Surging CFS Levels Shake Up the Middle Fork Flathead

Surging CFS Levels Shake Up the Middle Fork Flathead

November 24, 2025 by Angela Montana
Montana Fishing Reports

Because of recent heavy rain and rain-on-snow events in the mountains, as of November 22nd, the Middle Fork Flathead River spiked to several thousand CFS last week and is still running above average, which has displaced fish and made fishing more difficult. According to the latest Orvis fishing report, although the river is slowly dropping this week, improving visibility, anglers should remain cautious of woody debris and avoid wading until flows decrease further, as conditions remain hazardous even for experienced waders. Fish are more likely to be found in slow eddies during this period, and many anglers have been successfully targeting whitefish on the main stem. Glacier Anglers, an Orvis-endorsed guide service, notes these conditions in their latest 5-day outlook.