Deep Pools along the North Fork Flathead River in Montana provide the best fishing location. As there are no dams on the North Fork Flathead River to regulate its flow, it runs fast during high water, with huge trees floating down like little twigs. During the summer months, numerous smaller cutthroats in the 8-12 inch range cruise the river. Just outside of Columbia Falls, on the west edge of Glacier National Park, the North Fork Road accesses this incredible valley where timbered mountains, creeks and valleys form a very special place in Montana. North Fork Flathead River Boat Ramps Canada Border – A fair number of folks put-in here and run the entire 60 miles down to Blankenship Bridge at the confluence with the main-stem. Trading posts were established north of Flathead Lake. The remoteness is what brings people to this part of Montana and … With the passing of the Moose Fire, which burnt both sides of the river in the vicinity of Big Creek in the summer of 2001 and then the Robert Fire and Wedge Canyon Fire elsewhere on the river in 2003, floating trees and downfall are even more of a hazard than it has in the past. We had already gotten some good info about the North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana from a good friend of ours who grew up taking family trips down the section. Of that, only about 1.2 percent can be used as drinking water; the rest is locked up in glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost, or … However, while access is good, fly fishing from along shore can be very difficult due to steep hillsides, rocky terrain and dense vegetation. The Reclusive Moose is the best in Montana Cabins. Excellent boats for a float down the North Fork include inflatable kayaks, pontoon boats, catamaran kayaks, inflatable canoes and inflatable rafts of varying sizes. The North Fork Flathead River begins in British Columbia, and travels for 47 miles before spilling over into Montana. Senators praise Canada’s commitment to protect flathead valley : Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Flathead River, "USGS 12389000 Clark Fork near Plains MT", "Flathead Wild and Scenic River, Montana", BP Drops Coal-Bed Methane Exploration Project North of Glacier Park, http://www.nwcouncil.org/fw/subbasinplanning/flathead/plan/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Flathead_River&oldid=990035943, Wild and Scenic Rivers of the United States, Articles containing Kalispel-Pend d'Oreille-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Confluence of North Fork and Middle Fork Flathead River, near mouth, at Perma, MT; max at Polson, MT, This page was last edited on 22 November 2020, at 12:22. Additionally, logjams on the river form each year, in various places. [3] The river then flows westwards to join the South Fork and cuts between the Whitefish Range and Swan Range via Bad Rock Canyon. North Fork Flathead River is a stream located just 8.3 miles from Columbia Falls, in Flathead County, in the state of Montana, United States, near Coram, MT. As one might guess, flowing through such wild country, the local fauna is also quite diverse. The river is part of the Columbia River drainage basin, as the Clark Fork is a tributary of the Pend Oreille River, a Columbia River tributary. The entire river in Montana is essentially floatable, although the area above Ford access site can have some slow floating and some dragging of the raft during low water. Related : Photographs of the North Fork Flathead River. The river itself is moderately wide and moves quickly. While an inflatable raft or inflatable kayak should have absolutely no problems, inexperienced canoeists may run into problems. The main part of the Flathead River begins where the North Fork and the Middle Fork meet near West Glacier. North Fork Valley, Flathead National Forest: Address, North Fork Valley Reviews: 5/5. Irrigation agriculture began in the 1880s.[11]. USGS 12355500 N F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT. The North Fork of the Flathead River is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. During high water is not the time to float this river. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Beyond these rapids, it is smooth, quick flowing water until the confluence with the Flathead River at Blakenship Bridge. Overall, the North Fork Flathead River may not appeal to the angler in search of large, trophy sized trout. No need to register, buy now! That said, there are a couple of things to watch out for when floating the North Fork Flathead River. Throughout it’s length in Montana, it forms the western boundary of Glacier National Park. North Fork Flathead River – Overview & Introduction. The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead Lake. I’m using a Sea Eagle Motormount inflatable raft on this trip, which works well. Flathead River rafting can be found on the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River. Other than the small town of Polebridge, which has no electricity, the North Fork does not pass through a town of any size for it’s entire length. We live right by the river. There is a proposal to protect one-third of British Columbia's Flathead River by adding it to the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Forming the western and southern borders of Glacier National Park, the Flathead River is a hidden gem of Montana with spectacular scenery, unsurpassed fishing and excellent wildlife viewing. Always be on the lookout for a logjam partially blocking the river. In this section, the river cuts through several mountain ridges. Reaches designated wild and scenic include the entire North Fork south of the Canada–US border, the entire Middle Fork, and the South Fork above Hungry Horse Reservoir.[13]. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. The North Fork of the Flathead River valley is a broad, meandering valley that sits up against the dramatic backdrop of the peaks of Glacier National. Wade fishing is generally good along the river. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a major river in Northwestern Montana. [12] The South fork of the Flathead, from Youngs Creek to Hungry Horse reservoir; Middle fork of the Flathead – from Schaffer creek to its confluence with the Flathead River; and the Flathead River – to its confluence with the Clark Fork River, are designated. In the 1940s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sought permission to build Glacier View Dam on the North Fork of the Flathead River that serves as the western boundary of Montana’s Glacier National Park. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in North Fork of the Flathead River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. The North Fork is sometimes considered the main stem of the Flathead River. We can help on the North and Middle Forks on Glacier Park's border rivers. But you’ll generally need a boat to reach them. For the spin fisherman, small spoons (hopefully with the barbs removed), fished around the rocks and pools will pull in these cutthroats as well. The river itself is moderately wide and flows quickly. USGS 12355500 N F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT. Find the perfect north fork flathead river stock photo. In 2003 Parks Canada requested the province of British Columbia to take part in a park feasibility study. That said, between the eager cutthroat fly fishing, the beautiful scenery and the wonderful float trips that can be taken on the North Fork, this river ranks as one of Montana’s finest rivers and is worthy of a visit by someone on a Montana fly fishing trip. We guide rafting trips on Glacier Park's rivers, the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead - wild and scenic and lots of fun! The river brings with it the rugged remoteness that one would expect from the Canadian Rockies. A raft floats past a towering cutbank while floating the upper North Fork of the Flathead River in late July. The US Forest Service (USFS)/Flathead National Forest (FNF) has administrative authority on the Flathead Wild and Scenic River including the North Fork. The Flathead River (Salish: ntx̣ʷetkʷ, ntx̣ʷe),[5] in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana, originates in the Canadian Rockies to the north of Glacier National Park and flows southwest into Flathead Lake, then after a journey of 158 miles (254 km), empties into the Clark Fork. Even though the river flows through very mountainous country, the North Fork itself is relatively tame, offering only a couple of smaller rapids of Class II or Class III, depending on river flows. At the Jocko River confluence it turns west, and a few miles after flows into the Clark Fork near Paradise. The river is a Class I river in Montana for purposes of recreational access. There are plenty of access points along the way and unless the water is very high, the river usually provides a relatively easy float through some of the most gorgeous scenery you will find anywhere. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text (About shift-adjusted ratings). Since the river makes a lot of twists and turns, and in a few places becomes quite narrow, surprise logjams can pose a real hazard. TE Lewis I would like to respectfully suggest to those interested in the NF Flathead River – if newer to river recreation in NW Montana the wild and scenic North Fork Flathead River is a more technical float. North Fork RoadResurfacing from the Whale Creek Bridge approximately eight miles north of Polebridge for 7.7 miles (MP 42.3 to 50.0) to provide a 22-foot wide roadway;Reconstruction from the end of the resurfacing section for 5.1 miles to the Canadian Border (MP 50.0 to 55.15) to provide a 22-foot wide roadway;Reconstruction/slope stabilization at an area of erosion along the Montana Fishing Books - View detailed fishing guide books for Montana. [6], The Flathead River rises in forks in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Montana. All of the headwaters forks are entirely or in part designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Access for the wade fisherman is generally easy, as the North Fork Road closely parallels the river for much of its length, although some bushwhacking is required to reach the better spots and deeper holes. Flathead River. This has been the subject of 33 years of dispute between the United States and Canada. While fishing for cutthroats, especially if an angler is using a larger wet fly or streamer, the possibility of hooking a large bull trout exists. It’s an ideal 2-4 day float trip without any designated camping sites. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! Current fly fishing reports and conditions for North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! Just remember, it is illegal to intentionally fish for or keep a bull trout. Access is easy, with numerous designated access sites, and countless unofficial access sites. It starts at the Canadian Border and flows south to the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Here at Glacier Anglers, we fish both the Middle and North Forks. The largest tributary is the North Fork, which runs from the Canadian province of British Columbia southwards. Thankfully, conservationists prevailed, and in 1976 the North Fork was designated a National Wild and Scenic River alongside its kindred South Fork and Middle Fork. Currently, several log jams on the North Fork are found between Polebridge downstream to the Camas Road Bridge. The majority of the Class III rapids are located within a 12 mile section between Big Creek and Glacier Rim, just above it’s confluence with the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Fully licensed and insured. The rapids in the North Fork Flathead River are far from severe, certainly nothing like on the Middle Fork Flathead River. Due to the cold, clear, low nutrient water, fly fishing in the North Fork Flathead River can be spotty. Senators from Montana.