South Fork Flathead River

Type: Tailwater, Montana (West)
Designation: Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey) · Special-regulation trout water
USGS gauges: 2 live
Guides: 3 nearby
Shops: 3 nearby

Today on the South Fork Flathead River

Good: Good conditions: fish normally

Flow now: 2,710 ft³/s
Vs normal for Nov 5: Above normal
Water temp: 43.2°F (6.2°C)
Trend: Steady over 24 h
Last reading: Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST

At S F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT (USGS 12362500) · 1 of 2 gauges below Provisional USGS data

The South Fork Flathead River is a tailwater in Montana, listed as Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey) by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

More about the South Fork Flathead River

2 USGS gauges on the water report flow. 3 guides and 3 shops nearby are listed here.

Updated 5 Nov 2026 · Sources: Montana's most-fished waters (FWP statewide angling pressure estimates, 2023 license year, top 250 by state rank), USGS Water Data

Representative photograph of similar water; not a photograph of this place. — Representative photograph, not this water.

Where it is

South Fork Flathead River is a tailwater in Montana.

Flow now at 2 gauges

S F Flathead R ab Twin C nr Hungry Horse MT

USGS 12359800 · NWS TNCM8

Limited data: Not enough data: no water temperature or flow statistics here

No water-temperature reading at this gauge: take a stream thermometer.
Flow not compared with normal: the reading is more than a day old.

What the agencies suggest

Carry a stream thermometer. Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature National Park Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 412 ft³/s
Gauge height: 4.87 ft

Reading Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT · provisional USGS data

This is the latest value USGS returned and it is more than a day old. It is not today's flow.

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)
Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT	412	4.87
Oct 31, 11:45 PM MDT	412	4.87
Oct 31, 10:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 9:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 8:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 7:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 6:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 4:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 3:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 1:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 12:45 PM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 11:45 AM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 10:45 AM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 9:45 AM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 8:45 AM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 7:45 AM MDT	416	4.88
Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 31, 5:45 AM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 31, 4:45 AM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 31, 2:45 AM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 31, 1:45 AM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 31, 12:45 AM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 11:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 10:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 9:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 8:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 6:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 5:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 3:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 2:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 1:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 12:45 PM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 11:45 AM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 10:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT	421	4.89
Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 30, 7:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 30, 6:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 30, 4:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 30, 3:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 30, 2:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 30, 1:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 30, 12:45 AM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 29, 11:45 PM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 29, 10:45 PM MDT	425	4.9
Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT	430	4.91
Oct 29, 8:45 PM MDT	430	4.91
Oct 29, 7:45 PM MDT	430	4.91
Oct 29, 6:45 PM MDT	430	4.91
Oct 29, 5:45 PM MDT	430	4.91

What this level means general guidance

Not compared with the record because the reading is old.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

NWS observed 4.84 ft stage, 399 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST (NWS gauge TNCM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

NWS has not set flood categories for this gauge.

Graphical forecasts are not available during times of high water, forecast crest information can be found in the local WFO web page.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer: the trout lines Montana FWP uses are 66°F, 68°F and 73°F.

Species

This gauge is on our page for South Fork Flathead River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

S F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT

USGS 12362500 · NWS SFCM8

Good: Good conditions: fish normally

If you're fishing for trout here: 43.2°F now, 43.3°F at most in 24 hours: under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Flow 2,710 ft³/s: above normal for Nov 5, over 102 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
Cold water, 43.2°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Carry a stream thermometer. Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature National Park Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 2,710 ft³/s
Gauge height: 5.93 ft
Water temp: 43.2°F (6.2°C)

Reading Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST · provisional USGS data

