- South Fork of the Flathead River provides the angler with large fish
- Close to Glacier National Park and other scenic areas
- Fish from the third Saturday of May until 30 November
- Catch some arctic grayling, Westslope cutthroat or mountain whitefish
- Hike from Meadow Creek Pack Bridge to the fishing areas
Overview of Location
Bearing large fish and spectacular scenery, the South Fork of the Flathead River makes an excellent fishing destination. The South Fork starts at the confluence of Danaher and Youngs Creeks in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. The river flows north for several uninterrupted miles until it meets the Hungry Horse Dam.
Type of waterway
The South Fork is most hospitable to wade fishermen, as it can be difficult to navigate a boat in its rough waters. The river typically runs clear which means the fish can easily see you. Be careful not to scare them away.
Fishing seasons
The river opens for fishing on the third Saturday of May until 30 November.
Most common fish species
All fish in the South Fork of the Flathead River are wild as the river is not stocked with hatchery fish. The South Fork is home to arctic grayling, bull trout, largescale sucker, mountain whitefish, pike minnow, sculpin, Westslope cutthroat trout and longnose sucker.
Directions for accessing the river
The best place to fish is the section of river above Hungry Horse Reservoir. Here you will discover some large fish. Since access to this river is somewhat difficult, when you do throw in a line, those fish are eager and will bite well.
To reach the river by car, you need to take West Reservoir Road. It runs across the dam and traces the outline of the reservoir. Travel 50 miles to Meadow Creek Pack Bridge and hike a little ways to the fishing areas.
