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Flathead River Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Ryan Stultz, Bent Fly Fishing Ryan Stultz runs Bent Fly Fishing and guides the main stem of the Flathead River in Northwest Montana. What is working right now Winter fishing on the main stem of the Flathead River is unusually good in February 2026. A warm winter and a December atmospheric river pushed water levels over double the 50-year median, and big westslope cutthroat are chewing. Ryan Stultz of Bent Fly Fishing is fishing deep with pink patterns like pink and hot red San Juans, pink Perdigons, and scuds. Mayfly nymphs are working too, and streamers or sparkle minnows swung slow and deep move the biggest fish. How is the Flathead River fishing in February?Unusually good for winter. Ryan Stultz is putting clients on lots of big westslope cutthroat on the main stem of the Flathead River. A warm winter and high water levels have the fish active. He ran three boats one Wednesday plus trips Friday and Saturday, which is rare this time of year. Why is the winter fishing so good?A December atmospheric river dumped an insane amount of rain. Even with a warm winter and little snowpack, water levels are over double the 50-year median. Those high, healthy flows have produced amazing, unusual wintertime fishing on the Flathead main stem. What flies are working on the Flathead River?Fish deep with pink. Pink San Juan worms, hot red San Juans, little pink Perdigon jigs, and scuds are the winter game. Mayfly nymph patterns are also producing. For the biggest fish, swing streamers or a sparkle minnow slow and deep, fewer bites but bigger trout. How should I present flies in winter?Get down deep. Ryan is fishing deep water with weighted nymphs and pink patterns. For streamers, swing them real slow and deep. You will not catch as many on streamers, but it is a fun way to move some of the biggest fish in the river. What species are you catching?Native westslope cutthroat trout. Ryan notes they love the sun in wintertime, so a bright day gets them active as the sun hits the water. On cloudy days you can still find plenty of fish, it is all relative and the fishing stays good. What is the Flathead outlook for February?Good. A slight cool down into the 40s is coming, less sun than the warm week that hit 50, but Ryan expects the weather and the fishing to hold for his upcoming trips. Exact water temperature was not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Ryan Stultz, Bent Fly Fishing): The water levels have been literally double, or a little over double, our 50-year median, which has been producing some really amazing fishing for wintertime on the main stem of Flathead River. Fishing deep water still, mostly pink stuff. Winter game, pink San Juans, hot red San Juans, little jig pink Perdigons. And some really big fish being caught on streamers. Flathead River February 2026 FAQ Is the Flathead River fishing in winter?Yes, and unusually well in February 2026. Big westslope cutthroat are active on the main stem thanks to high, healthy flows. Why are Flathead water levels so high?A December atmospheric river brought heavy rain, pushing levels to over double the 50-year median despite a low-snowpack winter. What are the best winter flies?Pink San Juans, hot red San Juans, pink Perdigon jigs, and scuds fished deep, plus mayfly nymphs and slow, deep streamers for big fish. What fish are in the Flathead River?Native westslope cutthroat trout, which get most active when winter sun hits the water. How deep should I fish?Fish deep water. Ryan is getting down with weighted pink nymphs and swinging streamers slow and deep. Do I need the guide's secret patterns?No. Standard pink San Juans, Perdigons, scuds, mayfly nymphs, and streamers are all producing right now. Who is the guide?Ryan Stultz of Bent Fly Fishing in Northwest Montana. Shop the Tackle Shop Fly Gear
Learn moreFlathead River Fishing Report | September 1, 2025
Report by Ryan Stultz Ryan Stultz guides for Bent Fly Fishing in Montana and reports on the Flathead, Clark Fork, and Blackfoot rivers. What is working right now The Flathead River fished well through August into early September 2025 thanks to cool weather and steady rain. Ryan Stultz reports late hopper fishing still working, with mayflies like the Hecuba bringing big fish up. Throw a size 12 or 10 parachute Adams or a Purple Haze to rising fish. The Clark Fork is low but productive, and the Blackfoot is best for wade anglers. How is the Flathead River fishing right now?The main stem of the Flathead fished good all through August into early September, with only a few slow days. Cool-downs and light rain kept the fish happy. Ryan Stultz reports strong dry-fly action heading into fall. What flies are working on the