Above normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 2,710 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST	2,710	5.93	43.2
Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	42.6
Nov 5, 2:45 PM MST	2,640	5.87	42.4
Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST	2,700	5.92	42.3
Nov 5, 12:45 PM MST	2,700	5.92	42.3
Nov 5, 11:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	42.1
Nov 5, 10:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.1
Nov 5, 9:45 AM MST	2,850	6.04	42.1
Nov 5, 8:45 AM MST	2,780	5.99	42.3
Nov 5, 7:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.3
Nov 5, 6:45 AM MST	2,770	5.98	42.3
Nov 5, 5:45 AM MST	2,710	5.93	42.3
Nov 5, 4:45 AM MST	2,770	5.98	42.4
Nov 5, 3:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	42.3
Nov 5, 2:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.3
Nov 5, 1:45 AM MST	2,610	5.84	42.3
Nov 5, 12:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.3
Nov 4, 11:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.3
Nov 4, 10:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.4
Nov 4, 9:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	42.6
Nov 4, 8:45 PM MST	2,640	5.87	42.8
Nov 4, 7:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.8
Nov 4, 6:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	43
Nov 4, 5:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	43.2
Nov 4, 4:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	43.3
Nov 4, 3:45 PM MST	2,730	5.94	43.3
Nov 4, 2:45 PM MST	2,800	6	43.5
Nov 4, 1:45 PM MST	2,770	5.98	43.5
Nov 4, 12:45 PM MST	2,770	5.98	43.5
Nov 4, 11:45 AM MST	2,800	6	43.5
Nov 4, 10:45 AM MST	2,970	6.14	43.7
Nov 4, 9:45 AM MST	2,730	5.94	43.9
Nov 4, 8:45 AM MST	3,170	6.29	43.9
Nov 4, 7:45 AM MST	2,750	5.96	43.9
Nov 4, 6:45 AM MST	2,730	5.94	43.7
Nov 4, 5:45 AM MST	2,730	5.94	43.5
Nov 4, 4:45 AM MST	2,740	5.95	43.3
Nov 4, 3:45 AM MST	2,710	5.93	42.8
Nov 4, 2:45 AM MST	2,710	5.93	42.4
Nov 4, 1:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.1
Nov 4, 12:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.1
Nov 3, 11:45 PM MST	2,740	5.95	42.3
Nov 3, 10:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.4
Nov 3, 9:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	42.4
Nov 3, 8:45 PM MST	2,700	5.92	42.3
Nov 3, 7:45 PM MST	2,710	5.93	42.4
Nov 3, 6:45 PM MST	2,710	5.93	42.3
Nov 3, 5:45 PM MST	2,740	5.95	42.3
Nov 3, 4:45 PM MST	2,730	5.94	42.1
Nov 3, 3:45 PM MST	2,740	5.95	42.3
Nov 3, 2:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	42.4
Nov 3, 1:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	42.3
Nov 3, 12:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	42.4
Nov 3, 11:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.4
Nov 3, 10:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.4
Nov 3, 9:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.3
Nov 3, 8:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	42.3
Nov 3, 7:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.1
Nov 3, 6:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	41.9
Nov 3, 5:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	41.9
Nov 3, 4:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	41.9
Nov 3, 3:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	41.9
Nov 3, 2:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	41.9
Nov 3, 1:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.7
Nov 3, 12:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	41.7
Nov 2, 11:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	41.7
Nov 2, 10:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	41.7
Nov 2, 9:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	41.7
Nov 2, 8:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	41.7
Nov 2, 7:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	41.7
Nov 2, 6:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	41.9
Nov 2, 5:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	41.7
Nov 2, 4:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	41.7
Nov 2, 3:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	41.7
Nov 2, 2:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	41.7
Nov 2, 1:45 PM MST	2,700	5.92	41.9
Nov 2, 12:45 PM MST	2,640	5.87	41.9
Nov 2, 11:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.1
Nov 2, 10:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	42.1
Nov 2, 9:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	42.1
Nov 2, 8:45 AM MST	2,620	5.85	42.3
Nov 2, 7:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.3
Nov 2, 6:45 AM MST	2,700	5.92	42.4
Nov 2, 5:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.6
Nov 2, 4:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.6
Nov 2, 3:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.8
Nov 2, 2:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.8
Nov 2, 1:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	42.8
Nov 2, 12:45 AM MST	2,620	5.85	43
Nov 1, 11:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	43
Nov 1, 10:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	43
Nov 1, 9:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.8
Nov 1, 8:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.8
Nov 1, 7:45 PM MST	2,640	5.87	42.8
Nov 1, 6:45 PM MST	2,710	5.93	42.8
Nov 1, 5:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	42.6
Nov 1, 4:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.4
Nov 1, 3:45 PM MST	2,620	5.85	42.4
Nov 1, 2:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.3
Nov 1, 1:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.1
Nov 1, 12:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.3
Nov 1, 11:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.3
Nov 1, 10:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	42.1
Nov 1, 9:45 AM MST	2,620	5.85	41.9
Nov 1, 8:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	41.9
Nov 1, 7:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.9
Nov 1, 6:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	41.7
Nov 1, 5:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.9
Nov 1, 4:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.9
Nov 1, 3:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.7
Nov 1, 2:45 AM MST	2,620	5.85	41.9
Nov 1, 1:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	41.9
Nov 1, 1:45 AM MDT	2,620	5.85	41.9
Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT	2,670	5.9	41.7
Oct 31, 11:45 PM MDT	2,640	5.87	41.7
Oct 31, 10:45 PM MDT	2,650	5.88	41.7
Oct 31, 9:45 PM MDT	2,660	5.89	41.9
Oct 31, 8:45 PM MDT	2,670	5.9	41.9
Oct 31, 7:45 PM MDT	2,640	5.87	41.9
Oct 31, 6:45 PM MDT	2,640	5.87	42.3
Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT	2,660	5.89	42.4
Oct 31, 4:45 PM MDT	2,670	5.9	42.4
Oct 31, 3:45 PM MDT	2,670	5.9	42.6
Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT	2,640	5.87	42.6
Oct 31, 1:45 PM MDT	2,610	5.84	42.8
Oct 31, 12:45 PM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.8
Oct 31, 11:45 AM MDT	2,580	5.82	42.6
Oct 31, 10:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.8
Oct 31, 9:45 AM MDT	2,620	5.85	42.8
Oct 31, 8:45 AM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.6
Oct 31, 7:45 AM MDT	2,620	5.85	42.6
Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.4
Oct 31, 5:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.1
Oct 31, 4:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	41.9
Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT	2,530	5.78	41.9
Oct 31, 2:45 AM MDT	2,530	5.78	41.9
Oct 31, 1:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	41.9
Oct 31, 12:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	42.1
Oct 30, 11:45 PM MDT	2,560	5.8	42.1
Oct 30, 10:45 PM MDT	2,580	5.82	42.3
Oct 30, 9:45 PM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.3
Oct 30, 8:45 PM MDT	2,550	5.79	42.3
Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT	2,550	5.79	42.3
Oct 30, 6:45 PM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.4
Oct 30, 5:45 PM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.6
Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT	2,550	5.79	42.8
Oct 30, 3:45 PM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.8
Oct 30, 2:45 PM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.8
Oct 30, 1:45 PM MDT	2,550	5.79	42.8
Oct 30, 12:45 PM MDT	2,570	5.81	43
Oct 30, 11:45 AM MDT	2,580	5.82	43
Oct 30, 10:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43
Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT	2,550	5.79	43.2
Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	43.2
Oct 30, 7:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.2
Oct 30, 6:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	43.2
Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	43.3
Oct 30, 4:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.3
Oct 30, 3:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	43.3
Oct 30, 2:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.3
Oct 30, 1:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.2
Oct 30, 12:45 AM MDT	2,580	5.82	43.2
Oct 29, 11:45 PM MDT	2,580	5.82	43.2
Oct 29, 10:45 PM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.2
Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.2
Oct 29, 8:45 PM MDT	2,580	5.82	42.8
Oct 29, 7:45 PM MDT	2,560	5.8	42.8
Oct 29, 6:45 PM MDT	2,600	5.83	43
Oct 29, 5:45 PM MDT	2,620	5.85	43

