The North Fork of the Flathead River
The North Fork (Branch) of the Flathead River is geographically situated on the western border of Glacier National Park. High water extends through June. It's a fairly isolated river with plenty of holes and runs. The fishing is really good. The major fish is the west slope cuthroat and if you have a novice in your party you may want to experience this water way.
One word of caution... This river is in bear country. I've been there and I've seen them. An investment of a large can of bear spray might be worthwhile. While in Montana I don't leave home without something as a defense for bears (that's a grizzly if you're wondering.) So for some of you city people "from back East..." you can leave it in your car for personal defense from some of those "back East type grizzlies."
The first time I fished this clear, cold mountain waterway was well before the new bridge was put up at Polebridge, Montana. Amy (my better half) and I needed to stretch our legs so I parked near the old wooden bridge and walked down to the water. The trout (cutthroat) were taking ants off the surface. I couldn't resist the anticipated action so we broke out the rods.
Amy who, at the time was a novice to fly fishing, was in a beginner's heaven. Nearly every cast yielded a fish or at lest a rise and a strike. She was able to learn more in those two or three hours then days at another location on some other river. As the day came to a close we felt that we were fortunate with our first forray on this river (and since Amy was ready and willing to continue her enjoyment into the next day) we decided to return. We would explore different areas of the same river.
As the morning light came to the North Flathead we were ready. Nymph patterns scored heavily. (HINT: remember these cutthroat trout are limited to a short "growing season" so they are quite willing to consume anything that flows into their feeding station.) While the sun arced higher over the water the various hatches began and a steady stream of fish fell to our different (and sometimes experimental) offerings.
By days end we had traveled and fished various random locations until we reached the US Customs station on the Canadian border and since that second day whenever we visit Glacier we make a point of throwing a line into the N Fork of the Flathead.
The patterns for flies are simple... just throw something in the water. You can't catch fish unless your line is getting wet and the fish of the Flathead are willing to accomodate our need for numerous fish. (Fish with #16-#18 dries and #14 nymphs.) We actually use red and yellow humpy patterns with caddis patterns and smaller terrestrials doing well.
Felt soled shoes are essential for this Western freestone river. Neoprene waders are needed due to the very cold temperture of the water. (Sure... some of you can go in shorts.) Rod weight can be light but remember there are some monster fish in this river.... but you will be catching plenty of 12-14 inch cutthroat for the most part.
Accomodations are easily found in Columbia Falls and Whitefish, Montana. Polebridge has cabins.
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