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. A river that sees relatively few fly fishers—and with this type of trout population—means that the trout live exactly where you think they should. Time, as our parents promised and we never believed, is at a premium and this comet called life is shifting to overdrive. However, much of the South Fork sees little pressure. It’s that enthusiasm, that backhand slap to caution, that propensity to crush every fly that floats overhead that, at once, celebrates and sabotages the cutthroat’s reputation. Most common fish species. Fly fishing the Flathead River system provides a healthy population of native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Bull … Montana is legendary for its outstanding fly fishing and the waters fished by Glacier Anglers are no exception. At least three lodges are located outside the wilderness on the lower South Fork and when hiking into the South Fork drainage anglers should expect to encounter private and commercial packtrains, likely several a day. Typically, we start fishing both rivers in late June through September using dry flies. Your target species will be cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. Horses and mules transport us, our boats and gear 20 to 26 miles (depending upon which trail we take in and the itinerary). In the old days, they say, a guy could catch 20 or 30 cutthroats ranging between 15 and 20 inches a day. Fly Fishing Near Glacier National Park 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. the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Thread starter gbanker; Start date Aug 27, 2016; gbanker Well-known member. Yes, some anglers say, cutthroats are beautiful fish and they are fun to catch. When it comes to fly fishing, it doesn’t get much better than the wild miles of the Flathead River. Rocky Mountain Range. Skip navigation Sign in. They eat everything in sight because they have to. We set up camp in a grove of aspens just 30 yards from the stream. The South Fork Flathead River is home to an incredible number of Westslope Cutthroat, and the huge Bull Trout (Dolly Varden). Portions of the upper mainstem Flathead River are classified as 'Recreational' within the Wild and Scenic River Classification system. Despite my enthusiasm, some anglers say the South Fork isn’t anything like it used to be, that it’s declined to a point that doesn’t merit their time. The beginner angler can have good chances to catch their first fish on a fly rod, and the expert can work a tough riser on tiny dries. This gin-clear river runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full length, south to north. Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, and many terrestrials including hoppers, ants, and beetles. When you go on a South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing Trip, you will fly into either Missoula, Kalispell or Great Falls, depending upon which trailhead we begin the trip from. A Trip Down the South Fork of the Flathead From the Young's and Danaher Creek Confluence to Meadow Creek Gorge July, 2015 Click on any image for a larger view; Contact garya at this domain if you would like the high quality image for printing . Flathead River Fly Fishing Report. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! Wolverines tromp across shale nine thousand feet above sea-level digging rodents from rock piles, crushing their prey in powerful jaws. In fact, the South Fork’s trout are mostly modest specimens ranging between six and 14 inches, but 16-inchers are taken with regularity and 17-to 20-inch fish are occasionally landed. During that smorgasbord, cutthroats feed with abandon, pretty much rising to any insect passing overhead, desperately trying to replace lost weight, while building an energy surplus to sustain them through another challenging winter season. During spring those fish move out of Hungry Horse reservoir and into the free-flowing river where they seek relief from high, muddy water and extremely fast flows. It has plenty of good size cutthroat and rainbow trout along with some grayling and some fully protected bull trout. A real nice westslope cutthroat ready for release. The South Fork of the Flathead River enters the Main Stem of the Flathead about five miles below Hungry Horse Dam that forms the big Hungry Horse Reservoir on the South Fork.