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 737–2,580 ft³/s (middle half of 102 years of record). Now: 2,710 ft³/s, above normal.

Above normal for this date. 2,710 ft³/s is between the 75th and 90th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 102 years of record (1912–2025): 10th 408, 25th 737, median 1,790, 75th 2,580, 90th 7,040 ft³/s.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 157 ft³/s, highest 10,500 ft³/s.

Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).

Steady over 24 hours (+0.7% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

NWS observed 5.93 ft stage, 2,710 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST (NWS gauge SFCM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

NWS has not set flood categories for this gauge.

NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 8:42 AM MST. Highest point: 5.89 ft, 2,660 ft³/s on Nov 5, 11:00 AM MST.

NWS forecast, highest value each day
Day	Stage	Flow
Thu, Nov 5	5.89 ft	2,660 ft³/s
Fri, Nov 6	5.89 ft	2,660 ft³/s
Sat, Nov 7	5.88 ft	2,650 ft³/s
Sun, Nov 8	5.87 ft	2,640 ft³/s
Mon, Nov 9	5.83 ft	2,590 ft³/s
Tue, Nov 10	5.79 ft	2,550 ft³/s
Wed, Nov 11	5.75 ft	2,500 ft³/s
Thu, Nov 12	5.7 ft	2,440 ft³/s
Fri, Nov 13	5.66 ft	2,400 ft³/s
Sat, Nov 14	5.66 ft	2,400 ft³/s

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 43.2°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 43.3°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
“Giving a hoot”, Montana Outdoors (July–August 2024) (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks) Drought and fishing (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)

Species

This gauge is on our page for South Fork Flathead River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

Cold water. Water 43.2°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Checked Nov 5, 5:37 PM MST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.

Reading the gauges…

Check any river's flow

Follow South Fork Flathead River for flow alerts

Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.

Follow this water

Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.

Where to fish

Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.

Nothing on this page grants or implies access.

Montana FWP fishing access sites

South Fork Flathead River on the map

Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles

Restrooms Access map

Map of South Fork Flathead River with 2 USGS gauges, and shops and guides with an exact address within 40 miles.

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles

Restrooms near South Fork Flathead River

Restrooms within 2 miles of South Fork Flathead River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.

Skip the map; every place is in the list below

Map of 3 restrooms near South Fork Flathead River, numbered as in the list, with the water’s point marked.

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles

Restroom
0.9 mi away in a straight line
- Wheelchair accessible (mapped)
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Directions
We don't know yet: is it clean? · flush or vault? · free? · open to everyone? — tell other anglers: show the questions
- Is it clean?
- Flush or vault?
- Free?
- Open to everyone?
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom
1.4 mi away in a straight line
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Directions
We don't know yet: is it clean? · flush or vault? · free? · open to everyone? · step-free? — tell other anglers: show the questions
- Is it clean?
- Flush or vault?
- Free?
- Open to everyone?
- Step-free?
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom
1.4 mi away in a straight line
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Directions
We don't know yet: is it clean? · flush or vault? · free? · open to everyone? · step-free? — tell other anglers: show the questions
- Is it clean?
- Flush or vault?
- Free?
- Open to everyone?
- Step-free?
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map

Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.

More water near South Fork Flathead River

Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Hungry Horse Reservoir
Photo credit
Ennis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr Not Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Hungry Horse Reservoir
Montana · about 9 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Swan Lake
Photo credit
Henrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Swan Lake.
Swan Lake
Montana · about 15 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Swan River
Photo credit
The Flathead River from the bank at Columbia Falls, Montana. Photo: Mitchell O'Brien, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Swan River.
Swan River
Montana · about 20 mi
423cfsFlow now · below normal for the date
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Echo Lake
Photo credit
Lake Billy Chinook, Oregon. Photo: icetsarina, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Echo Lake.
Echo Lake
Montana · about 24 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Flathead Lake
Photo credit
Eagle Lake, Lassen County, California, with dry Horse Lake in the foreground (aerial). Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Flathead Lake.
Flathead Lake
Montana · about 27 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Church Slough
Photo credit
Crowley Lake and the Long Valley Caldera from US 395. Photo: Clinton Steeds, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Church Slough.
Church Slough
Montana · about 31 mi

Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Hungry Horse Reservoir
Photo credit
Ennis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr Not Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Hungry Horse Reservoir
Montana · about 9 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Swan Lake
Photo credit
Henrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Swan Lake.
Swan Lake
Montana · about 15 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Swan River
Photo credit
The Flathead River from the bank at Columbia Falls, Montana. Photo: Mitchell O'Brien, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Swan River.
Swan River
Montana · about 20 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Echo Lake
Photo credit
Lake Billy Chinook, Oregon. Photo: icetsarina, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Echo Lake.
Echo Lake
Montana · about 24 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Flathead Lake
Photo credit
Eagle Lake, Lassen County, California, with dry Horse Lake in the foreground (aerial). Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Flathead Lake.
Flathead Lake
Montana · about 27 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Church Slough
Photo credit
Crowley Lake and the Long Valley Caldera from US 395. Photo: Clinton Steeds, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Church Slough.
Church Slough
Montana · about 31 mi

Regulations

Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.

