Flathead, North Fork

I first wrote about this stretch and the rapids. First to mention the 'pour over' that should be named the 'Ledge' it is changed somewhat this season. The river forces you to go right above the ledge as the gravel bar stretches that way. Alert floaters will move back left as soon as they can. It is not very visible from upriver. It as runnable (at 2000 CFS) if you pick a soft spot and keep your boat straight. It was just run by a friend in a whitewater canoe.

The polebridge takeout has changed configuration with the flow into the takeout. The takeout is very difficult at this time with this flow. Many people in oar'd rafts are missing the take out and some are flipping. Small crafts do much better. Missing will require a moderately hard portage. Scout the take out before putting on. Also, launching here in a raft (>14') is a challenge.