Get the DIY Fly Fishing Web App to get turn-by-turn directions to the access points shown on the map above. The best time to fish for these beasts is during the spring and fall when they cruise the shallows. Midges are going to be very helpful in the tailwater areas, but there are variations in the tailwater sections and freestone sections. Montana Fishing Guides holds all the information you need to ensure success on your next Flathead River fly fishing experience. The Flathead River is a large river. The Flathead River ends at the confluence with the Clark Fork in the vicinity of Plains, MT. While you may not catch 20 inch fish on a regular basis, there are large populations of rainbow and cutthroat trout for anyone who knows where to fish. 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. Due to the variable flows from the dam, what one-day may be a rapid may the next be a big hole and the next completely washed over. And then there’s the ecosystem of Flathead Lake, which has changes significantly from what it once was. A caddis fly (size 12-14) floated over prime territory is always a good bet. Large streamers, strong tippets, heavy weight rods are the rule. The fish in the Flathead River aren’t especially picky about what is thrown at them. Shore Thing Shuttles – Mainstem above Flathead Lake. Before entering these rapids, be sure to scout them out first. The Flathead River isn't nearly as popular among anglers as say the Middle Fork or South Fork of the Flathead. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Middle Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! "I sometimes hear people call it 'mud cat,' but I assure you it doesn't deserve that title like a lowly bullhead. Reservation fishing requires a tribal fishing permit, and all the waters on the reservation, except Flathead Lake, are restricted to 15 hp outboards. The Flathead River is a large free flowing river that is generally fished from a boat. While some large rainbow and brown trout do exist, the river below Kerr Dam is considered trophy northern pike waters. The Flathead River is unique among the rivers in Montana in that it is really three rivers in one, with two main sections that are good for fishing. The river also has numerous braids and channels in between Columbia Falls and Kalispell. Due to the speed, depth and width of the river, wade fishing can be difficult except for later during the summer, and can be downright dangerous at high river flows. The Local Rivers & Creeks. This is northern pike country. The first seven miles below the canyon are called “Buffalo Rapids.” Depending on current stream flows, several class IV rapids with sizeable waves and holes exist. A blue-ribbon rainbow trout stream, where 20 inch rainbows lurk waiting for your fly, the Flathead River is not. The flathead is a true predator, a sprinter that can run down the fastest fish. The current is generally fast. Helpful. Fly Fishing Glacier National Park | Flathead River | Bigfork Anglers. Summer is considered to be the prime fishing time in the Flathead. Guns. Access is difficult on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Enjoy dry fly fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout while floating down this glacial influenced gin clear western freestone. Flathead River Fly Fishing Report Caddis flies are very useful during this time, as is often the case. These healthy fish populations allow anglers to target most species in order to partake in the best fishing experience possible. However, this section also has numerous splits and forks which make up the difference. For the small mouth try twist tail grubs and Roboworms. When fishing the Middle Fork of the Flathead River from park lands or bridges, a Montana fishing license is required and state regulations are applicable. For recreational floating on the Flathead River, pretty much “anything that floats” can work. It has a monstrous mouth and can swallow a … While there will be plenty of opportunities for rainbows, cutthroats and some browns, the Flathead River is mostly known as being northern pike territory. Below Flathead Lake, the river is regulated by Kerr Dam, which also regulates the level of Flathead Lake. A side channel on the Flathead River. The entire Flathead River is incredibly long, and even this one portion runs 158 miles through northwestern Montana. Other designated access sites on the Flathead River are Blakenship Bridge, Kokanee Bend (no boat ramp), Pressentine Bar, Old Steel Bridge in Kalispell, Foy’s Bend and Sportsmans Bridge (used mainly for access to Flathead Lake). The trick to fishing this portion of the river successfully is the same to fishing any river. Below Kerr Dam, the Flathead River flows through a canyon. Ideal fishing raft for 1-2 anglers. Buffalo Bridge to Perma – 406-531-0003. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. There are three other Flathead Rivers that are completely separate rivers. Fly fishing the Flathead River does not require exact fly imitations nor does it require perfect technique. Tribal permits are easily obtainable at all local fly fishing shops. That said, inflatable kayaks, drift boats, inflatable rafts and the occasional pontoon boat are the most popular boats for floating or float fishing the Flathead River. Find the pools and holes that are behind large rocks, along bank cover, near downed trees and in other areas. To get at them, use a prince nymph with a sink-tip line and weights, bouncing it along the bottom. Worthwhile to see! Float times for this section are about 4 hours or so, depending on how frequent your stop. River systems with consistently flowing water produce the state’s best big flathead catfish fishing. The Flathead River holds a decent population of medium sized rainbow and cutthroat trout. Latest. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. The seasonal fishing of the Flathead River follows similar patterns to the other rivers in Montana. Due partly to low fishing pressure, the trout here are not particularly picky. The Flathead River in Montana. When I float this stretch again next year, I will camp out on one of the islands and make the adventure a two-day fishing tip. Fly fishing the Flathead River system provides a healthy population of native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Bull … All of Montana Fly Fishing Experience’s 1/2 day trips include all equipment, flies, snacks, and drinks. Tea Kettle FAS in Columbia Falls is an excellent site, complete with a nice boat launch. Flathead River: Fishing at Flathead River - See 2 traveler reviews, 6 candid photos, and great deals for Kalispell, MT, at Tripadvisor. The best rainbow trout fishing is found in the first few miles right below the dam. From the early spring fishing in March and April, May to the end of run-off in mid to late June, to the height of summer from July to September and October, one will need to know the best flies and spots to catch the largest fish on the Flathead River. A hopper during late summer also works well, especially around Kalispell where fields come right up to the river bank. While you may not pull 20 inch rainbow trout from Flathead River, the river does offer decent rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing in the upper half of the river above Kerr Dam. A few to check out are listed below. The upper part of the Flathead River above Flathead Lake offers a relatively easy float. During the day, trout can also be found down in the river depths. Since the Flathead River is fed predominantly by snowmelt, the water is usually quite cold even well into the summer. There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish Flathead River fishing reports. The scenery is wonderful, the current is steady and float traffic—except on nice summer weekends—is fairly low. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! The water is completely regulated by Kerr Dam for power production, and this can make the fishing spotty at best. However, some rainbows and browns can still be caught a few miles further south, past the dam. Be smart! Fish the morning and evenings hatches! Throw the streamers into the weeds and retrieve it quickly in an erratic motion, mimicking an injured fish swimming. Shore fishing is gonna be tough with the high water, old still bridge, and then up in Bad Rock Canyon. 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