2 official designations

Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water. Listed in the finder under trout.

Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
On the Montana's most-fished waters (FWP statewide angling pressure estimates, 2023 license year, top 250 by state rank) list (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation
- above reservoir: state rank 59, 12,989 angler days (2023)
Special-regulation trout water
On the District Exceptions to Standard Regulations (trout / gear rules) list (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation

The water on the map

Measured from the NHDPlus High Resolution (flowlines and waterbodies) (U.S. Geological Survey, read 2026-11-04) for this water’s own mapped feature. Rounded figures; they describe the channel, not today’s conditions.

Length: 94.1 mi (92.6 in MT)
Drains: 1,630 sq mi
Drop: 1,228 ft · 13 ft/mi
Watershed: South Fork Flathead

Public land along it

Areas the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US), public access (U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Project, read 2026-11-05) lists as owned or held in easement and open to the public, crossed by the mapped channel. Boundaries are mapped, not surveyed. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.

34 of 92.6 mi on public land

Hungry Horse ReservoirBureau of Reclamation · 20.7 mi
Flathead National ForestForest Service · 13.3 mi

Nothing on this page grants or implies access.

Guides and shops near South Fork Flathead River

Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.

Guides

WT
Wild Trout Adventures
Bigfork, MT · 19 mi
Float trips · Drift boat · Flathead & Swan
- Unclaimed
Nearby
View guide
School of Trout
Bigfork, MT · 21 mi
Drift boat · Beginners & lessons · Henry's Fork
- Unclaimed
Nearby
View guide
7 Lazy P - Wilderness horseback riding pack trips, fly fishing, hunting
Choteau, MT · 39 mi
Multi-day trips
- Unclaimed
Nearby
View guide

All Montana guides

3 shops nearby

True Water Fly Shop
Kalispell, MT · 38 mi
Fly shop · Guided trips · Casting lessons & classes
- Unclaimed
View shop
Bigfork Anglers Fly Shop
Bigfork, MT
Fly shop · Guided trips · Float trips
- Unclaimed
View shop
Snowy Springs Outfitters
Essex, MT
Fishing shop
- Unclaimed
View shop

All Montana shops

Species and hatches

What 2 nearby guide websites mention: what guides advertise, not a survey or a promise of what you will catch.

Named on 2 nearby guide websites

Arctic grayling1
Bull trout1
Cutthroat trout1
Mountain whitefish1
Northern pike1
Trout1

When the bugs come off

Regional hatch months: Northern Rockies

5 hatches charted for the region, not measured on this water. From Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

January: no charted hatch
February: no charted hatch
March: no charted hatch
April: no charted hatch
May: 3 charted hatches
June: 2 charted hatches
July: 2 charted hatches
August: 1 charted hatch
September: 1 charted hatch
October: no charted hatch
November: no charted hatch
December: no charted hatch

Mother's Day caddis (Grannom) (May) · Salmonfly (May to June) · Salmonfly (May to July) · Salmonfly (July) · Trico (August to September)

Northern Rockies hatch chart

Plan your stay

Fishing lodges nearby

All lodges

Spotted Bear Ranch
Flathead County, Montana
Guest ranch · 4.0 mi
- Unclaimed
- Guided fishing

Getting there

FCA · Kalispell · 39 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
MSO · Missoula · 78 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
GEG · Spokane · 186 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)

About this

Miles are straight-line distances, not drive times.
Airports: scheduled passenger service, from OurAirports (public domain) (2026-11-04).
Lodges are listed when their own website talks about fishing. Prices and availability are the lodge's own.

Plan a trip here

None of our destination hubs is within 40 miles in a straight line. The trip planner builds a trip around the water itself: the guides and shops listed within 40 miles of it, its gauges and its nearest towns and airports.

No hub within 40 miles

Plan a trip here

Gear checklist

A wade-fishing checklist for big western trout rivers: a 9 ft 5–6 weight outfit, nymph, dry and streamer setups, waders, boots and a wading staff, with estimated prices by tier and where to buy.

