Flathead River Basin
Target Species Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout
Notable Hatches Pmd, Blue-winged Olive, Caddis, Hopper, Terrestrial
About the Flathead River Basin
The Flathead River Basin is home to some of Montana's most productive fisheries. The Flathead River offers diverse fly fishing opportunities across multiple sections, with brown trout, cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, rainbow trout providing consistent action throughout the season.
Key Sections
- Flathead River - Kalispell: The Flathead River near Kalispell represents the upper mainstem section of this excellent freestone fishery, flowing from the confluence of the North and Middle Forks downstream through the heart of the Flathead Valley.
- Flathead River - Polson: The Flathead River near Polson represents the lower mainstem section of this excellent freestone fishery, flowing through open terrain before entering Flathead Lake.
Iconic Hatches
- Pmd: Excellent dry fly opportunities.
- Blue-winged Olive: Excellent dry fly opportunities.
- Caddis: Various caddis species provide excellent evening fishing.
- Hopper: Terrestrial patterns produce explosive takes.
- Terrestrial: Terrestrial patterns produce explosive takes.