[15]. More info about Sea Eagle Motormount rafts at Sea Eagle. Other than those words of caution, the North Fork Flathead River is a wonderful river to float. North Fork Flathead River is a river in Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, MT. It is one of the three main forks of the Flathead River, a tributary of the Clark Fork River. The North Fork Flathead River is truly one of Montana’s wild streams. Photo of a river. However, the Cline Mining Corporation still intends to start a mountaintop-removal coal mining project. That said, the North Fork twists and turns extensively, and small rapids are found behind most curves. Words by Ty Hathaway, photos by Ty Hathaway and Julia DeConcini It wasn't but a few minutes of being back in the van after floating the Snake River that Julia was already figuring out what river was next and how to make it better. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text (About shift-adjusted ratings). Magnificant views of Glacier Park are found on many sections of the river and along the road that roughly parallels the river from Columbia Falls to the Canadian border. 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. The North Fork Flathead River is truly one of Montana’s wild streams. This north-northwest trending river is about 98 miles (158 km) long, making it the second longest tributary of the Flathead River. The first settlers began arriving in the 1860s. These holes make wonderful fishing holes for the intrepid angler who can reach them. The Flathead River provided plenty of fresh water, fish, timber, and animal trapping. We camped at the put-in and take-out, so we took 5 days and 5 nights overall. The North Fork is 22 miles north of Columbia Falls, Montana. On February 21, 2008, BP announced to drop plans to obtain drilling rights for coalbed methane extraction in the river's headwaters. The river is part of the Columbia River drainage basin, as the Clark Fork is a tributary of the Pend Oreille River, a Columbia River tributary. These fish, which travel up from Flathead Lake on a somewhat unpredictable basis to spawn in the north fork tributaries, aren’t picky eaters. The North Fork of the Flathead River is mostly Class I-II with a few Class III rapids. The North Fork Flathead River in Montana is designated a National Wild and Scenic River. Grizzly bears and moose are not uncommon along the river. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. While the road is nearby, the river frequently flows down in a steep canyon, making road access difficult. Other than the small community of Polebridge (which has no electricity), the North Fork Flathead River passes through no towns for its entire length. Down stream from Big Creek, the river has a “recreation” designation, with a maximum speed of 10hp. After flowing through the dam the river turns south and meanders through the Flathead Valley west of the Mission Mountains, and at Dixon it is joined by the small Jocko River. In-depth articles help anglers and recreational floaters sort through the jargon to find the right inflatable boat for their particular needs. The designated river includes the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork above Hungry Horse Reservoir and features recreation, scenery, historic sites, unique fisheries and wildlife such as grizzly bears and wolves. Energy development once threatened the North Fork, which was deemed the "wildest river in the continental United States" by The New York Times in 2004. Activities Water Activities HIDE. The North Fork, considering the rugged and mountainous terrain it flows through, is a relatively tame river for floating. We completed 43 miles from the Border to Big Creek. Alternate names for this stream include Flathead River - North Fork, North Fork of Flathead River and North Fork of the Flathead River. Below Ford river access, the river can be floated pretty much all year. The North Fork Flathead River also has numerous deep, clear pools, tucked away among its many twists and turns. The North Fork Flathead River originates 50 miles across the border in British Columbia, Canada. The river is not afforded any protection in British Columbia. 1968 was the year of the National Wild and scenic river act. Map of the Flathead River, its tributary forks and downriver connection to the Columbia River via Clark Fork and the Pend Oreille River. Need a Flathead River Shuttle? An inflatable raft, inflatable kayak, pontoon boat or other boat is particularly helpful to reach the “hidden pools” between Big Creek and Glacier Rim River Access. Other than the small town of Polebridge, which has no electricity, the North Fork does not pass through a town of any size for it’s entire length. They are easy to catch on various caddisfly and mayfly imitations, floated around submerged and partially submerged structure, such as rocks and downed trees. By the time the Great Northern Railway passed through Glacier National Park in 1893, the North Fork region was already being settled. DURATION: We spent 3 days on the river. Boating - Non-Motorized Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized: Typically, we start fishing both rivers … The river is The North Fork Flathead River is truly one of Montana’s wild streams. In 1988 the International Joint Commission, ruled that a proposed open pit coal mine would violate the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty. Fly fishing the North Fork Flathead River is best done from a drift boat. British Columbia has yet to agree to this. Another longer float is between Polebridge and Big Creek – just be prepared for a long, bumpy ride up to Polebridge, as the road is not paved for much of its length and not very well maintained. [14], On February 9, 2010, the British Columbia government announced that it would not permit mining, oil and gas development and coalbed gas extraction in British Columbia's portion of the Flathead Valley, which was praised by environmental groups and the U.S. The North Fork Flathead is undeniably … It is also low in nutrient content, and as a result, a fly fisherman will not find monster rainbows or cutthroats lurking in the river. An inexperienced canoeist may have difficulty at times keeping the boat pointed down river in some of these rapids and waves. One cannot build houses on its banks you cannot build any dams or divert the water for irrigation. Upstream of Big Creek, the North Fork Flathead River has a “scenic” designation, meaning no motors are allowed. 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