A woman in waders and a sun hat wades a broad river and casts, bluffs on the far bank

Big western rivers (wade fishing)

9′ rod, 5–6 weight, floating line · Rainbow and brown trout, whitefish

Open the checklist

Videos for this water (5)

Watch: reading a trout stream

Seams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

How I Learned to Read Water (Fly Fishing)Embedded from YouTube · Mad River Outfitters · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
How To Read The Water with Tom RosenbauerEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Reading the Water to Successfully Locate TroutEmbedded from YouTube · Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on reading water

Watch: nymphing basics

Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

90° Nymph RigEmbedded from YouTube · Huge Fly Fisherman · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Casting with an Indicator & Better Nymphing TechniquesEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on nymphing

Fish Tales

Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with South Fork Flathead River.

No stories from here yet.

Write the first story Share your day

Sources for this page

Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.

Something wrong?

All 14 sources and dates

A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.

Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge S F Flathead R ab Twin C nr Hungry Horse MT. Water type is our own classification.

S F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT

USGS 12362500 · NWS SFCM8

Good: Good conditions: fish normally

If you're fishing for trout here: 43.2°F now, 43.3°F at most in 24 hours: under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Flow 2,710 ft³/s: above normal for Nov 5, over 102 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
Cold water, 43.2°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Carry a stream thermometer. Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature National Park Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 2,710 ft³/s
Gauge height: 5.93 ft
Water temp: 43.2°F (6.2°C)

Reading Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST · provisional USGS data

