Fly Fishing the Flathead River

FLY FISHING THE FLATHEAD RIVER: ADVENTURES AT THE EDGE OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK  
By Sharon K. Kurtz

Glacier National Park in Montana had always been on my bucket list. Despite visiting many national parks, I had never made it to Glacier. The timing felt right because I’m at a point in my life where I want to experience all the things I’ve dreamed of trying, and fly fishing was one of them.

ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Travel writer Sharon Kurtz shares her fly fishing and outdoor adventures with Pursuit Glacier Park Collection. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.

The Middle Fork of the Flathead River, bordering Glacier National Park, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and exceptional rafting and fishing opportunities. But what truly sets it apart for a fly-fishing float is the thrill of navigating rapids, adding an adventurous twist to the experience amidst breathtaking wilderness.

Pursuit Glacier Park Collection invited six travel writers to West Glacier to learn the art of fly fishing. Our home base was Glacier View House at Paddle Ridge, a luxury log cabin perfect for multi-generational families or friends.

West Glacier Village
West Glacier Village is the scenic western gateway to Glacier National Park. Access to West Glacier Village is easy, with Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell just 30 minutes away.

It offers essentials, including a grocery store, upscale dining at Belton Chalet, and Freda’s, known for its excellent beer and good eats. The village’s main attraction is its proximity to the park. It is a perfect starting point for exploring the Going-to-the-Sun Road and spots like the Trail of the Cedars, an epic hike along the rushing Avalanche Creek.

Fly Fishing Adventure
Our fly-fishing adventure began at Glacier Anglers and Outfitters, a bustling hub for rafters and anglers. With a team of about 70 guides, it is one of four with special permits from the US Commerce Service to operate on the Flathead River. We started with a half-day Intro to fly fishing, where we learned about rods, flies, knots, and the proper casting technique. The excitement was palpable as we practiced casts at nearby ponds, the anticipation of our Flathead River adventure building with each successful cast.

Since four of us had never been fly fishing, our entrée to casting was a fun and sometimes comical learning experience. I worried about being the weak link in our group. Still, the general manager, Mike Cooney, reassured us, “The fish are plentiful and hungry. They like to eat, so you don’t have to be an expert. We have some exceptional guides here. They are on a first-name basis with most of the fish out there. ”

Venturing onto the Flathead River
The next day, we met at the Glacier Anglers Fly Shop to buy our Montana fishing licenses and prepare for our Flathead River trip.

From Paddle Ridge, it was a 30-minute drive to the Paola Creek entry point. The Guides loaded our transport with gear and lunch, and soon, our rafts were floating, ready for our 12-mile journey along the Flathead River.

Surrounded by the beauty of Glacier National Park, we tested our new skills. Our group of six was divided into three rafts, each with two anglers and a guide. Stacie Rains, one of the few female guides on the Flathead, navigated our raft.

The Flathead River showcased deep green and blue hues, with clear water revealing multi-colored stones on the bottom. We floated through mild rapids and narrow passages bordered by rocky cliffs, spotting mountain goats, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.

Mastering the Art of Fly Fishing
Fly fishing on the Middle Fork was a tranquil experience. The art of casting brought a meditative quality to the day. Stacie guided us in refining our technique, teaching us how to adjust our casting position to make the fly mimic the natural movement of insects on the water’s surface.

The guides rigged our lines using a dry dropper method that combined a dry fly that floated on the water and a second small nymph tied to the dry fly and trailing under the water. They called this a two-for-one rigging.

The sign of a fish on the line was incredibly subtle. I did manage to catch (and release) a native steelhead trout, which was a thrilling experience despite its modest size. I only hooked that one fish because I was so captivated by the stunning surroundings that I kept missing the telltale signs of a bite. At least, that’s the story I told my friends and family.

Embracing New Adventures
Fly fishing on the Middle Fork was an unforgettable adventure. It was challenging yet fun and rewarding. It offered a unique way to connect with nature, reminding me of the value of stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new opportunities.

Sharon Kurtz is an Austin-based freelance travel writer and award-winning photographer. She is passionate about exploring the world and sharing her experiences through captivating storytelling, and Big Blend Radio podcast, “Wander the World with Sharon.”  She is an active member of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and The International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Follow her travels on https://sharonkkurtz.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz

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