Flathead River?Late hoppers are still producing, and mayflies like the Hecuba are bringing big fish up. Throw a size 12 or size 10 parachute Adams, or a Purple Haze, or your favorite parachute mayfly pattern to rising fish. These flies are not carried by Catch America. How do I fish the mayfly hatch on the Flathead?When you see a few of the big mayflies on the water, the fish look for them. Snip off the big hopper in the second half of the day and throw a parachute mayfly pattern to raise a big fish. You do not need a heavy hatch to get them looking up. How are the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers?The Clark Fork is low but still putting out lots of good days, best waded. The Blackfoot is very low, around 330 CFS, and too skinny to float, so it is a wade fishery. Go early when it is cool and you will have it almost to yourself. What is the outlook for Montana fly fishing?Conditions have been favorable with good weather holding the fish in. Late-season hopper and mayfly action should continue as fall sets in. Water temperatures are holding on the Clark Fork despite low flows. Watch the full report From the report (Ryan Stultz): The main stem of the Flathead fished good all through August. We kept getting cool downs, little rain here, just making for happy fish. Hoppers still working, which is awesome. We saw the first appearance of the Hecuba pop out last week. A size 12 parachute Adams or even a size 10 parachute Adams would work great, or Purple Haze would do the trick too. Flathead River September 1, 2025 FAQ Are hoppers still working on the Flathead River?Yes, late hopper fishing is still producing into early September, per Ryan Stultz. What mayfly is hatching on the Flathead?The Hecuba, a large mayfly the fish go crazy over. What dry flies should I use on the Flathead?A size 12 or 10 parachute Adams, a Purple Haze, or your favorite parachute mayfly pattern. Can you float the Blackfoot River right now?No. At around 330 CFS it is too low to get a boat through, so it is a wade fishery. How is the Clark Fork fishing?Low but productive, with good days for wade fishermen and water temps holding. When is the best time to fish the Blackfoot?Early in the day when it is cool, with hardly anyone around. Shop the Tackle Shop Fly Fishing Gear Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreFlathead River Fishing Report | July 14, 2025
Report by Ryan Stultz Ryan Stultz is the outfitter and head guide for Bent Fly Fishing in Montana. What is working right now The Flathead River is fishing strong for westslope cutthroat in mid-July 2025, with above-average dry fly action helped by a recent cool-down and rain. Anchor the drift boat and cast a size 16 Rusty Spinner PMD at the heads of riffles. Purple Haze and Parachute Adams also produced the best fish. Strategic summer rain is keeping this fishery prime. What is biting on the Flathead River right now?Westslope cutthroat trout are on a strong dry fly bite. Ryan Stultz reports the dry fly fishing was above average, with most fish coming on mayfly patterns. A recent cool-down and rain dropped temps and kept the river in prime shape. Some bigger fish came from riffle heads.What flies are working on the Flathead River?Mayfly stuff is the ticket: Purple Haze and Parachute Adams for most fish, and a size 16 Rusty Spinner PMD for the best fish from riffle heads. These are fly patterns rather than products we carry, so match the mayfly hatch from your own box or a local fly shop.How should I fish the Flathead River now?Anchor the drift boat and cast multiple times into the head of the riffles with a size 16 Rusty Spinner PMD. That approach produced the best fish for Ryan. Focus on mayfly patterns during the above-average dry fly windows and keep the fish wet on release.What are the water conditions on the Flathead River?A recent cool-down and rain improved conditions, with river temps favorable despite fluctuating summer heat. It dipped under 50 degrees one day, then back into the 70s and high 80s. The river runs a little low but the strategic rain keeps it cool. Exact flows were not specified in this report.What is the outlook for the Flathead River?Prime, with more rain in the forecast to keep water cool. Ryan says northwest Montana is all about strategic rain right now. The Clark Fork is also still fishing great with scrappy trout, best early when water is coldest. Longer-term outlook was not specified in this report.Watch the full report From the report (Ryan Stultz): The mighty main stem of the Flathead is actually still fishing good. The dry fly fishing today was above average. Most of the fish today came on Mayfly stuff: Purple Haze, Parachute Adams. Caught some bigger fish anchoring up in the drift boat, casting into the head of these riffles with a size 16 Rusty Spinner