Above normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 2,710 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST	2,710	5.93	43.2
Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	42.6
Nov 5, 2:45 PM MST	2,640	5.87	42.4
Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST	2,700	5.92	42.3
Nov 5, 12:45 PM MST	2,700	5.92	42.3
Nov 5, 11:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	42.1
Nov 5, 10:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.1
Nov 5, 9:45 AM MST	2,850	6.04	42.1
Nov 5, 8:45 AM MST	2,780	5.99	42.3
Nov 5, 7:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.3
Nov 5, 6:45 AM MST	2,770	5.98	42.3
Nov 5, 5:45 AM MST	2,710	5.93	42.3
Nov 5, 4:45 AM MST	2,770	5.98	42.4
Nov 5, 3:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	42.3
Nov 5, 2:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.3
Nov 5, 1:45 AM MST	2,610	5.84	42.3
Nov 5, 12:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.3
Nov 4, 11:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.3
Nov 4, 10:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.4
Nov 4, 9:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	42.6
Nov 4, 8:45 PM MST	2,640	5.87	42.8
Nov 4, 7:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.8
Nov 4, 6:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	43
Nov 4, 5:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	43.2
Nov 4, 4:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	43.3
Nov 4, 3:45 PM MST	2,730	5.94	43.3
Nov 4, 2:45 PM MST	2,800	6	43.5
Nov 4, 1:45 PM MST	2,770	5.98	43.5
Nov 4, 12:45 PM MST	2,770	5.98	43.5
Nov 4, 11:45 AM MST	2,800	6	43.5
Nov 4, 10:45 AM MST	2,970	6.14	43.7
Nov 4, 9:45 AM MST	2,730	5.94	43.9
Nov 4, 8:45 AM MST	3,170	6.29	43.9
Nov 4, 7:45 AM MST	2,750	5.96	43.9
Nov 4, 6:45 AM MST	2,730	5.94	43.7
Nov 4, 5:45 AM MST	2,730	5.94	43.5
Nov 4, 4:45 AM MST	2,740	5.95	43.3
Nov 4, 3:45 AM MST	2,710	5.93	42.8
Nov 4, 2:45 AM MST	2,710	5.93	42.4
Nov 4, 1:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.1
Nov 4, 12:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.1
Nov 3, 11:45 PM MST	2,740	5.95	42.3
Nov 3, 10:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.4
Nov 3, 9:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	42.4
Nov 3, 8:45 PM MST	2,700	5.92	42.3
Nov 3, 7:45 PM MST	2,710	5.93	42.4
Nov 3, 6:45 PM MST	2,710	5.93	42.3
Nov 3, 5:45 PM MST	2,740	5.95	42.3
Nov 3, 4:45 PM MST	2,730	5.94	42.1
Nov 3, 3:45 PM MST	2,740	5.95	42.3
Nov 3, 2:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	42.4
Nov 3, 1:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	42.3
Nov 3, 12:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	42.4
Nov 3, 11:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.4
Nov 3, 10:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.4
Nov 3, 9:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.3
Nov 3, 8:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	42.3
Nov 3, 7:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.1
Nov 3, 6:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	41.9
Nov 3, 5:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	41.9
Nov 3, 4:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	41.9
Nov 3, 3:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	41.9
Nov 3, 2:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	41.9
Nov 3, 1:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.7
Nov 3, 12:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	41.7
Nov 2, 11:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	41.7
Nov 2, 10:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	41.7
Nov 2, 9:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	41.7
Nov 2, 8:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	41.7
Nov 2, 7:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	41.7
Nov 2, 6:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	41.9
Nov 2, 5:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	41.7
Nov 2, 4:45 PM MST	2,690	5.91	41.7
Nov 2, 3:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	41.7
Nov 2, 2:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	41.7
Nov 2, 1:45 PM MST	2,700	5.92	41.9
Nov 2, 12:45 PM MST	2,640	5.87	41.9
Nov 2, 11:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.1
Nov 2, 10:45 AM MST	2,670	5.9	42.1
Nov 2, 9:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	42.1
Nov 2, 8:45 AM MST	2,620	5.85	42.3
Nov 2, 7:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.3
Nov 2, 6:45 AM MST	2,700	5.92	42.4
