They say anglers used to catch nearly 30 cutthroats a day between 15 and 20 inches. There will be plenty of opportunities to try out the superb fishing, and well take some time to wander through the beautiful Ponderosa Parks, for opportunities to possibly see wildlife and soak in the scenery. Jim Klug photo. The Middle Fork has an average gradient of about 35 feet per mile, which translates to punchy Class III-IV rapids on earlier trips and boulder garden rapids during lower flows. WRO operates under special recreation permits on BLM land. The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's Dr. Ross Boucek explains what pharmaceutical and chemical runoff and pollution could mean for Florida's shallow-saltwater gamefish. We will need to have our gear ready either that evening or very early the next morning (especially if youve chosen to use horse support). Each trip is tailored to the desires of the guests, but generally we will be on the water a total of 5 or so hours each day (give or take a couple of hours), broken by a lunch stop and any other side adventures. 1 of 2. 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. 0. 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. After the trip: 2021 with WRO on the South Fork of the Flathead in MT was the best yet and given that we've rafted with them several times over the past decade or sothat's saying something. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. To reach the trailhead, turn onto Holland Lake Road from Highway 83 and follow the signs. We usually start floating when the sun hits the water each day and arrive in camp late afternoon. Examples in Kalispell include Sportsman's Warehouse, REI, or Cabellas. I once encountered someone who hit a pothole and broke an axle while driving late at night. WRO will happily do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions at no additional cost! They talk about bull trout spawning over the last 50 years in the Great Bear. Anglers should be stealthy when casting to native cutthroats, but finesse is rarely required. Below the dam, the river only runs for 5 miles. Rich Ranch Most travelers to the wilderness complex do not come here to fish. Will it rain? If we camp above the gorge and do not raft it, we will arrive at Mid-Creek takeout and there will be a three mile hike to the Meadow Creek trailhead, which takes about an hour. If possible, long duffle bags are preferred for packing gear in. Contact us to ask about your child age and river dates. How, where, and when do we get our fishing licenses? Email: [emailprotected] Day 1: We will make packed lunches at the Rich Ranch. All Rights Reserved. While most of our other trips can get to the put-in at the river by vehicle, we must use packing outfitters to break down all of our river and personal gear to be packed in by a mule string. The Ultimate Backcountry Flyfishing Expedition. Healthy and nutritious options are always available, and meals always include fruits and vegetables (sourced locally when we can). We've already booked 2022.ALASKA! The South Fork of the Flathead River is a major river in Northwestern Montana. Camped out along the South Fork Flathead River. Several other trails that follow both sides of the river and connect to additional access points intersect at this location. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River was a major part of the inspiration for the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the strongest protection a river in the United States can have. If I did not book the fishing-specific trip, can I still fish? Copyright 2023 Wilderness River Outfitters. Once in the interior, a person can spend months traversing the 2000 miles of trails that criss-cross this vast wilderness area. 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. Sprawling more than 1.5 million acres, the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex (known to locals as the Bob), which also includes the Great Bear Wilderness and the Scapegoat Wilderness, is perhaps the wildest location in the lower 48 states. Copyright 2017 Montana River Outfitters - Site by. Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? This is truly one of North America's great camp-float adventures. Learn to tie the versatile Hare's Ear with master tier Charlie Craven. This is because if they break, it is very disruptive to the mules, and can cause a whole mule crash. *This story was originally titled "Glacier's Borderlands: Do-it-yourself adventures on the North and Middle forks of the Flathead.". The most popular place to start a backcountry South Fork float trip is at the confluence of the Young's and Danaher rivers. Prior to this modification, all water released came from the bottom of the dam where the water was coldest. Our sleep kits consist of a "Therm-a-rest" pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a pack-able pillow, and a ground cloth. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. This is in addition to the local wildlife that can make any trip an interesting and memorable experience. During September, October, and even November, South Fork cutthroats eat everything that floats over their snouts as they gear up for a long winter. River in Flathead NF, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Rocky Mountains in Hungry Horse, MT. WRO operates under National Park Service contract in Glacier Bay. Others are disappointed by the size of the fish they're catching and blame increased pressure and catch-and-release mortality on the decline. 