Flathead River Fishing Report | June 23, 2025
The report at a glance
Depth
Surface and near-surface for the dry-fly bite; a dropper rig covered the upper water column on the Clark Fork
Presentation
On the Flathead, work dry flies during the midday and afternoon window. On the Blackfoot, fish big bugs and caddis patterns where bugs are hatching. On the Clark Fork, run a dropper with a big stonefly up top and a San Juan Worm below, with nymphs like pheasant tail and tungsten bead jigs also getting eaten.
Lures and baits
Dry flies and big bug patterns (Flathead and Blackfoot)
Caddis patterns where bugs are active
Stonefly-over-San Juan Worm dropper (Clark Fork)
Pheasant tail and tungsten bead jig nymphs
Other techniques
Dry-dropper and nymph rigging on the Clark Fork; wade fishing in from inside edges and seams
Best time
Midday and late afternoon
Water level
The Clark Fork ran high but fished solid
Advice for this week
When wade fishing, do not cast straight into the middle of a pretty hole. Work in from the inside edges and seams, making a few casts in each spot so you do not cast over or stand on fish. Be patient and methodical.
What is changing
The Blackfoot salmonfly hatch has slowed but caddis are thick; the Clark Fork ran high but fished solid.
Next week
With the dry-fly bite exceptional on the Flathead and caddis carrying the Blackfoot, the surface game should stay strong. The Clark Fork should keep fishing well as flows drop. Note: guide Ryan Stultz is not part of the Catch America guide roster.
The Flathead River is fishing great, especially midday and late afternoon, with an exceptional dry-fly bite and lots of active fish. When wade fishing, work in from the inside edges and seams rather than casting straight into the middle. The Blackfoot is strong on caddis and big bugs, and the Clark Fork is producing on a big stonefly and San Juan Worm dropper.
What is biting on the Flathead River right now?
Trout, and the dry-fly bite has been exceptional. Guide Ryan Stultz of Bent Fly Fishing reports the Flathead is fishing great, especially midday and late afternoons, with lots of active fish willing to eat off the top.
What is the best wade-fishing tip for the Flathead?
Do not walk up and cast into the middle of a pretty hole, since you may cast over or stand on fish. Start at the inside edge closest to the bank, make a few casts, then step out and work each seam into the heart of the hole and the far edge.
How is the Blackfoot River fishing?
Well. The salmonfly hatch has dwindled a bit, but big bugs are still around and fish will eat them, and there are piles of caddis out. That keeps the dry-fly fishing strong. Focus on where bugs are hatching and fish those areas patiently.
How is the Clark Fork River fishing?
Solid, even on a busy day with multiple boats. The water is still high, and a dropper rig with a big stonefly on top and a San Juan Worm below was the ticket. Pheasant tail and tungsten bead jig nymphs and stoneflies were also getting eaten.
What is the outlook for the Montana rivers?
All three rivers are fishing great heading into summer. These are standard fly patterns rather than Catch America products, so we name them without shop links. Specific fish sizes and counts were not specified in this report.
Watch the full report
Flathead River June 23, 2025 FAQ
Midday and late afternoons, when the dry-fly bite is exceptional.
Work in from the inside edges and seams instead of casting straight into the middle of the hole.
A big stonefly on top with a San Juan Worm dropper, plus pheasant tail and tungsten bead jig nymphs.
Strong on the dry fly with caddis and lingering big salmonfly bugs.
Native westslope cutthroat and other river trout in northwest Montana.
Ryan Stultz of Bent Fly Fishing in Montana.