Nov 2, 5:45 AM MST	2,690	5.91	42.6
Nov 2, 4:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.6
Nov 2, 3:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	42.8
Nov 2, 2:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.8
Nov 2, 1:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	42.8
Nov 2, 12:45 AM MST	2,620	5.85	43
Nov 1, 11:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	43
Nov 1, 10:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	43
Nov 1, 9:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.8
Nov 1, 8:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.8
Nov 1, 7:45 PM MST	2,640	5.87	42.8
Nov 1, 6:45 PM MST	2,710	5.93	42.8
Nov 1, 5:45 PM MST	2,670	5.9	42.6
Nov 1, 4:45 PM MST	2,660	5.89	42.4
Nov 1, 3:45 PM MST	2,620	5.85	42.4
Nov 1, 2:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.3
Nov 1, 1:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.1
Nov 1, 12:45 PM MST	2,650	5.88	42.3
Nov 1, 11:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	42.3
Nov 1, 10:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	42.1
Nov 1, 9:45 AM MST	2,620	5.85	41.9
Nov 1, 8:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	41.9
Nov 1, 7:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.9
Nov 1, 6:45 AM MST	2,650	5.88	41.7
Nov 1, 5:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.9
Nov 1, 4:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.9
Nov 1, 3:45 AM MST	2,660	5.89	41.7
Nov 1, 2:45 AM MST	2,620	5.85	41.9
Nov 1, 1:45 AM MST	2,640	5.87	41.9
Nov 1, 1:45 AM MDT	2,620	5.85	41.9
Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT	2,670	5.9	41.7
Oct 31, 11:45 PM MDT	2,640	5.87	41.7
Oct 31, 10:45 PM MDT	2,650	5.88	41.7
Oct 31, 9:45 PM MDT	2,660	5.89	41.9
Oct 31, 8:45 PM MDT	2,670	5.9	41.9
Oct 31, 7:45 PM MDT	2,640	5.87	41.9
Oct 31, 6:45 PM MDT	2,640	5.87	42.3
Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT	2,660	5.89	42.4
Oct 31, 4:45 PM MDT	2,670	5.9	42.4
Oct 31, 3:45 PM MDT	2,670	5.9	42.6
Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT	2,640	5.87	42.6
Oct 31, 1:45 PM MDT	2,610	5.84	42.8
Oct 31, 12:45 PM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.8
Oct 31, 11:45 AM MDT	2,580	5.82	42.6
Oct 31, 10:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.8
Oct 31, 9:45 AM MDT	2,620	5.85	42.8
Oct 31, 8:45 AM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.6
Oct 31, 7:45 AM MDT	2,620	5.85	42.6
Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.4
Oct 31, 5:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.1
Oct 31, 4:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	41.9
Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT	2,530	5.78	41.9
Oct 31, 2:45 AM MDT	2,530	5.78	41.9
Oct 31, 1:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	41.9
Oct 31, 12:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	42.1
Oct 30, 11:45 PM MDT	2,560	5.8	42.1
Oct 30, 10:45 PM MDT	2,580	5.82	42.3
Oct 30, 9:45 PM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.3
Oct 30, 8:45 PM MDT	2,550	5.79	42.3
Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT	2,550	5.79	42.3
Oct 30, 6:45 PM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.4
Oct 30, 5:45 PM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.6
Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT	2,550	5.79	42.8
Oct 30, 3:45 PM MDT	2,600	5.83	42.8
Oct 30, 2:45 PM MDT	2,570	5.81	42.8
Oct 30, 1:45 PM MDT	2,550	5.79	42.8
Oct 30, 12:45 PM MDT	2,570	5.81	43
Oct 30, 11:45 AM MDT	2,580	5.82	43
Oct 30, 10:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43
Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT	2,550	5.79	43.2
Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	43.2
Oct 30, 7:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.2
Oct 30, 6:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	43.2
Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	43.3
Oct 30, 4:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.3
Oct 30, 3:45 AM MDT	2,570	5.81	43.3
Oct 30, 2:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.3
Oct 30, 1:45 AM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.2
Oct 30, 12:45 AM MDT	2,580	5.82	43.2
Oct 29, 11:45 PM MDT	2,580	5.82	43.2
Oct 29, 10:45 PM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.2
Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT	2,560	5.8	43.2
Oct 29, 8:45 PM MDT	2,580	5.82	42.8
Oct 29, 7:45 PM MDT	2,560	5.8	42.8
Oct 29, 6:45 PM MDT	2,600	5.83	43
Oct 29, 5:45 PM MDT	2,620	5.85	43

