South Fork Flathead River 
Tributary of Flathead River.
(River Mile: 0 to 98)
Launch Interactive Map
The South Fork Flathead River originates at the confluence of Danaher and Youngs creeks in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area and flows north, unimpeded for over half its length. Noted for the extreme beauty of its setting and course, the South Fork runs its first 40 miles within the Bob Marshall between the Continental Divide on the east and the Swan Range on the west. From its headwaters to the Spotted Bear River, it is classified a Wild River under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Access to float the South Fork requires quite a commitment—packing in gear by foot or horseback for 20 miles to begin this wilderness float and the same when the ride is finished. The beauty, fishing, and serenity of the float make it worth the effort. Many backpackers and horse parties enjoy portions of the river as well. An abrupt change in the river results from Hungry Horse Dam, 5 miles above the mouth, which creates the 35-mile-long Hungry Horse Reservoir. Completed in 1952, the dam has served two oppositional purposes for the fisheries of the South Fork—blocking upstream fish migrations from Flathead Lake and effectively isolating the drainage from that fishery, while above the dam maintaining the most intact native fish ecosystem remaining in western Montana.
Total Length: 98 miles
Wild and Scenic: This river is designated Wild and Scenic from Hungry Horse Reservoir to Headwaters
FWP Region: Region 1
Fishing District: Western Fishing District
Species Present
- Game Fish Opportunities:
-
Mountain Whitefish, Westslope Cutthroat Trout
- All Species Present:
-
Arctic Grayling, Bull Trout, Kokanee, Largescale Sucker, Longnose Sucker, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike Minnow, Rainbow Trout, Sculpin, Slimy Sculpin, Westslope Cutthroat Trout
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
Exceptions to Standard Boating Regulations for South Fork Flathead River
| Regulation |
Description & Exceptions |
Closed to motorboats over 10 HP
Closed to all motorboats
|
|
Fishing Pressure
Mouth to Headwaters (River Mile: 0 to 98)
| Year |
Days Fished¹ |
Trips² |
State Rank³ |
Regional Rank³ |
| 2007 |
9,805 |
156 |
57 |
10 |
| 2005 |
12,417 |
215 |
53 |
8 |
| 2003 |
11,006 |
228 |
58 |
8 |
| 2001 |
10,145 |
229 |
59 |
11 |
| 1999 |
11,488 |
277 |
65 |
9 |
| 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
- S F Flathead R ab Twin C nr Hungry Horse MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 42
- S F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 3
