northwest Montana. Shore Thing Shuttles – Mainstem above Flathead Lake. 10 Hungry Horse Drive
(406) 387-3800
Anything will catch fish on the Middle Fork as long as it is well presented. Bear Creek is the highest access point along Highway 2. We can help on the North and Middle Forks on Glacier Park's border rivers. Used as a trailhead for wilderness users, it is also the most popular access for floaters on the upper Middle Fork Flathead River. It starts deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and flows into the Flathead River. They are accustomed to seeing all sorts of insects shooting by them in the current at a high rate of speed. Or you wondered whether you had fished during a whitewater trip or shot some rapids while fishing? Plan for your Montana fishing trip. Explore the fishing opportunities on Montana's lakes and ponds. Each of the three forks of the Flathead River (North, South, Middle) is discussed separately in their own sections, as each fork is a distinct river. Activities Fishing HIDE. The Middle Fork is south of the West Entrance on Highway 2. Cutthroats are protected and must be released. The rugged area includes the landscapes of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas. BWOs – #16-20 (pale olive body grey wing) Dry Fly – Para Adams, Para Haze, Sparkle, Dun, Marabou Cripple The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Understanding this is the key to success on the Middle Fork. Middle Fork Flathead River The Middle Fork is paralleled by Highway 2 but access is more difficult. Here at Glacier Anglers, we fish both the Middle and North Forks. These waters are all … Explore and fly fish the legendary waters of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Fully licensed and insured. (406) 758-5390 (fax), Swan Lake Ranger District
Flathead River Fly Fishing Patterns. And maybe at the end of the day you exclaim, "Holy cow, it has been such a great day, it wouldn't have mattered if we didn't catch a fish at all" (even though you wouldn't re-ally mean that). The river is frequented by a variety of big game animals, and some of them have fangs and claws. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in Middle Fork of the Flathead River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! Middle Fork of the Flathead River Fishing Report. The Middle Fork River offers the angler opportunities for such species as smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, walleye and bullhead. Buffalo Bridge to Perma – 406-531-0003. From its beginnings in the Great Bear Wilderness area, the Middle Fork offers a unique blend of scenery, wildlife and fishing in uncrowded and pristine surroundings. (406) 758-3537 (fax), Glacier View Ranger District
The river is a Class I river in Montana for purposes of recreational access. Welcome to the remote and rugged mountains and rivers of Central Idaho, where over 10,000 people float the Middle Fork of the Salmon River each year. Float fishing gets you to good water but some sections have high-rated whitewater so get a 3 Forks of the Flathead float map. The Flathead River begins at the confluence of the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. (406) 387-3800 (winter)
Most trip reports revolved around using a bush plane to fly in, but a previous packrafting trip report mentioned a fairly accessible trail to get down to the river. River and Stream Fishing Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing: Water Activities SHOW Areas & Activities. An excellent map of the entire Flathead River system is available at the Forest Service station in Hungry Horse. Local inquiry of river conditions or hazards is recommended. While anathema to the purist, these techniques are godsends to the novice or flustered fishing guide. The Middle Fork Flathead, one of the little known jewels of whitewater, is a beautiful 35-mile river journey through the Great Bear Wilderness. The combination of the Middle Fork's scenery, wildlife, fishing opportunities and uncrowded conditions rarely is seen in one place all at once. Get info on rapids, camps, access, and anything else you want to know about this section of the river. Flathead River. There are campgrounds on both sides of the bridge with the northern campground having the best access to the river. (406) 758-5204
The South Fork of the Flathead River enters the Main Stem of the Flathead about five miles below Hungry Horse Dam. We start the trip with a two-day ride (or hike) through spectacular scenery to access the starting point of the float, then spend five days fly-fishing some of the most pristine water in Montana. The Middle Fork is a freestone stream. "And so that would include the middle, north and south forks of the Flathead and those tributaries on those rivers," says FWP spokesperson Dillon Tabish. The Middle Fork Flathead River is a 92 mile long river Tackle restrictions would apply upstream of the Teakettle fishing access site off U.S. Highway 2 near Columbia Falls. High water generally occurs mid-May through late June. From Bear Creek, where the river leaves the Great Bear 45 miles downstream, to Blankenship Bridge, the river separates Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (of which the Great Bear is a component). (406) 758-5379 (fax), Office Hours:
The South fork of the Flathead, from Youngs Creek to Hungry Horse reservoir; Middle fork of the Flathead – from Schaffer creek to its confluence with the Flathead River; and the Flathead River – to its confluence with the Clark Fork River, are designated. Last Updated: . Kindly give plenty of room to other people fishing; there is plenty of it on the Middle Fork. Monday - Friday
$9.95; 62-78933-MIS: Missouri River fishing map. Sadly, sediments from logging roads have destroyed spawning habitats and heavy fishing pressure has combined to dwindle the reserves of this fishery so that it is now illegal to even fish for bull trout. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Rainbows, cutthroats, browns, bulls, brooks, whities fishing in Rock Creek with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. 12 / 2 / 2020 Kalispell, MT 59901