0. The scenery is spectacular, as the river flows through a pristine and remote wilderness. Site identification number Each site in the USGS data base has a unique 8- to 15-digit identification number. Hopefully, the catch and release restrictions wont bother you since you catch and release all fish anyway! Chartered trips must pay for the entire slot to reserve the trip, which minimum number of guests vary depending on the river you are interested in. Charlie Craven is giving step by step instructions for tying the Perdigon Fly. Manoeuvre the raft through 9 different rapids by following the simple paddle commands of the guide. We have experience working with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, etc. Floating the South Fork of the Flathead River is perhaps one of the finest floats anyone can do in the lower 48. Big and plenty, these native fish average 12-20 inches. Spey fishing is a unique way to fish for bull trout in the Flathead. With the hood down, the vehicle is a prime target for packrats. Summer temperatures in Montana can fluctuate dramatically in a 24-hour period, from freezing at night to 70-90's the next afternoon. It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. Is there a place to store our non-river luggage while were on the river? We often have dinner together, and you will spend this first night at the Rich Ranch lodging. The final night is a celebration of our amazing adventure around a roaring campfire. 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. We will provide transportation from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch the day before your trip is scheduled to begin. USGS. How does the bathroom system work during the trip? 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. 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. WRO operates under special recreation permits on BLM land. This cold water pretty much killed off the fishing in the South Fork below the dam during the summer, and greatly affected the aquatic hatches on the main stem of the Flathead as well. What happens if someone gets sick or injured? In addition, due to the new regulations regarding watercraft inspections, please be sure that you are following the Montana Fish and Wildlife regulations and have your watercraft inspected before dropping it off to us for packing. Operating in the Bob Marshall Wilderness since 1932. The river is loaded with bulls in the early fall when they run upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir, but anglers can't intentionally fish for them between August 15 and the end of the season. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. The hour-and-a-half-long drive should be taken at moderate speed. The nose-diving U.S. economy has persuaded many families in recent years to put costly and exotic vacation plans on hold . When fishing for bull trout use short 0X to 2X leaders and sinking-tip lines. We stop for a short lunch break but do not provide food or drink. We travel 6 to 10 miles a day through spectacular backcountry and most routes include one day of uphill climbing. It's a river offering a return to our fly-fishing infancies when camping and camaraderie, incredible scenery and seclusion, and catching nave trout on bushy dry flies was more paramount than the opportunity for a 20-incher. Backpacking gear is 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. Explore Scenic Floats Multi-Day Rafting Trips Set off on the ultimate whitewater experience down the Middle Fork or North Fork of the Flathead River. The best patterns for bull trout represent sculpins and cutthroat trout. (What you will eventually pack into your river day bag. Other than those words of caution, the North Fork Flathead River is a wonderful river to float. Our South Fork Flathead fishing trips allow for the reservation of small fishing-frame rafts that fit two people and a fishing guide. Trail 110 begins approximately two miles from Holland Lake (take TR 415 to TR 42 from the trailhead). Learn to tie Barr's Damsel with master tier Charlie Craven. 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. And it runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. The Meadow Creek Trail follows the rim of the Meadow Creek Gorge for the first three miles. Please be mindful of this when making up your gear for the trip. Rafts typically take one and a half pack animals, two rafts take three pack animals, and max load weight per pack animal is 150lbs. We discourage bringing any unnecessary valuables on your trip. 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. Absaroka River Adventures, Absarokee Absaroka River Adventures The road also has a reputation of being hard on tires, so make sure you have a good full size spare or two. Usually we would reach the river mid afternoon the second day camping at the river the second night. 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. We are located under the giant log arch on the south side of US Highway 2, 1/2 mile west of West Glacier. To simply reach the interior of the Bob frequently requires hikes or horse packs of several days. You will be responsible for the cost of lodging and dinner here that is not included in the WRO trip cost. Temps for Trout: How to Catch Fish that Behave Hot n Cold, 2021 Fly Fisherman Father's Day Gift Guide, How to Remove Wind Knots and Snarls from Leaders and Tippet, Managing Menhaden: The Most Important Fish in the Sea, Pharmaceutical Pollution Threatens Florida's Shallow-Water Fish, Finding and Catching Trout in Mountain Lakes. If you park at the trailhead for an extended foray into the wilderness, pop your vehicle's hood and leave it up. Operating under permit with the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The Bob