The Flathead River is a premier fishing destination in northwestern Montana, beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park and flowing southward through the Flathead Valley. The river system consists of three main forks—North, Middle, and South—which converge to form the main Flathead River. This pristine waterway, characterized by crystal-clear, glacier-fed waters, flows into Flathead Lake (the largest freshwater lake in the western United States) before continuing southwest past Kerr Dam (now SKQ Dam) and eventually joining the Clark Fork River. The Flathead River system is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring stunning mountain backdrops, and offers excellent opportunities for anglers seeking native trout species in a wild, natural setting. The river's 219 miles were designated as Wild and Scenic in 1976, highlighting its ecological and recreational importance.