Flathead River 
Tributary of Clark Fork River.
(River Mile: 0 to 158)
Launch Interactive Map
The Flathead River represents the combined flow of hundreds of headwater creeks funneled from the glacial cirques of Glacier National Park and other wild places within the U.S. and Canada. This cold, clear water flows into the North, South and Middle forks of the Flathead, which merge together near Columbia Falls to begin a southward journey. Portions of the upper mainstem Flathead River are classified as “Recreational” within the Wild and Scenic River Classification system. About 20 miles into its journey, after flowing down the gentle, south-sloping gradient of the Flathead Basin floor, the river empties into Flathead Lake. The lower mainstem Flathead River drains from the southwest corner of the lake and draws waters from an arid valley basin throughout its 75-mile course. The Flathead River finally empties into the Clark Fork River at Paradise. The Flathead River System offers hundreds of miles of pristine waterways, while Flathead Lake is a scenic and recreational mecca. A diversity of fish and wildlife complement the land and water resources, and contribute to both the natural and cultural values of the Flathead Basin environment.
Total Length: 158 miles
FWP Region: Region 1
Fishing District: Western Fishing District
Species Present
- All Species Present:
-
Black Bullhead, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Bull Trout, Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Largemouth Bass, Largescale Sucker, Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, Northern Pike Minnow, Peamouth, Pumpkinseed, Pygmy Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Redside Shiner, Slimy Sculpin, Smallmouth Bass, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Westslope X Rainbow, White Sucker, Yellow Perch
NOTE: There may be game fish present (including
Species of Concern) that are not listed in the game fish category due
to low numbers for that fish. Until you identify your catch, please handle all fish carefully. Thank you.
Fishing Regulations
View the latest Montana Fishing Regulations.
Boating Regulations
Standard Boating Regulations for the State of Montana
Fishing Pressure
Mouth to Flathead Lake (River Mile: 0 to 77)
| Year |
Days Fished¹ |
Trips² |
State Rank³ |
Regional Rank³ |
| 2007 |
7,870 |
127 |
65 |
11 |
| 2005 |
6,753 |
114 |
91 |
18 |
| 2003 |
4,199 |
94 |
115 |
24 |
| 2001 |
6,831 |
103 |
84 |
17 |
| 1999 |
3,180 |
82 |
153 |
32 |
Flathead Lake to S Fk Flathead R (River Mile: 105 to 158)
| Year |
Days Fished¹ |
Trips² |
State Rank³ |
Regional Rank³ |
| 2007 |
29,814 |
438 |
16 |
3 |
| 2005 |
33,943 |
517 |
19 |
2 |
| 2003 |
33,134 |
643 |
17 |
3 |
| 2001 |
23,804 |
444 |
29 |
5 |
| 1999 |
31,223 |
706 |
23 |
4 |
| ¹ Estimated yearly fishing use in angler days (one angler fishing one body of water in one day for any amount of time). |
| ² The number of times that a section of water was reported as having been fished (used to estimate the number of "Days Fished"). |
| ³ How this section of water ranked among all surveyed sections in the state or region, based on "Days Fished" in a survey year. |
| |
Gauging Stations
- Flathead River at Columbia Falls MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 143
- FLATHEAD LAKE AT POLSON, MT.
- View Data
| River Mile: 77
- Flathead River near Polson MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 72
- Flathead River at Perma MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 11