PMD.Flathead River July 14, 2025 FAQIs the Flathead River fishing well in mid-July?Yes. Dry fly fishing is above average for westslope cutthroat, helped by a recent cool-down and rain.What flies work on the Flathead River now?Purple Haze, Parachute Adams, and a size 16 Rusty Spinner PMD at the heads of riffles.How do I fish the riffles on the Flathead?Anchor the drift boat and make multiple casts into the head of the riffles with a size 16 Rusty Spinner PMD.What species are in the Flathead River?Native westslope cutthroat trout, unique to northwest Montana, are the main catch.How is the weather affecting the Flathead River?Strategic rain and cool-downs are keeping the water cool and the dry fly fishing prime.Is the Clark Fork River also fishing well?Yes. It is still fishing great with scrappy trout, best early in the morning when the water is coldest. Shop the Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreFlathead 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. Shop the Tackle Shop Catch America Flies Shop Fly Gear
Learn moreFlathead River Fishing Report | July 7, 2025
Report by Ryan Stultz, Bent Fly Fishing Ryan Stultz runs Bent Fly Fishing and guides the main stem of the Flathead River and nearby Montana rivers. What is working right now Dry-fly fishing on the main stem of the Flathead River is exceptional in early July 2025. Ryan Stultz of Bent Fly Fishing had a guide net 40 fish in a day on a foam bug fished up top, with bright orange-bellied native westslope cutthroat rising to big dries. The nearby Clark Fork is chugging dry flies in the morning shade, then droppers like Pat's Rubber Legs when the sun rises. On the Blackfoot, salmonflies are dwindling but a big Water Walker still produces. How is the Flathead River dry-fly fishing?Exceptional right now, which Ryan Stultz says he does not get to claim often. A guide who fishes for him netted 40 fish in a day on dry flies, throwing a foam bug up top. The fish are looking up, and native westslope cutthroat are rising well to big dries. What fly is working on the Flathead?A foam bug fished on top. Ryan's guide uses a homebrew foam pattern, but you do not need the exact bug. Plenty of fish are looking up and will eat a big dry. Expect bright orange-bellied native westslope cutthroat to rise to it. How is the Clark Fork River fishing?Still exceptional. When shade is on the water in the morning, the dry fly gets chugged. As the sun climbs, switch to a dropper. San Juans, Pat's Rubber Legs, and Pheasant Tail jigs are all producing, with Pat's Rubber Legs the go-to as nocturnal stoneflies appear. How is the Blackfoot River fishing?Recently good on salmonflies, though the hatch is dwindling and turning hit or miss. Ryan floated the canyon and hit it right, throwing a big Water Walker up top and cutting the dropper off entirely for a few hours while the fish chugged dries during peak feeding. What is the summer dry-fly plan?Lead with dry flies early, especially in morning shade on the rivers. Add a dropper like Pat's Rubber Legs or a Pheasant Tail jig once the sun is high. On the Blackfoot, fish a big topwater Water Walker and skip the dropper when salmonflies are active. What is the outlook for early July?Strong. Ryan calls it a great week with everything still looking good at the beginning of July across the Flathead, Clark Fork, and Blackfoot. Get out and enjoy the dry-fly window. Exact water temperatures were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Ryan Stultz, Bent Fly Fishing): Our local, the main stem of the Flathead River, is 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. The Clark Fork River is still fishing exceptional, and the Blackfoot had lots of salmonflies flying around. Flathead River July 7, 2025 FAQ What is the best fly on the Flathead River now?A foam bug fished up top. A guide netted 40 fish in a day on dry flies, and any big dry will move the looking-up westslope cutthroat. What are the Clark Fork droppers?San Juans, Pat's Rubber Legs, and Pheasant Tail jigs, with Pat's Rubber Legs the go-to as nocturnal stoneflies show up. Are salmonflies still hatching on the Blackfoot?The hatch is dwindling and hit or miss. When active, throw a big Water Walker and cut the dropper for pure dry-fly action. What species are rising?Native westslope cutthroat with bright orange bellies, eating big dry flies on the surface. When should I fish dries versus droppers?Fish dries early in the morning shade, then add a dropper as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Which rivers are fishing well?The Flathead main stem, the Clark Fork, and the Blackfoot are all producing in early July 2025. Who is the guide?Ryan Stultz of Bent Fly Fishing in Northwest Montana. Shop the Tackle Shop Fly Gear
Learn moreFlathead River Fishing Report | June 23, 2025
