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Flathead River Fishing Report | July 7, 2025

Report by Ryan Stultz
Ryan Stultz guides for Bent Fly Fishing on the rivers of northwest Montana.
What is working right now

Dry-fly fishing on the Flathead River is exceptional in early July 2025. Guides netted up to 40 fish in a day on foam bugs fished on top. Native westslope cutthroat are looking up. The Clark Fork is strong on morning dries then droppers, and the Blackfoot salmonfly hatch is dwindling but still worth a big topwater pattern.

What is biting on the Flathead River right now?

Native westslope cutthroat trout are the target and they are looking up. A guide netted 40 fish in a day on dry flies, throwing foam bugs on top. Early July surface action on the main stem of the Flathead is as good as it gets, with bright orange-bellied cutthroat rising to big dries.

What flies are working on the Flathead in July?

Foam bugs fished on top are producing on the Flathead. On the Clark Fork, fish morning dries then switch to droppers as the sun rises, using San Juans, Pat's Rubber Legs, and Pheasant Tail jigs. On the Blackfoot, a Water Walker draws salmonfly-era topwater eats. Exact patterns beyond these were not specified in this report.

How is the Clark Fork River fishing?

The Clark Fork is fishing exceptionally well. Warm spells balanced by cool-downs have held water temps in good shape. When shade is on the water in the morning the dry fly gets chugged, then the dropper takes over as the sun climbs. Pat's Rubber Legs is a go-to, with nocturnal stones making an appearance.

Is the Blackfoot salmonfly hatch still on?

The Blackfoot salmonfly hatch is dwindling and turning hit or miss. On a good day you can throw a big Water Walker on top and cut the dropper off entirely during peak feeding. Timing is everything now, so target windows when salmonflies are active rather than counting on all-day action.

What is the guide's outlook for early July?

Ryan Stultz reports everything still looking good at the beginning of July, with strong surface activity across the Flathead, Clark Fork, and Blackfoot. He expects the dry-fly window to hold. Specific flow numbers and water temperatures were not specified in this report.

Watch the full report

From the report (Ryan Stultz): Our go-to, our local, the main stem of the Flathead River, fishing exceptional. He said they netted 40 fish on dry flies, throwing a foam bug up top. There's not much better than watching a bright orange belly native westslope cutthroat rise to a big dry fly.

Flathead River July 7, 2025 FAQ

What is the best fly for the Flathead River in July?

Foam bugs fished on top are producing well, with fish looking up for big dries. Exact guide patterns were not specified in this report.

How many fish are anglers catching on the Flathead?

A guide reported netting up to 40 fish in a day on dry flies during early July 2025.

What species is the Flathead River known for?

Native westslope cutthroat trout, which take big dry flies aggressively on the surface.

What droppers work on the Clark Fork River?

San Juans, Pat's Rubber Legs, and Pheasant Tail jigs, fished under a dry once the sun rises.

Is the Blackfoot River salmonfly hatch still happening?

It is dwindling and hit or miss. When salmonflies are active, a big Water Walker on top can produce without a dropper.

What water temperatures are the Montana rivers running?

Specific water temperatures were not specified in this report, though cool-downs have kept the Clark Fork in good shape.

Tags: cutthroat-trout flathead-river ryan-stultz
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Sacramento River Fishing Report | August 1, 2026

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San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | July 27, 2026

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