Marshall Wilderness covers more than 1 million acres and is home to the South Fork of the Flathead River. Yes, we do normally change campsites every day. The Bob is not a National Park, where a traveler is likely to bump into countless hordes of people wandering its trails. WRO operates under special use permits on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests. Phone: (406) 677-2317 The fishing we will do is primarily inside of our fishing rafts, and you will not need waders. The drop float trip prices are one-way. Please be mindful of this when planning your gear for the trip. We will have lunch on the trail that is pre-packed in the morning, and camp on the trail the first night after around 16 miles. Seldom does a particular hatch demand a specific imitation. The South Fork is open under Montana's general fishing season, which begins the third Saturday in May and closes November 30. While most anglers wade-fish the South Fork, floating is an option. The Flathead River itself is over 200 miles long from its northernmost point to where it meets the Clark Fork River northwest of Missoula. Back to daydreaming of beautiful Montana 2021 with WRO on the South Fork of the Flathead in MT was the best yet and given that we've rafted with them several times over the past decade or sothat's saying something. In some cases, introductions were illegal, and these include such sites as Coeur d'Alene Lake, Idaho; Keyhole Reservoir, Wyoming; and Beaver Creek Reservoir, Bitterroot River, and Flathead River, Montana (McMahon and Bennett 1996), and lakes in Alaska (Bell, personal communication). 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. And cooking fish, especially over an open fire, produces a powerful aromaan aroma that grizzly bears just love. Catching a South Fork bull trout will be a lasting memory for any fisherman. They also keep you warmer when wet. | Lastly, the trail through Pyramid Pass (TR 416) connects to a trail that follows Youngs Creek (TR 283, 141, and 125) to the junction of Danaher Creek. Comfort is essential to having fun! Jul 31, 2014 Updated Aug 5, 2014. Being in shape for riding will make your ride more enjoyable, especially the first day. If I lived anywhere close to the area, I know I'd be in there every summer. For the first two days, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. June 30- July 5th: Spend Fourth of July with WRO! However, we do recommend that you leave any unnecessary valuables at home. Our sleep kits consist of a Therm-a-rest pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a packable pillow, and a ground cloth. You will need IGBC Approved coolers for food storage. The distance from the Dam to the trailhead at Meadow Creek Pack Bridge is about 50 miles, which takes about two hours. Yes, we almost always have a campfire every evening and morning. Fishing pressure is very low in the wilderness area compared to virtually any other Montana river. Backpack or let the horses carry your gear and wear only a light daypack. I spell all of this out in the contract as well. Montana also has the option to purchase a fishing license just for the time you are on the river. Regardless of where you enter the Bob, the South Fork is a wade fishermans dream. After meeting your trip leader and the other guests, we will drive as a group from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch, which is about a two hour drive. The whitewater is thrilling with a series of class III and IV+ whitewater. Synthetic materials are lightweight and dry much quicker than cotton. If there is an odd number in your group we will not make you share a tent with a stranger. Our max load per pack animal is 150 pounds. We have other wilderness and backcountry trips too, so call soon to reserve your dates on these pristine and permit only wilderness waters. Learn more about these fun boats. 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. However, this route requires you to ascend the North Fork of the Blackfoot (TR 31 to TR 32), cross Dry Fork Divide, and then follow Danaher Creek (TR 126) to the junction with Youngs Creek. The scenery on the ride portion of the trip is spectacular. The South Fork of the Flathead, located in the heart of theBob Marshall Wilderness, is a horsepack in/float out trip of 5-7 days, putting you over feisty Cutthroats to 22 and Bull Trout to 15 pounds. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. March 29, 2021 By Ben Romans. You will head to the trail the next morning (the official starting date of your trip) and start the hike or pack in. . Nighttime temperatures, even during the short summer months, frequently plummet below freezing. Half-Day Scenic Float Full-Day Whitewater With Riverside Lunch . The fishing we will do is primarily inside of our fishing rafts, and you will not need waders. What will I do with items I need accessible during the day or on the boat? How old does my child have to be to participate? Yes, we do normally change campsites every day. 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. To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. This bag should be plenty large enough for everything listed on our suggested packing list. Just got off the South Fork of the Flathead with WRO. What size and type of sleeping pad does WRO provide? 