The northwestern portion of Montana (Glacier Country) contains the vast majority of water held in the state, which makes for an ideal summer vacation spot as there are a plethora of locations to escape the summer heat. Countless rivers... not really "countless", but we'll go ahead and use that for the sake of argument... many lakes, accessible by road and some hidden deep in the mountains, and plenty of waterfalls to be sought out. Enjoy the clean, clear water of Montana, and please help us to keep it that way.

Visit the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks website for a complete list of rivers and access sites.

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Region 1

Flathead River

The Flathead River is a unique glacial river consisting of three different branches: the North, South, and Middle Forks. These forks combine to form the Flathead River. Originating from glacial run-off, the rivers run extremely cold, especially the South and Middle Forks.

Middle Fork of Flathead River

The Middle Fork originates in the Bob Marshall (Great Bear section) Wilderness and flows approximately sixty miles northwest, eventually creating the southwest boundary of Glacier National Park. Special Regulations and Wilderness Regulations apply to this river. The Middle Fork is one of the most dangerous of the three forks. Its rapids are classified from a 3 to 5 in most areas. Choosing to float this river on your own without first experiencing it with a guide is an idea you should think twice about. Tight turns, crashing and tumbling white water, and dangerous chutes do exist. Although it may seem too much to bother with, it is one of the most popular of the three forks for both fisherman and adventure seekers. The Middle Fork like the North Fork -- is very beautiful and runs clear with outstanding scenery.

North Fork of Flathead River

The North Fork of the Flathead originates in Canada and flows south along the western border of Glacier National Park. Special Regulations apply to this river. This medium size river is a beautifully clear stretch of water.

South Fork of Flathead River

The South Fork of the Flathead River begins deep in the heart of Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, one of the nation's largest designated wilderness areas. Due to the fact that the South Fork of the Flathead River starts deep in the wilderness area and flows for more than 40 miles through the heart of the complex, simply getting to the South Fork is an adventure in itself. Backpacking gear will be needed for the angler without a horse to fish the South Fork above the Hungry Horse Reservoir, as the only access to the river is by trail.

Swan River

Totaling a length of 92 miles, the Swan River originates at Swan Lake in the Swan Valley. Flowing through stands of pine forest and cottonwood, the river occasionally offers views of mountain ranges on both sides of the river as it flows down the valley.

Region 2

Bitterroot River

Running north from its source south of Hamilton, the Bitterroot River travels 84 miles before it pours into the Clark Fork River west of Missoula. Navigable from the confluence of its East and West forks to the confluence with the Clark Fork, the Bitterroot is not a large river, and runs along Highway 93 as it travels through the valley. This proximity to the road makes many points along the river very accessible to floaters, rafters and anglers.

Blackfoot River

A snow and spring-fed river, the Blackfoot begins in Lewis and Clark County at the Continental Divide, roughly 10 miles northeast of Lincoln. A locally favorite river because of its rafting, canoeing and inner-tubing opportunities. The Blackfoot is fast, cold and can become quite deep in many spots. Accessible at varrying points along Highway 200 going east out of Bonner/Milltown area east of Missoula.

Clark Fork River

Most notably popular because of the Alberton Gorge stretch west of Missoula, the Clark Fork river runs west until it empties out in Lake Pend O’reille in Northern Idaho. The river runs approximately 360 miles and is the largest river in Montana by volume carried. Many access points are available along I-90 traveling east or west.

Clearwater River

At 46 miles long, the Clearwater is a mellow stretch near the Blackfoot River along Highway 83. Flowing out of Salmon Lake and emptying near Harpers Lake, there is whitewater to be had, but not a difficult trip by any stretch of the imagination.

Rock Creek

Montana's Rock Creek is located in the Lolo National Forest outside of Missoula near Clinton. These waters flow through a narrow canyon with shallow riffles, fast runs, undercut banks, isolated channels, vegetation mats, deadfall structures, boulders the size of cars and holding pools. Most popular for fly-fishing, there are many access points along the roughly 30 mile dirt road that skirts parts of the creek.

Region 3

Kootenai River

Originating in British Columbia, Canada, the Kootenai flows 485 miles into northwest Montana and through the towns of Libby and Troy. It continues into Idaho and back into Canada where it empties out into Kootenay Lake. The river is held back by Libby Dam, creating Lake Koocanusa, a 90-mile long reservoir that provides excellent trout fishing.

Thompson River

Beginning at the outlet of Upper Thompson Lake and almost immediately flowing through two more lakes, Middle and Lower Thompson Lakes. The Thompson River cuts through a marshy area before continuing on for roughly 50 miles before ending at its confluence with the Lower Clark Fork River. A gentle river with slow to moderate current except during high flow. Narrow in its upper reaches and resembling more of a creek, it picks up width and volume from a number of tributary streams making it more friendly for float fishing.