Fishing Report, July 1

Recent heavy rains just gave the valley a serious soaking and completely blew out the main stem of the Flathead. While it looks like chocolate milk right now, this is actually a massive blessing in disguise. This big push of water is resetting the channels and pulling a huge wave of fresh fish up into the entire system. While we wait for it to drop, our crew isn’t sitting on their hands—we are shifting gears and diverting trips to our highly productive local lakes, the Clark Fork and Blackfoot, and hitting some excellent smaller wade-fishing options.

The main river is already on the backside of the spike, and we expect the Flathead to clear up into shape by July 3 or 4—just in time for a phenomenal holiday weekend. Here is how we are playing the conditions across our systems right now.

Fishing Report, Whitefish

Flathead River (Whitefish)

Status: Dirty & Dropping | Flow: 29,200 CFS | Temp: 51°F

The Flathead took the brunt of the recent storm, spiking up to 29,200 CFS and cutting visibility down. It’s offline for the next 24-48 hours, but this high water is a massive net positive that will pay dividends for the rest of the summer.

• The Fresh Fish Push: This heavy inflow acts as a giant reset button… More cold water in the system and a fresh push of trout from the lake. Once the river drops and clears around July 3 or 4, these fresh fish will be looking straight up. Large foam attractors, stonefly imitations, and bright Chubbies in the soft pockets, tailouts, and eddy lines where trout can feed comfortably out of the main current push.

Fishing Report, Kalispell

Local Lakes & Small Stream Wade Options

Status: Clear & Highly Productive

With the big rivers dealing with runoff, our local stillwaters and smaller, high-gradient streams offer the perfect safety valve. They clear up days before the main stem and are providing some of the most consistent action of the week.

• The Stillwater Escape: Our local valley lakes are fishing great. The Northern Pike are aggressively hunting the shallows, making for a thrilling sight-fishing option with large, flashy baitfish patterns. For trout, suspending a balanced leech under an indicator along the structural drop-offs is an absolute cheat code right now while the wind-wave action makes the drift.

• Small Stream Wade Fishing: For anglers who want to get in some clean water, get out of the boat and stretch their legs, we have diverted some trips to a smaller river about an hour from Kalispell.  This is classic, stealthy pocket-water fishing. A simple nymph rig or dry-dropper rig fished trout that didn’t get the memo about the rain.

Guided Trips 

At Montana Fishing Guides, we don’t just sell time on a boat—we deliver a premium, stress-free experience from the moment you first pick up the phone until the final handshake at the end of the day. We cut out the guesswork so you can focus entirely on having a fun day on the water.

Top-Notch Customer Service, Everywhere

We build our entire operation around your convenience. From booking logistics and customized timing to organizing high-end gear and a great lunch, we sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to. Our office team and on-the-water guides are fully synced to ensure your trip runs flawlessly, adapting in real time to your schedule, preferences, and anything else that may pop up.

100% Beginner & Family Friendly

You don’t need a lifetime of casting experience to have a banner day with us. We absolutely love teaching and introducing people to these waters. Our guides are remarkably patient, encouraging, and specialized in breaking down the mechanics of the sport without any pressure. Whether you’re a complete first-timer, a child picking up a rod for the first time, or a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune a technique, we tailor the entire day to your exact pace.

The Montana Fishing Guides Promise: No attitude, no empty promises, and zero compromised quality. Just a great team dedicated to giving you the best customer service and the most fun day possible on the water.

Our phone is on 24/7—call 406-233-9001 to book your next trip with the crew!