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The fish are not very selective giving that the food
supply is limited. The river is absolutely beautiful
and one of the most scenic you will find. Much wildlife
is also to be found along the river; bears, deer, and
occasionally mountain lions as well as other wildlife
comes the river. The river is rated with class 2 and
3 rapids and should be considered dangerous to the non
experienced boatsman. Hiring a guide to drift you down
this tremendous river is a great idea. Nearly 60 miles
of water to float fish exists with several areas to put
a boat in and take out. The most popular float is from
Big Creek to Glacier Rim. Access to the river although
limited from high banks and private property can be gained
from County Road 210.
The Middle Fork originates in the Bob Marshall (Great
Bear section) Wilderness and flows approximately sixty
miles northwest eventually creating the southwest boundary
of Glacier National Park. Special
Regulations and Wilderness
Regulations apply to this river. The Middle Fork
is one of the most dangerous of the three forks. Its
rapids are classified from a 3 to 5 in most areas.
Choosing to float this river on your own without first
experiencing it with a guide is an idea you should
think twice about. Tight turns, crashing and tumbling
white water, and dangerous chutes do exist. Although
it may seem to much to bother with it is one of the
most popular of the three forks for both fisherman
and adventure seekers. The Middle Fork like the North
Fork is very beautiful and runs clear with outstanding
scenery. Much wildlife shows itself along the river
and presents great opportunities for quality photos
and memories you will not forget. Fishing on the Middle
Fork can be good for migratory cutthroat and some rainbow
trout. The water on this river is extremely fast in
most areas and fishing at times is outstanding with
a high floating dry fly such as a large elk hair caddis
or small stimulator. Attractive dries also work very
well. Like the North Fork the fish have little time
to react to your fly and strike vigorously at almost
any well drifted pattern through the head of a fast
riffle or run. Access to the upper river is difficult
and is accomplished with a horse or strong pair of
legs and a good amount of time. The lower river from
where it first forms the southwest boundary of the
park to its end at the junction of the North Fork can
be easily accessed via Route 2.
The South Fork of the Flathead originates in the Bob
Marshall Wilderness as does the Middle Fork. Special
Regulations and Wilderness
Regulations apply to this river. Accessing this
river is the most difficult of all three. Access is
gained by using Route 2 to enter the town of Hungry
Horse from which you will find and cross Hungry Horse
Dam. After Crossing the dam you will take South Fork
Road along the west side of the reservoir. It is an
approximate 50 mile drive along a dirt road from the
dam to the mouth of the South Fork where it enters
Hungry Horse Reservoir. From there the only accessible
water via car is from the reservoir to Spotted Bear
Creek. After reaching the creek the only access is
from hiking or horse back. Many people choose to do
this for its sheer beauty and the wilderness adventure
it provides. Hiring a guide or outfitter is a great
way to access this river and fish its waters. It is
well worth the little extra effort to fish its waters.
Catching good numbers of trout is very possible. Fishing
the upper section of the South Fork should only be
done if you are ready for an adventurous trip. Cutthroat,
bull, and some rainbow trout reside in the river. The
bull trout are a protected species.
The lower Flathead, located below Flathead lake,
is a warmer fishery known for holding some trout and
pike. The fishing here is not very desirable for most
anglers. Some people choose to thrown large deer hair
flies to try and excite an awaiting pike. Trout anglers
generally fish the upper Flathead or its forks. Power
generation at the dam fluctuates the river drastically.
Overall, the Flathead River System is one that "everyone" should
eventually see. It is composed of vast wilderness,
abundant wildlife, charming rivers, and beautiful scenery.
Many anglers come here for more then just the fishing.
The adventure and outdoor potential is outstanding.
The closest major airport is in Missoula which is about
a two and a half hour drive from Kalispell. Kalispell
and Columbia Falls also have commercial flights. If
you plan on visiting Glacier National Park or you're
just looking for a great fishing adventure be sure
to check out the Flathead River. |
