Flathead River fishing report, live.
updated 12:00 am
No reviewed run model here yet.
- Water 42.1 °F, cooling.
- Flow 3,580 cfs, 92% of normal.
- 0 verified catches in 72 hours.
How we know
- Confidence medium (65%): the calendar gives 60%, cooling water +5.
- Not yet confirmed: that takes 2 verified catches in Columbia Falls to Old Steel Bridge within 72 hours.
- Typical water for this date: 41.0 °F (30-year median).
- Median flow for this date: 3,905 cfs (30-year median).
- Water temperature and flow are shown as evidence; they move the verdict once enough reports fit their thresholds.
Last 72 hours of reports
- Forks to Columbia Falls: 0 verified, 0 unverified, 0 skunked.
- Columbia Falls to Old Steel Bridge: 0 verified, 0 unverified, 0 skunked.
- Old Steel Bridge to Sportsman's Bridge: 0 verified, 0 unverified, 0 skunked.
- Sportsman's Bridge to the Lake: 0 verified, 0 unverified, 0 skunked.
Reports are shown at reach level, never spots.
Seven days
Flow: 3,550 to 3,785 cfs
Water temperature: 40.7 to 44.1 °F
What to bring
FWP's standard rig: a 1/4 oz jighead with a 1½–2 in chartreuse twister tail.
Regulations and sources
- Bull trout: closed; release any caught at once. FWP 2026 Fishing Regulations, p. 23
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily, 5 possession. FWP 2026 Fishing Regulations, p. 32
- Westslope cutthroat trout: catch and release only. FWP 2026 Fishing Regulations, p. 32
Rules checked Oct 11, 2026 against the FWP 2026 Fishing Regulations. They change every March 1; check the FWP regulations before you fish.
Sources: USGS 12363000 (water temperature, flow); NWS; verified reports from anglers on the water.