Then an adult caddis fly, bobbing along in the choppy water on top, goes flashing by, and the cutthroat goes for it. The US Forest Service (USFS)/Flathead National Forest (FNF) has administrative authority on the Flathead Wild and Scenic River including the North Fork. Hungry Horse Ranger District
Be aware that this is bear country, and mountain lions have also been sighted along and in the river. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Middle Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! The Middle Fork of the Flathead River punches its way through the mountains of northwest Montana. Below that is a rough, sandy access by the bridge at Walton. Fly fishing the Middle Fork Flathead River ranges from easy to very difficult, depending on the section you choose to fish. After July 1, the fishing continues on into October. The Flathead River System offers hundreds of miles of pristine waterways, while Flathead Lake is a scenic and recreational mecca. It ain't pretty, but it works. What it lacks in numbers of insects, it makes up for by supporting one of the most diverse arrays of aquatic insects in the lower 48 states. Maps: USGS Glacier National Park; Montana Atlas and Gazetteer, p 83-84 Fishing conditions and species: bull trout, cutthroat, lake trout, rainbow trout, and whitefishSpecial restrictions: If you fish the Montana side, you will need a Montana license. Remember that the north bank of the river is the boundary of Glacier National Park, which has a separate set of regulations concerning camping and other activities. Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it is bad out there! the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Or you came away from the day amazed that fish would live in such fast water, let alone be able to see and rise to your fly as it sped by them? Wade fishing the Middle Fork, while possible, is limited by fast water and deep pools between the runs. The campground is 38 miles from the entrance to the Park. Montana Fly Fishing Experience guides are the some of the most experienced boatmen on this beautiful stretch of river. The Upper Missouri River from Holter Dam to Cascade: $9.95; 62-78933-NFF: North Fork of the Flathead River fishing map. (406) 837-7500
Bull trout also are native to the river. Whatever craft you choose (don't even think about a canoe), be advised that even outside of the white-water section, the Middle Fork is a fast, powerful, cold and remote river. The river is wide and frequently quite deep. The fish on the Middle Fork, primarily native westslope cutthroat trout and a growing wild rainbow population, thrive in the cool, clear and fast water of the river. From its beginnings in the Great Bear Wilderness area, the Middle Fork offers a unique blend of scenery, wildlife and fishing in uncrowded and pristine surroundings. North Fork Flathead River Enabling legislation for Glacier National Park established the northwestern park boundary as the middle channel of the North Fork of the Flathead River. Paola Creek access is downstream, followed by Cascadilla Creek access, Moccasin Creek access (the beginning of the eight-mile Class III whitewater section and the most heavily used), then the West Glacier access and finally, Blankenship Bridge, where the Middle Fork joins the North Fork of the Flathead River. Hungry Horse, MT 59919
406-407-1602. Flathead River Shuttle – 406-890-2600. Middle Fork of the Flathead River from the Bear Creek Access to the mouth. (406) 387-3889 (fax), Spotted Bear Ranger District (Summer)
Need a Flathead River Shuttle? (406) 758-5208
Spotted Bear, MT
It starts deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and flows into the Flathead River. Utilizing the services of an outfitter is a great move. The river is part of the Columbia River drainage basin, as the Clark Fork is a tributary of the Pend Oreille River, a Columbia River tributary. If you access Schafer Meadows by air, please limit your total flights to reduce your impact on other wilderness visitors. Kalispell, MT 59901
The Great Bear, Bob Marshall, and Scapegoat Wilderness areas make up the third largest wilderness complex in the lower 48. The Middle Fork is included in the wild and scenic river system and so is looked after by the U.S. Forest Service. Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, and many terrestrials including hoppers, ants, and beetles. 650 Wolfpack Way
The Middle Fork is a great but relatively unknown river. Middle Fork of the Flathead River fishing map. The rainbows and cutthroats can inter-breed, resulting in the "cuttbow"hybrid. There are some parts of the Middle, North, and South Fork Flathead River areas, which are part of government lands, so Montana Fishing Guides does not offer trips in those areas. Wow! Bull trout are often mistaken for brook and lake trout which also inhabit these waters. Flathead National Forest
Seasons: The Middle Fork can fish well in April and early May when spawning runs of cutthroat enter the river from Flathead Lake. The rapids along the Upper Middle Fork start quickly and pack a major punch with plenty of intermediate to advanced level whitewater to thrill any visitor. River and Whitewater information for Flathead, Middle Fork - West Glacier to Blankenship Bridge - United States Montana . The only campground in the area is the non-fee camp-ground at Devil Creek. A diversity of fish and wildlife complement the land and water resources, and contribute to both the natural and cultural values of the Flathead Basin environment. Fly selections: This is easy. Let our professional fishing guides show you one of the most remote, trout-filled rivers in Montana on a fishing specific South Fork Flathead trip. Midges #16-20 (Black & Green body, white wing) Dry Fly – Griffiths Gnat, Poly wing midge, purple haze Nymph – Brassie, Green machine, shop vac. 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