Report by Capt. Ryan Stultz Ryan Stultz runs Bent Fly Fishing in Montana and reports for Catch America. What is working right now 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 From the report (Capt. Ryan Stultz): The Flathead still fishing great, especially midday, late afternoons, the dry fly bite has been exceptional. Work your way into the sweet spot. You find the most inside edge closest to the bank, make the cast, maybe two or three casts, take a step out. On the Clark Fork, big stonefly up top with like a San Juan below was kind of the ticket. Flathead River June 23, 2025 FAQ When is the Flathead River fishing best?Midday and late afternoons, when the dry-fly bite is exceptional. What is the top wade-fishing tip for the Flathead?Work in from the inside edges and seams instead of casting straight into the middle of the hole. What flies work on the Clark Fork River?A big stonefly on top with a San Juan Worm dropper, plus pheasant tail and tungsten bead jig nymphs. How is the Blackfoot River fishing?Strong on the dry fly with caddis and lingering big salmonfly bugs. What kind of trout are in these rivers?Native westslope cutthroat and other river trout in northwest Montana. Who is the guide for this report?Ryan Stultz of Bent Fly Fishing in Montana. Shop the Tackle Shop Catch America Flies Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreFlathead River Fishing Report | June 16, 2025
Report by Ryan Stultz Ryan Stultz runs Bent Fly Fishing in Montana and files weekly river reports for Catch America. What is working right now The Flathead River is fishing great in mid-June 2025 despite low flows near 8,470 CFS, less than half the seasonal norm. Early morning, run a Chubby Chernobyl up top with a hot dropper like a size 12 golden tungsten bead or Pat's Rubber Legs. Later in the day, switch to dries. Purple Haze and Parachute Adams in size 12 to 14 are drawing solid surface takes. How is the Flathead River fishing right now?The Flathead is fishing great even though flows are low at 8,470 CFS, less than half of what they usually run this time of year. Ryan Stultz reports steady action early on droppers and better dry fly fishing through the back half of the day. What flies are working on the Flathead River?Early, fish a Chubby Chernobyl up top with a hot dropper, a size 12 golden tungsten bead or a Pat's Rubber Legs. As the day goes on, switch to dries. Old faithfuls like a Purple Haze or Parachute Adams in size 12 to 14 are your best bet. When is the best time to fish the Flathead River?Fish early to beat the heat and the crowds, then look for the dry fly bite to improve through the second half of the day. Ryan notes hoot owl restrictions may arrive early this year, so plan to be off the water by early afternoon. What are the other Montana rivers doing?Salmonflies are hatching daily on the Blackfoot with good dry fly eats, especially the canyon from Ovando down at 1,360 CFS. The Clark Fork is fishing great near 7,400 CFS, and the Missouri had a thick PMD hatch with fish rising by 7:30 AM. What is the outlook for the Flathead River?Flows are low and may drop further with warmer weather, so enjoy the current window. Cooler snaps can slow the bite short term but set up strong summer fishing. Water clarity and temperature were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Ryan Stultz): Flathead River running at 8,470 CFS this morning, which is a good amount of water to float, but we are less than half the cubic feet per second that we usually are. Early mornings, a Chubby up top with the hot dropper, a golden size 12 tongue bead or Pat's Rubber Legs, gets you fish. Second half of the day, the dry fly fishing is a little better. Purple Haze and Parachute Adams, size 12 to 14, would be your best bet. Flathead River June 16, 2025 FAQ What are the Flathead River flows in June 2025?About 8,470 CFS, which Ryan Stultz notes is less than half of the seasonal norm. What dry flies work on the Flathead River?Purple Haze and Parachute Adams in size 12 to 14 for the afternoon dry fly bite. What dropper should you fish on the Flathead River?A size 12 golden tungsten bead or a Pat's Rubber Legs under a Chubby Chernobyl in the early morning. Are salmonflies hatching in Montana?Yes. The Blackfoot River has salmonflies coming off every day with good dry fly action, especially the canyon from Ovando down. Is the Missouri River fishing well?Yes. A thick PMD hatch had fish rising by 7:30 AM, with a size 16 Frenchie producing on the nymph. Are there fishing restrictions on the Flathead?Ryan expects hoot owl restrictions may come early this year, meaning anglers off the water by early afternoon. Exact dates were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Fly Fishing Gear Shop Trout Gear
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