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. If you are interested in a drop trip for camping or backpacking, the cost would be doubled for pickup and return. All photos (174) Half Day Scenic Float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River By Glacier Raft Company 311 reviews Recommended by 99% of travelers from $94.88 per adult Check availability Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation Ages 2-99, max of 45 per group Duration: 2h 30m Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket The last day includes a casual float and fishing from the boat. Face and body wipes also work well for helping stay clean. Can I stay at a different hotel than your recommended options before the trip? 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. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. Greg Thomas is the former Fly Fisherman western editor and the author of five books. South Fork Flathead River upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir. And not a single service will be found, so bring whatever you need, as you wont be able to buy something if you forget it. We can have it ready for you to purchase or rent when you arrive. We ride over a mountain pass and through alpine meadows flourishing with wildflowers, before dropping into the headwaters of the South Fork. From this point, you can float another 18 scenic miles to Hungry Horse Reservoir. Each fishing boat will carry one or two fishermen with a professional fishing guide and a fishing-specific standing frame. Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse. You will need to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the night before your launch date at the Rich Ranch. Carry bear spray and store food in airtight containers hung from trees away from camp. 65 miles from the origin to Hungry Reservoir and almost all of it flows through remote wilderness. Occasionally hiking members can pack a few beers on their personal backpack, but one can imagine we need to keep these quantities limited. With near freezing water no longer flowing through the river during the middle of the summer, insect hatches have improved significantly on both the South Fork and the main stem of the Flathead River. 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. While the river is deep in spots, the river should pose no challenges to the alert wade fisherman. Everyone is issued a waterproof day bag to carry items you will need access to during the day while on the river. The natural elements in the Bob should not be taken lightly. Each day will be different, with varying options for hiking, exploring, swimming, fishing, and great lunch stops. Rates are $300 per animal for both riding and pack animals. Extend your river adventure with three to four days of North Fork Flathead River Rafting. Almost everyone walks out the 3 miles from mid creek to meadow creek trailhead. Subscriber Services. Synthetic materials are lightweight and dry much quicker than cotton. East of Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork Flathead River lies the drainage basin of the Middle Fork River. It's a long journey to get there. Learn to tie Harrop's Hairwing Dun with master tier Charlie Craven. Michigan has a bunch of river called "Black" but when you add brook trout plus fly fishing in the same paragraph your talking about the "Black River" in Otsego County. Up until reaching Meadow Creek Gorge 40 miles later, described later, the river presents no special challenges to a rafter. Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness. The Bob Marshall is one of the most beautiful and beloved wilderness areas in all the US. The initial climb is moderately steep, making this route more suited for horses, but once through the pass, the trip to the river is scenic and enjoyable. Most of the guides also use Venmo. A floater reels in a 12-inch cutthroat trout from the emerald green water of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in Montana's Great Bear Wilderness Area in . 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. Unless you want to carry a raft out of the wilderness, make arrangements in advance to pick up your gear on a predetermined date. Applications are free from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell or online. A variety of car rentals are available should you decide to visit Glacier National Park before or after your trip. We generally suggest 12 years old as a minimum for this particular trip due to the length of the hike/ trail ride and the possibility of running Meadow Creek Gorge. One excellent float is between Big Creek and Glacier Rim, a float of about 13 miles. Rain is always possible, but trips earlier in the season are more likely to see precipitation and/or cooler temperatures than mid to late summer trips. We do not provide any food or drinks for any part of the trip including the ride in. Yellowstone, Lahantan and perhaps other subspecies have been stocked in Arizona (Minckley 1973). If they feel inclined to tip packers or wranglers it is a nice gesture but not expected. We can provide all the rental equipment that you may need from rafts to breakdown frames to tents. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. We will need to have our gear ready either that evening or very early the next morning (especially if youve chosen to use horse support). Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. (1-406-755-6123) in Kalispell. 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). Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip! You will also catch fewer small fish because the large flies are difficult for small fish to inhale. They also keep you warmer when wet. The guides can help carry and heat up some water if needed. 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. The rugged area includes the landscapes of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas. 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