What flies are hatching on the Flathead River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Flathead River include Blue-Winged Olive. 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 1,240 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 outside its fishable window right now. Flow is 1,240 CFS at the At Columbia Falls gauge. Check back when conditions return to the normal range.

Flathead River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Flathead River — At Columbia Falls

Unfishable

1,240CFS

Discharge

2.39ft

Gauge Height

54.5°F

Water Temp

Updated 1 hr agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↑ Rising

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

26.98 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

52°FClear sky

Wind 7 mph26.98 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☁️

Overcast

70° / 42°

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

74° / 46°

Sat

☁️

Overcast

75° / 48°

Sun

☁️

Overcast

73° / 51°

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.

2

Time of Day

Using: 1,240 CFS · 54.5°F · Hopper season continuing. BWOs returning

What should I pack?

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

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Flathead River · September · Early Fall

Full calendar →

🟢 Active now at 54.5°F water

Blue-Winged Olive

🟡 Approaching — within 5°F of trigger range

CaddisPale Morning Dun

Select month

JanDec

Hopper season continuing. BWOs returning (size 18-20). Cooling water, active cutthroat. Fall colors through the North Fork along Glacier's western boundary spectacular.

Blue-Winged Olive

🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only

River Map

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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.