The Flathead Indian Reservation encompasses more than 400 miles of fishing streams and 70,000 acres of lakes. Fishing is open on lakes, ponds, potholes, and reservoirs all year. The Flathead and Jocko Rivers are also open to fishing the entire year, with additional restrictions (see current regulations).
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Where can I fly fish on Flathead River?
When you fly fish Glacier National Park, you are fly fishing on the Flathead River system, which is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park. The Flathead River system is made up of three forks that eventually drain into Flathead Lake.
What class is Middle Fork Flathead River?
River Description Class II-III. There are NO class IV rapids on the run. This section of the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River boasts a long season, great moderate whitewater, and beautiful scenery and water quality.
Are there trout in the Flathead river?
The Flathead River is one of the last strong holds for pure strain wild westslope cutthroat and bull trout. We also have a decent population of wild rainbows that have sustained in the system since their introduction in the 70’s.
Where can I fly fish in Kalispell?
Fly-fishing the Waters of Northwest Montana To the south, you’ll find Flathead Lake and the Swan River. To the northeast, you’ll quickly come upon the Middle, North and South forks of the Flathead River. To the northwest, the massive waters of Lake Koocanusa and a variety of mountain streams.
Is the Flathead river good for fishing?
The Middle Fork of the Flathead River has excellent fishing with the unique Westslope cutthroat trout (a native fish of the Flathead River System) being the primary fish. The Flathead River is one of the few fisheries for this type of fish. There are also some rainbow trout, lake trout, and whitefish in the rivers.
How cold is Flathead River?
Today. Flathead Lake’s current water temperature is 69ยฐF.
Can you kayak the Flathead River?
Whether you’re looking to park and surf, float, or run the river, Western Montana is a prime kayaking destination. And with rivers like the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Kootenai and Middle Fork of the Flathead, our region provides plenty of paddling options. You can also kayak many of our lakes.
What is a chubby fly?

When can you fish the Flathead river?
Seasons on the Flathead River The forks of the Flathead River can fish well during early May during pre-runoff. This is an excellent time to target spawning cutthroat that is coming in from Flathead Lake. Around mid-to-late May, the river is experiencing runoff and should be left alone.
Can you swim in the Flathead river?
There are several swimming holes in the Flathead Watershed including Sprague Creek in Glacier National Park; Whitefish Lake State Park, City Beach, and Les Mason Park on Whitefish Lake; Foys Lake; and Swan Lake.
Can you fly fish in Glacier National Park?
Montana offers an excellent fly-fishing experience and the lakes and rivers that provide fly fishing in Glacier National Park are no exception. Once in a lifetime, you need to treat yourself to an authentic Wild River Adventures fly fishing trip in Glacier National Park.
Do you need a license to fish in Glacier National Park?
Seasons and Regulations No fishing license is required to fish inside park boundaries. No bull trout may be retained.
Where can I fish on Flathead Lake?
Popular spots are Woods Bay, Gravel Bay, Finley Point, the Narrows, Big Arm Bay, Wildhorse Island, and Peaceful Bay. Polson Bridge: October, November. Ice Fishing: Somers and Big Arm bays.
Can you fly fish in Flathead Lake?
Best Places to Fish the Flathead River The section above the lake provides some of the best fly fishing opportunities and does have decent sized populations of rainbow trout and some cutthroats as well.
How big is the Flathead river?
Flathead River is over 158 miles long, from it’s northern most point to where it meets the Clark Fork River northwest of Missoula, MT. The Flathead River flows through Flathead Lake which is over 28 miles long.
Can you boat on the Flathead river?
The North Fork, Middle Fork, and portions of the South Fork of the Flathead River are within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and are used for floating excursions. No permits are required for floating use. There are several commercial outfitters that offer float trips.
Do you need a tribal permit to fish Flathead Lake?
Flathead Reservation Boundary The south half of Flathead Lake is within the Flathead Indian Reservation, and a Flathead Reservation Combined Use/ Fishing Permit or a Reservation Use Permit with a bird- hunting stamp are required when fishing or waterfowl hunting on the south half of Flathead Lake.
What license do I need to fish at Flathead Lake?
A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on state waters for anyone 12 or older. A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state’s fishing regulations. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable.
What did the Flathead tribe eat?
Overall, huckleberries, chokecherries, service berries, bitter root and a variety of meat sources including buffalo, deer, fish, and elk were commonly harvested. Often such activities were described as a family or community affair.
Where does Flathead River start and end?
The Flathead River, in the northwestern part of Montana, originates in the Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park and flows southwest into Flathead Lake, then after a journey of 158 miles (254 km), empties into the Clark Fork.
How do you fish Flathead Lake Montana?
To catch the really big lake trout, you’ll want to head to the deep waters of the lake and have long lines since lake trout like to hang out close to the bottom where it’s cold. Downriggers and steel lines are typically needed for this type of ambitious Flathead Lake fishing since depth can reach up to 100 feet.
What is the deepest part of Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake has a maximum depth of 370.7 ft (113.0 m), and an average of 164.7 ft (50.2 m).
Where is the North Fork of the Flathead River?
The North Fork of the Flathead River is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It starts at the Canadian Border and flows south to the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
What is a PMD fly fishing?
Pale Morning Duns or PMDs provide some of the finest dry fly action of the summer. They are classified as crawler nymphs. Nymphs, emergers, cripples, duns, and spinners are very important to catch the most selective trout. Spinners vary according to sex.