What flies are hatching on the Flathead River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Flathead River include Caddis, Pale Morning Dun. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Flathead River?

The Flathead River is running at 1,460 CFS at the At Columbia Falls gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Flathead River fishable today?

Flathead River is rated marginal right now. Flow is 1,460 CFS at the At Columbia Falls gauge. Go in prepared — heavier tippet, cautious wading, or target edges and seams.

Flathead River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Flathead River — At Columbia Falls

Marginal

1,460CFS

Discharge

2.65ft

Gauge Height

59.2°F

Water Temp

Updated 37 min agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↓ Falling

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

27.17 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

71°FClear sky

Wind 3 mph27.17 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☀️

Clear sky

74° / 57°

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

72° / 49°

Tue

☁️

Overcast

78° / 51°

Wed

☀️

Clear sky

91° / 54°

Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

7.6

Time of Day

Using: 1,460 CFS · 59.2°F · PMDs continue

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Flathead River conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Flathead River · August · Late Summer

Full calendar →

🟢 Active now at 59.2°F water

CaddisPale Morning Dun

🟡 Approaching — within 5°F of trigger range

Blue-Winged Olive

Select month

JanDec

PMDs continue (size 14-16). Hopper season peak (size 8-12). Caddis evenings. Cool glacier-fed water stays productive in summer heat. Federally protected Bull Trout — release immediately.

PMDCaddis

🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only

River Map

Loading map…

USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Flathead River

Three forks (North, Middle, South) draining Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness before joining at Kalispell. Native Westslope Cutthroat, federally protected Bull Trout, and clear glacial-blue water in a Wild & Scenic corridor.

SalmonflyGolden StoneCaddisPale Morning DunHopperBlue-Winged Olive

Regulations

Bull trout federally protected — release immediately and unharmed. Native Westslope Cutthroat catch-and-release in many stretches. Wild & Scenic corridor — check current FWP regulations.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Flathead River with more confidence.