Flathead River
Near Glacier National Park, Montana
The Flathead River flows from the confluence of its North and Middle Forks near Glacier National Park, draining some of the most pristine wilderness in the Northern Rockies. This crystal-clear, glacier-fed river is one of the last strongholds for pure-strain native westslope cutthroat trout in the lower 48, along with wild rainbow trout and threatened bull trout. The main stem above Flathead Lake offers exceptional dry fly fishing from late June through September, with cutthroat eagerly rising to attractor patterns, terrestrials, and various mayfly and caddis hatches. The glacial influence keeps water temperatures cold year-round but produces less prolific hatches than some famous Montana rivers, resulting in lower fishing pressure and more willing fish. Float fishing is the primary method on the wide main river, with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges.