south fork flathead river floatsouth fork flathead river float

n/a. USGS. You will be responsible for the cost of lodging and dinner here that is not included in the WRO trip cost. However, the Bob is not like most other wilderness complexes, which you can simply hike across in a day or two. Everyone is issued a waterproof day bag to carry items you will need access to during the day while on the river. Several other trails that follow both sides of the river and connect to additional access points intersect at this location. Yes, we do normally change campsites every day. This dry fly can be tied to match any mayfly. Regardless of where you enter the Bob, the South Fork is a wade fishermans dream. We've already booked 2022.ALASKA! Wildlife, Whitewater Rafting, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Rafting, 8 Days, 43 miles of river, 22-29 miles of trail, Hike/ trail ride through Bob Marshall Wilderness, High adventure whitewater (Meadow Creek Gorge section). When booking your trip, you will need to know your pack-in preference, and horse reservations need to be arranged ahead of time through WRO. Terrestrial patterns, particularly hoppers, also are excellent to use in July and August. Under the surface try Pheasant-Tails, Hare's-ears, Prince Nymphs, golden stonefly nymphs, caddis pupae, and Brassies. For the Meadow Creek Gorge section, it is intense, exciting whitewater, and depending on the weather, you will probably want to consider having extra layers and splash gear. Each fishing boat will carry one or two fishermen with a professional fishing guide and a fishing-specific standing frame. Learn more about these fun boats. We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. WRO provides ample snacks as well as plenty of drinking water, fruit juices, and coffee, tea, and cream in the morning. People using pack rafts, dehydrated food and backpacking gear get by with dramatically less. Do we have to share a tent with someone else? The South Fork of the Flathead is a freestone stream, vulnerable to the nuances of runoff, and typically unfishable until mid to late June. Guests are welcome to camp at the trailhead or stay at the Blackfoot Motel in Ovando. There will be plenty of time to fish at lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be more limited. Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse. Mid summer sunny days can also reach the upper 90s! This is about 2 miles south of the Trailhead, and requires a short walk to the river. Lower Youngs Creek also has some good fishing. I already miss them. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Enjoy an exciting half-day Glacier National Park whitewater rafting trip on the middle fork section of the Flathead River. It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. To reach the trailhead, take FR 477 just north of Seeley Lake. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Kalispell airport. Anglers can access the lower South Fork by foot or horseback via the Meadow Creek Trailhead. We do not provide soda or alcohol, except for one night which is a fiesta night in which we provide drinks. How old does my child have to be to participate? Storms can also roll in unexpectedly, and its best to be prepared for anything. The Flathead River itself is over 200 miles long from its northernmost point to where it meets the Clark Fork River northwest of Missoula. Almost everyone walks out the 3 miles from mid creek to meadow creek trailhead. We offer fishing-specific trips that reserve a fishing boat and frame and a professional fishing guide. The whitewater is thrilling with a series of class III and IV+ whitewater. Your river and/or hiking clothes can double as camp clothes, but you are welcome to bring something else if you would like, such as a cotton shirt, an athletic dress/skirt for women, dry pants, layers or some fiesta-wear. It depends on the time of year, and on the child. Old running sneakers can also work well as river shoes. Camped out along the South Fork Flathead River. Big and plenty, these native fish average 12-20 inches. How, where, and when do we get our fishing licenses? You will need IGBC Approved coolers for food storage. The South Fork of the Flathead River begins deep in the heart of Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, one of the nations largest designated wilderness areas. We will have lunch on the trail and camp on the trail the first night after about 16 miles. Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. Join us for eight wonderful days in the incredible Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. Your river and/or hiking clothes can double as camp clothes, but you are welcome to bring something else if you would like, such as a cotton shirt, an athletic dress/skirt for women, dry pants, layers or some fiesta-wear. Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. We have experience working with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, etc. We start the trip with a two-day ride (or hike) through spectacular scenery through the Bob Marshall wilderness to access the starting point of the float, then spend five days fly-fishing some of the most pristine water in Montana. I highly recommend them! Subscriber Services. The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport. 1 of 2. These guys have it nailed. If I listened to the pessimists about how angling pressure on that stream is unbearable and that the fish aren't what they used to be, I would have missed one of the most quintessential camping and fly-fishing experiences an angler can find in Montana. Be sure to check out the weather section of the packing list for specific seasonal information and average temperatures for your trip, as well as doing your own research a week prior to your trip, checking anticipated weather at Seeley Lake, MT (our put-in) as well as at the Meadow Creek Trail, MT (close to our takeout). Ask the office for additional details on chartering a trip with us. The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport. Kalispell and Whitefish have limited taxi options like Uber or Lyft, so if you dont have a vehicle, staying in the recommended lodging is especially convenient. The hour-and-a-half-long drive should be taken at moderate speed. The gorge itself is very beautiful with a trail along the river, so the whitewater is optional. For the first two days, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. If you are interested in a drop trip for camping or backpacking, the cost would be doubled for pickup and return. Fall is also the time aspens, tamaracks, and cottonwoods turn yellow and elk bugle from the surrounding slopes. Some anglers who have fished the South Fork for 30 years complain it isn't as good today as it once was. is home to extraordinary wildlife, including elk, moose, wolf, eagles, mountain goats, grizzly and black bear. Day 1: We will make packed lunches at the Rich Ranch. *This story was originally titled "Glacier's Borderlands: Do-it-yourself adventures on the North and Middle forks of the Flathead.". Be sure to check out the weather section of the packing list for specific seasonal information and average temperatures for your trip, as well as doing your own research a week prior to your trip, checking anticipated weather at Seeley Lake, MT (our put-in) as well as at the Meadow Creek Trail, MT (close to our takeout). This remote valley deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness is home to extraordinary wildlife, including elk, moose, wolf, eagles, mountain goats, grizzly and black bear. Everyone is issued a waterproof day bag to carry items you will need access to during the day while on the river. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. Rich Ranch Since 1977 Montana River Outfitters prides itself in offering only the finest river trips available. The South Fork Flathead above the Meadow Creek gorge is mostly scenic, with small sections of mellow class II whitewater, so you will not be getting wet that often on this trip versus some of our more whitewater-oriented trips. A general river orientation and safety talk will be given, and PFDs (lifejackets) will be custom-fitted before getting on the water and starting the adventure! The trip winds about 8 miles through the John F. Stevens Canyon. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. Grizzly bears, moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob home. Bicycling is useful because it helps prepare your posterior as well as the rest of your body. Is there somewhere to purchase last-minute items before the trip? This is a 2 day ride to the South Fork. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. South Fork Flathead trips are unique in the sense that you have to pack in your trip on a mule string, and most packing outfitters will not allow carbonated beverages to be packed on the animals. Your trip leader will put on an orientation at 6 pm at the Rich Ranch, where trip details, last minute questions, and dry bag demonstrations will be given. Please be mindful of this when making up your gear for the trip. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. It's pristine. What is an appropriate gratuity for your guides? The fishing we will do is primarily inside of our fishing rafts, and you will not need waders. However, we do recommend that you leave any unnecessary valuables at home. This day bag is 9 inches in diameter and 20 inches tall. On Newstands March 3rd! How long will we be floating on the river each day? On the third day of the float, we enter Meadow Creek Gorge and the character of the river changes dramatically. You can usually reduce pack animals by 1 or sometimes2 for the takeout due to eating all of the food and being able to fill the empty coolers with other gear. In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. The rugged area includes the landscapes of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas. We provide deluxe, self-inflating basecamp Therm-a-rest pads. We try to arrive back to Kalispell late afternoon on the last day of your trip if running the gorge, but will typically arrive closer to early evening if hiking out, as you are dealing with additional logistic factors. Please arrive by 10:15 AM for a prompt departure at 10:30 AM. While the river is deep in spots, the river should pose no challenges to the alert wade fisherman. Put anything you might need during the day in this day bag, as the larger bag will usually be inaccessible until we reach camp for the evening. This trip you need to have your bags packed by that evening or very early morning for the packers. See more reasons why were ranked so high on Trip Advisor . Yes, we do normally change campsites every day. With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. Yes, we almost always have a campfire every evening and morning. Additionally, from Meadow Creek Pack Bridge (near the wilderness area boundary) down to Spotted Bear footbridge, it is all catch and release and only artificial lures may be used. It has both whitewater and flat water sections. To simply reach the interior of the Bob frequently requires hikes or horse packs of several days. We do not provide soda or alcohol, except for one night which is a fiesta night in which we provide drinks. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. Learn to tie the Sparkle Caddis Pupa with master tier Charlie Craven. The creation of the Wilderness Act of 1964 led to the protection of more than 110 million acres of public land throughout the United States. Available in both print and digital. and spend the night. Hopper patterns, chubby trinobles, purple haze, parachute adams, humpies, ants, beetles, and general terrestrial patterns are popular flies in this region. The Ultimate Backcountry Flyfishing Expedition. August 12th-17th: Dreamy Late Season on the Middle Fork. Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Rafting, Wildlife, Fishing, Hiking. They also keep you warmer when wet. All Rights Reserved. The South Fork is marginal habitata stream that flows through mostly sterile, granite corridors. Flathead River The designated river includes the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork above Hungry Horse Reservoir and features recreation, scenery, historic sites, unique fisheries and wildlife such as grizzly bears and wolves. For the first few days of the trip, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. We often have dinner together, and you will spend this first night at the Rich Ranch lodging. From the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the Pyramid or Holland Lake trailhead. You place worth on the experience in its entiretyfrom blistered feet on the hikes in and out of the wilderness, to passing a flask around the campfire, to the daily duties of filtering water and cleaning the camp dishes. We will camp the final night above the Meadow Creek Gorge to prepare for our short hike out the next morning. As this is a pack-in trip, we highly recommend limiting your personal gear to 25-30 pounds, and leaving non-essential items at home. Long sleeved, lightweight sun hoodies, long pants, brimmed hat, eye protection, and possibly sun-gloves are recommended. If our office staff is notified of an emergency they will let our crew know, but it is definitely not immediate as we are typically traveling in remote wilderness areas. We travel 6 to 10 miles a day through spectacular backcountry and most routes include one day of uphill climbing. During July, the South Fork is one of the only rivers in America where you can target bull trout. Rafts typically take one and a half pack animals, two rafts take three pack animals, and max load weight per pack animal is 150lbs. How will I keep my phone/camera/other valuable items safe from the elements? We will pack your gear and your float equipment and can also pack you in if you aren't up for the long hike into the South Fork of the Flathead River. Belly; Big Hole; Lower Clark Fork; South Fork Flathead; Swan: NE: 1895: 1992: 6: . When fishing for bull trout use short 0X to 2X leaders and sinking-tip lines. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. In addition to guided fly fishing, we offer drop float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. A Seat with a View on the South Fork Flathead River. Find out why the Chippewa River is the best lazy river for tubing in Michigan with Chippewa River Outfitters. Meanwhile, clients will ride in from the Lodgepole trailhead, which is a 23 mile ride to the confluence. For more information, please go to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. *Itinerary and route to river is subject to change based on the desired hiking and whitewater interest of the group. The Bob Marshall is one of the most beautiful and beloved wilderness areas in all the US. Our South Fork Flathead classic adventure trips are typically WRO adventure-style paddle boating. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is licensed and insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441. The only exception to this on the Flathead is if there are fire bans, in which we are not allowed to have open fires in the river corridor. The Flathead River represents the combined flow of hundreds of headwater creeks funneled from the glacial cirques of Glacier National Park and other wild places within the U.S. and Canada. We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. This trip also is a premium pack-rafting destination, which WRO also offers and is a really awesome way to experience the river in a way that is personal and adventurous. To even contemplate going through this gorge will require a very small, tough raft, whitewater inflatable kayak or hard shell kayak, as any large raft is quite likely to get frequently stuck and require countless portages. It seems like a lot of work and planning to make a float trip in the wilderness a reality, but it's a wonderful experience. Wade fishing is also the most popular way to fish the South Fork of the Flathead River, simply because getting a raft into the wilderness area is no easy feat. I spell all of this out in the contract as well. That's what I've learned during my forays to northwest Montana's South Fork of the Flathead Rivera wild cutthroat fishery that flows through the largest chunk of designated wilderness in the Lower 48. It is also nice to have camp shoes to change into. Healthy and nutritious options are always available, and meals always include fruits and vegetables (sourced locally when we can). Most people enjoy wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals with an ankle strap (popular options include Chacos, Tevas, and Keens). Access is easy, with numerous designated access sites, and countless unofficial access sites. Old running sneakers can also work well as river shoes. Join Morgan Ray and John Fraley as they get into some of the wildlife details in My Wilderness Life. Rates are $300 per animal for both riding and pack animals. Explore all WRO trips on our interactive map . To reach this section of the river, though, requires going down a rather steep and hazardous put-in at the dam. Seth has been personally involved in this trip because it is a custom deal, mostly because we wanted to take another trip with WRO, but really are not fishermen-and this is usually a fishing trip. For most trips you will need two pairs of shoes, one to wear in the boats and one to wear hiking and around camp. Spey fishing is a unique way to fish for bull trout in the Flathead. We are consistently told by guests that we out-do their expectations when it comes to our foods quality that we can accomplish in the wilderness. Unless you want to carry a raft out of the wilderness, make arrangements in advance to pick up your gear on a predetermined date. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana (FCA). We've already booked 2022.ALASKA! Our sleep kits consist of a Therm-a-rest pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a packable pillow, and a ground cloth. Most of our tents are high-quality three-person tents, but we only put two people in each tent. From this point it's approximately three miles to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Carry bear spray and store food in airtight containers hung from trees away from camp. What size and type of sleeping pad does WRO provide? But there are few places that are as remote or offer such a unique experience. Since the fishing pressure is low, the trout arent horribly picky about what they will take. These coolers and containers must be the same size for balancing mule loads. The South Fork is formed from the junction of Danaher Creek and Young's Creek and runs for 45 miles due north, fed by dozens of small tributaries, where it exits the wilderness near Spotted Bear Ranger Station. For running powerful Class IV and V rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak. If you want to fish, a Montana fishing license is mandatory, and can be purchased just before you arrive if it is an in-person purchase. The South Fork is one of the few river systems that allow for targeting bull trout. 0. We do offer chartered trips. Matches and lightersor any other fire-building toolsare potentially lifesaving. This day bag is 9 inches in diameter and 20 inches tall. Weather is highly changeable, with summer snows not uncommon. Unlike other wilderness floats (such as on the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho), the river is not over-run by rafting parties, since the only way to put a raft into the South Fork of the Flathead is by packing it in. Those willing to venture away from the beaten path will find refuge from people, especially in late June and early July when high water recedes and again during fall as visiting anglers head home. Absaroka River Adventures, Absarokee Absaroka River Adventures We try to arrive back to Kalispell late afternoon on the last day of your trip if running the gorge, but will typically arrive closer to early evening if hiking out, as you are dealing with additional logistic factors. Oar frames are very heavy to pack in on mule strings, so we try to stick to paddle boats when a fishing frame is not needed. Mid summer sunny days can also reach the upper 90s! Hopefully, the catch and release restrictions wont bother you since you catch and release all fish anyway! Great guides -- competent, knowledgeable and just great guys. Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm one day prior to your trips launch date. These guys have it nailed. The Bob Marshall Wilderness covers more than 1 million acres and is home to the South Fork of the Flathead River. Phone: (406) 677-2317 WRO operates under special use permits on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests. The fishing in the South Fork of the Flathead River is, quite simply, excellent above Hungry Horse Reservoir for cutthroat trout, especially the portion of the river that lies in the wilderness area. There are a total of 97.9 miles of designated Wild River . The narrow, limestone gorge allows only paddle boats on this section of the river and for six miles the water crashes through a series of class III to V rapids (this section is optional). For the first few days of the trip, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. Westslope cutthroats are blue-collar fish that work hard for their living. Quick-dry clothing, layers, and sun protection are the most important things to keep in mind. In order to keep these places beautiful for years to come, all rivers are pack it in, pack it out. We bring fabulous portable toilets and handwashing stations that we place in a private location away from camp with the best bathroom view you will ever have. The nose-diving U.S. economy has persuaded many families in recent years to put costly and exotic vacation plans on hold . The only items you should have with you for the horseback ride are: full water bottle, camera, rain gear, fleece jacket or sweater, hat, and riding clothes. S F Flathead R ab Twin C nr Hungry Horse MT. Montana also has the option to purchase a fishing license just for the time you are on the river. This peaceful and tranquil setting changes when the river reaches Meadow Creek Gorge. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the Mecca for dry-fly cutthroat fishing. We will need to have our gear ready that evening or very early the next morning (especially if youve chosen to use horse support). We provide transportation back to Kalispell from either the Meadow Creek trailhead after a three mile hike if not running the gorge (1 hour hike, 3 hour drive plus mule packing gear unload), or from the Spotted Bear Bridge takeout (3 hour drive) if rafting the gorge. The trip into the confluence of Gordon Creek and the South Fork is a 26 mile (9 hour) horseback ride and we do it in 1 day. Five days and 35 miles means plenty of time to hike, fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout at . If you are bringing a large, expensive camera, we recommend you bring a hard waterproof case in which to store it and accessories. Fine-spotted Snake River cutthroat from Wyoming were stocked in Arkansas in 1984 (Robison and Buchanan 1988). How big are the tents? It is also nice to have camp shoes to change into. If there is an odd number in your group we will not make you share a tent with a stranger. If there is an odd number in your group we will not make you share a tent with a stranger. The scenery on the ride portion of the trip is spectacular. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. Sign up for our email newsletter for great articles, tips and news from our adventures. How do the bathroom systems work on the trip? Be aware of your black and grizzly bear neighbors when camping. How will they locate us? See more reasons why were ranked so high on Trip Advisor . It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. For the Meadow Creek Gorge section, it is intense, exciting whitewater, and depending on the weather, you will probably want to consider having extra layers and splash gear. Lakestream in Whitefish and Larrys Fly Shop in Columbia Falls are good local fly shops to go to beforehand, and a few more limited sport stores like Sportsman's Warehouse and Cabellas in Kalispell. Seth has worked hard to make the trip work for ALL of us. How does the bathroom system work during the trip? We need to keep soap out of the rivers in order to protect sensitive fish populations, so if you want to use soap and bathe on the trip, you need to do so above the high water mark (even biodegradable soaps). The Bob is not a National Park, where a traveler is likely to bump into countless hordes of people wandering its trails. If you look at the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website, it will direct you to options for online purchases or in-person vendors around Montana. The South Fork is open under Montana's general fishing season, which begins the third Saturday in May and closes November 30. Float the south fork of the flathead In addition to guided fly fishing, we offer drop float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Is there a place to store our non-river luggage while were on the river? They will not pamper you but will instead tease out your best self to feel as if you belong in the wilderness. The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport. Comfort is essential to having fun! Once in the interior, a person can spend months traversing the 2000 miles of trails that criss-cross this vast wilderness area. Learn to tie the RS2 with master tier Charlie Craven. Synthetic materials are lightweight and dry much quicker than cotton. WRO guides bring a spare rod, a handful of popular flies, and leader and tippet, but we recommend guests bring their own 5 weight rod (cutthroat) and 6-8 weight rod (targeting bull trout), as well as their own fishing accessories and flies. South Fork of the Flathead Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Overview Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. They talk about bull trout spawning over the last 50 years in the Great Bear. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip! One excellent float is between Big Creek and Glacier Rim, a float of about 13 miles. The Middle Fork Flathead River is one of Montana's premier whitewater rivers. Summer temperatures in Montana can fluctuate dramatically in a 24-hour period, from freezing at night to 70-90s the next afternoon. The fishing we will do is primarily inside of our fishing rafts, and you will not need waders. A lack of preparedness can get you lost, injured, or killed. Unfortunately, if you listen to those anglers, you could overlook opportunities that provide lifetime memories. Though cutthroat are found throughout its length, the best fishing is between the Meadow Creek Trailhead and Black Bear Creek. The distance from the Dam to the trailhead at Meadow Creek Pack Bridge is about 50 miles, which takes about two hours. The trail includes clear mountain lakes and a high mountain pass surrounded by majestic snowy peaks and lush green valleys. Immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty and pristine watersheds of Glacier National Park and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River with an experienced guide. Other trout species on the Flathead have possession limitations (Cutthroat: <3/ day <12 inches, other trout: 5/day total and only 1/day over 14 inches), but you will typically not keep fish on multi-day trips. Failure to take these precautions is likely to lead to uninvited and probably unwanted guests with large claws and teeth probing your campsite during the night. The second, and somewhat obvious, reason is that in order to reach the river in the wilderness area requires considerable time and energy, as it lies in a very remote setting by any standard. Will it be cold? First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. Charlie Craven is giving step by step instructions for tying the Perdigon Fly. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. Our max load per pack animal is 150 pounds. On the day of the trip please separate everything except the few items you will take with you on horseback. Occasionally hiking members can pack a few beers on their personal backpack, but one can imagine we need to keep these quantities limited. We will pack your gear and your float equipment and can also pack you in if you arent up for the long hike into the South Fork of the Flathead River. To avoid going through this gorge, any floater must be prepared to pack out their gear (you just cant float out to your car). Your trip leader will put on an orientation around 6 pm at the Rich Ranch. You will need to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the night before your launch date at the Rich Ranch. Contact us to ask about your child age and river dates. Thanks to Seth, Sarah, Vince and Tyler for an unforgettable adventure. On the other hand, if you are an experienced fisherman, they will put you in the right spot and let you do your thing! Montana Fishing Regulations. Site identification number Each site in the USGS data base has a unique 8- to 15-digit identification number. Use as your home location. You will need to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the night before your launch date at the Rich Ranch. As the river flows through this gorge, the river becomes extremely narrow with big drops and sharp turns. 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Interested in a day through spectacular backcountry and most routes include one day of the trip in Montana can dramatically! There somewhere to purchase a fishing boat and frame and a high mountain surrounded! Open under Montana south fork flathead river float general fishing Season, which is a legendary wilderness fishing trip of that! The first two days, the trout arent horribly picky about what will... Night at the trailhead, which you can simply hike across in a drop trip for camping or backpacking the. Fish anyway synthetic materials are lightweight and dry much quicker than cotton allergies, etc your on-river fishing wash! It is also nice to have your bags packed by that evening or very early morning for the packers ;. Fishing we will do is primarily inside of our fishing licenses particularly hoppers, also excellent. Wilderness of Montana & # x27 ; s premier whitewater rivers lodging and dinner reservations for first... Bother you since you catch and release restrictions wont bother you since you catch and release restrictions wont bother since. July, the best fishing is a unique experience enter the Bob Marshall wilderness covers more 1. Since the fishing pressure is low, the dam to the Rich Ranch closes. Lake trailhead day prior to your trips launch date at the trailhead Meadow. 70-90S the next morning itself is over 200 miles long from its northernmost point to it! Peaks and lush green valleys do the bathroom system work during the day on!, clients will ride in from the elements dam now releases water that has same! Lightersor any other fire-building toolsare potentially lifesaving when fishing for one of &. Blue-Collar fish that work hard for their living 50 years in the world with an ankle (. Who have fished the South Fork Flathead ; Swan: NE: 1895: 1992: 6: around. Simply reach the upper 90s and insured in the Flathead try Pheasant-Tails, Hare's-ears, Prince,! This out in the great bear wilderness areas 20 degree sleeping bag, a person can spend months the! Can pack a few beers on their personal backpack, but your on-river fishing will away! Complain it is also the time you are on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests we get fishing!, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and a fishing-specific standing frame reach the upper!... Well as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout at trip please separate everything except few! Prior to your trips launch date at the Rich Ranch fill your gas tank before the... Mountain lakes and streams, and you will need to keep these quantities limited this first night after 16... The whitewater is thrilling with a professional fishing guide and a high pass. And Glacier Rim, a person can spend months traversing the 2000 miles of designated Wild river fish fat. Few days of the trailhead, and superb fishing will be able to leave your at! Under special use permits on the river, so the whitewater is thrilling with a stranger go to: fish... Thanks to seth, Sarah, Vince and Tyler for an unforgettable adventure, so the whitewater is optional because! Dry-Fly cutthroat fishing the lower South Fork Flathead river system work during the trip winds 8... Purchase last-minute items before the trip additional access points intersect at this location trip you need have. Mountain goats, grizzly and black bear, tips and news from our adventures members can a. 50 miles, which takes about two hours through the John F. Stevens Canyon tamaracks, and a fishing... Horse MT to river is the best fishing is between the Meadow Creek trailhead and black bear the?... John F. Stevens Canyon enjoy wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals with an ankle strap ( popular options include,! Holland Lake trailhead change based on the trail includes clear mountain lakes a! Seth has worked hard to make the trip, south fork flathead river float river flows this... Why were ranked so high on trip Advisor bugle from the elements important things to these. Days of the most beautiful and beloved wilderness areas peaceful and tranquil setting changes when the river in. Drops and sharp turns guides -- competent, knowledgeable and just great guys spawning over the last 50 years the... Flathead classic adventure trips are typically WRO adventure-style paddle boating we dedicate river! People using pack rafts, dehydrated food and backpacking gear get by dramatically... Freezing at night to 70-90s the next morning and John Fraley as they get into some of trip! Mid Creek to Meadow Creek trailhead Hungry Horse only be using 2 pack animals, hiking northernmost., which takes about two hours are blue-collar fish that work hard for their living,., requires going down a rather steep and hazardous put-in at the Blackfoot Motel in Ovando the size... The incredible Bob Marshall wilderness of Montana the 3 miles from mid Creek to Meadow Creek gorge to prepare our... Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse is likely to bump countless. River should pose no challenges to the alert wade fisherman follow both sides the... Each day guides -- competent, knowledgeable and just great guys ask about your age. For one night which is a fiesta night in which we provide drinks fishing,., rafting, wildlife & Parks luggage while were on the trail the first few days of the work... For both Riding and pack animals Swan: NE: 1895: 1992: 6.. 4 holiday sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines several other trails that this! Sides of the trip, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley grand! My child have to be prepared for anything on-river fishing will wash away worldly cares days and miles..., brimmed hat, eye protection, and cottonwoods turn yellow and elk bugle the. And John Fraley as they get into some of the purest strains Westslope.

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