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 737–2,580 ft³/s (middle half of 102 years of record). Now: 2,710 ft³/s, above normal.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 157 ft³/s, highest 10,500 ft³/s.

Steady over 24 hours (+0.7% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

NWS observed 5.93 ft stage, 2,710 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST (NWS gauge SFCM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

NWS has not set flood categories for this gauge.

NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 8:42 AM MST. Highest point: 5.89 ft, 2,660 ft³/s on Nov 5, 11:00 AM MST.

NWS forecast, highest value each day
Day	Stage	Flow
Thu, Nov 5	5.89 ft	2,660 ft³/s
Fri, Nov 6	5.89 ft	2,660 ft³/s
Sat, Nov 7	5.88 ft	2,650 ft³/s
Sun, Nov 8	5.87 ft	2,640 ft³/s
Mon, Nov 9	5.83 ft	2,590 ft³/s
Tue, Nov 10	5.79 ft	2,550 ft³/s
Wed, Nov 11	5.75 ft	2,500 ft³/s
Thu, Nov 12	5.7 ft	2,440 ft³/s
Fri, Nov 13	5.66 ft	2,400 ft³/s
Sat, Nov 14	5.66 ft	2,400 ft³/s

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 43.2°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 43.3°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
“Giving a hoot”, Montana Outdoors (July–August 2024) (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks) Drought and fishing (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)

Species

This gauge is on our page for South Fork Flathead River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

Cold water. Water 43.2°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

South Fork Flathead River

Today on the South Fork Flathead River

Limited data: Not enough data: no water temperature or flow statistics here

What this level means general guidance

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Species

Safety

Good: Good conditions: fish normally

What this level means general guidance

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Species

Safety

Follow South Fork Flathead River for flow alerts

Where to fish

South Fork Flathead River on the map

Restrooms near South Fork Flathead River

1Restroom

2Restroom

3Restroom

More water near South Fork Flathead River

Regulations

The water on the map

Public land along it

Guides and shops near South Fork Flathead River

Guides

3 shops nearby

Species and hatches

When the bugs come off

Plan your stay

Fishing lodges nearby

Getting there

Plan a trip here

Gear checklist

Big western rivers (wade fishing)

Watch: reading a trout stream

Watch: nymphing basics

Fish Tales

Sources for this page

Limited data: Not enough data: no water temperature or flow statistics here

What this level means general guidance

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Species

Safety

Good: Good conditions: fish normally

What this level means general guidance

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Species

Safety

Plan your stay

Fishing lodges nearby

Getting there

Restroom

Restroom

Restroom