Stillwater River
Near Glacier National Park, Montana
The Stillwater River near Whitefish flows from the Swan Range through the Flathead Valley before joining the Flathead River west of Kalispell. Not to be confused with the Stillwater River near Red Lodge, this northwestern Montana stream offers good fishing for westslope cutthroat trout, brook trout, and occasional bull trout in a beautiful mountain setting. The upper river in the Stillwater State Forest provides wilderness-quality fishing with less pressure than nearby waters. Lower sections flow through private land with limited access before reaching the Flathead. The river fishes best in summer and early fall after snowmelt clears, with dry fly fishing being productive during hatches of caddis and mayflies. The proximity to Glacier National Park and Whitefish makes this a convenient option for anglers already visiting the area. Small streams feeding the Stillwater also hold populations of native cutthroat for adventurous anglers willing to explore. Catch-and-release practices help maintain the wild fish populations.