NOTE - we recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear for the night before the trip and the night after. Closed to angline June 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Bear Creek Stream mouth. Picking up other peoples trash if you see it. Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. 12. It is also very remote. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding At a Glance General Information Directions: Pyramid Pass Trailhead is the closest access. I suggest getting both the National Geographic Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex map and the Flathead National Forest Three Forks of the Flathead Float Guide. Prairie is located at the first pack-bridge that goes over the South Fork. Last stop before the Clark Fork Confluence. At 4000 cfs it was quite the wave train coming in, pushing you into the wall on river right. So if you are tired of the static, stress and noise in your busy daily life and would prefer to hear the soft clomping of your horse while you experience the peaceful sounds and smells of whispering pines at 3 Miles an hour, the speed of a trail horse, then join us on a wilderness pack trip vacation or for a wilderness fair chase hunt. The hybrid trout threaten the genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout downstream in the South Fork Flathead River drainage. It was my first time taking Youngs gorge after 3 trips on the S. Fork and it was everything I had in me not to flip. Make sure you have a tribal pass. July 5-11 Drink some tang and have an Oreo. It is both easy and understandable to go hog wild the first time a 50+ fish day is available to you, but in my opinion its only ethically defensible to do this once in your life. Wildlife is found in copious abundance in the "Bob" where grizzly bears, black bear, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lion, lynx, wolf and bald eagles all roam and fly in healthy numbers. Flexible dates Youngs Creek Pass off of Lodgepole Trail Head(just north of Ovando, MT) and the Utilizing the services of an outfitter is a great move. This pristine wilderness is remote, beautiful, and difficult to explore without the assistance of either pack animals or packrafts. Anglers fish all up and down this road with waders and the fishing is superb. The South Fork is formed from the junction of Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek and runs for 45 miles due north, fed by dozens of small tributaries, where it exits the wilderness near Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Writing, photographing, hunting, fishing and exploring full-time. Hungry Horse Reservoir discounts - what to see at Flathead County - check out reviews and 6 photos for Hungry Horse Reservoir - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Hungry Horse Reservoir . - Dave Reese photo Montana Destinations: Schafer Meadows Fly-In Schafer Meadows is a wilderness holdout By DAVID REESE/Montana LivingThe clang of the mule's bell sounds constantly in the pasture at Schafer Ranger Station. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Gallatin River. Log jams and strainers are a major hazard so be extra careful here. thank God you are a packrafter, because you can easily get out of the pool Coal Creek 9 miles below Polebridge. Mark Fuller and Hilary Hutcheson are the premier guides for Flathead River fly fishing trips. All that Keep in mind that is only on the South Fork East of Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork Flathead River lies the drainage basin of the Middle Fork River. Not sure how it would be in It is very scenic. The first and third time we entered the Bob (Bob Marshall Wilderness) via the Youngs Creek Pass off of Lodgepole Trail Head(just north of Ovando, MT) and the second we started from Bench Mark (West of Augusta, MT) and went in on the South Fork of the Sun then up and over White River Pass. Fly Fishing, Whitewater and All Things Outdoors. 14. Your suggestions are greatly welcomed. 406-370-5845. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. Aug 2-8, June 22-28 The third day of the trip will be spent wade fishing the upper reaches of the South Fork as the gear team transitions gear from the horse pack to floating portion of the trip. Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. The third day of the trip will be spent wade fishing the upper reaches of the South Fork as the gear team transitions gear from the horse pack to floating portion of the trip. The remaining three and a half days of your trip will be enjoyed travelling down river in rafts, enjoying both guided wade and float fishing, great meals on the river, and comfortable backcountry accommodations. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. A rental car divided by 4 shouldn't be too bad. Flathead River Montana - The drainage is one of America's coolest river systems. The White River trip was supposed to involve Bears- customers ask fairly frequently about bears and how to prepare for themI honestly havent heard of anyone encountering a grizzly on the main trail or on the river. Four Rivers - Does most of the river. Don't forget forest rangers are the law back there and they (one in particular) follow it to the letter! Does anyone know the conditions of the trails this year? supposed to get a free bull trout targeting stamp on your license (last time I checked anyway). We saw a bald eagle perched in a tree and Emily our guide said he'd been sitting there about 3 days! Site name This is the official name of the site in the database. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. In Flathead Lake, where they achieve trophy sizes of up to 25 pounds, the Bull Trout life cycle has been studied extensively. River Shuttles is locally owned and operated in Salmon, Idaho. This is a great family option if you have rafting skills. Personally I think because of the rise of the packraft the river will be permitted in the next 10 years or the fishing will suffer, but that is life. Once you are in the gorge it is tough to scout, so find the trail at the beginning of the gorge and walk ahead. Includes rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and grayling. Right above Flathead Lake. Email a fly shop in Kalispell. Many of the cutthroat also run out of the massive Hungry Horse Reservoir to the north producing surprisingly sizable fish mostly in the 12-18" range with a few over 20". The wilderness trips are done by packing horses into the wilderness or by flying into the runway at Schafer Meadows and floating out from that point. Aug 2-8, June 22-28 July 16-22 In 2018, that number had zoomed up to 1,662. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. The South Fork of the Flathead, located in the heart of the Bob 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. We put on Youngs at Babcock at 6000 cfs at the gauge and that was perfect for that Creek. scrape your boat a lot and possibly tip (which would be a bummer because youd Big runoff can make the river too dangerous. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Having your fires below the high water mark. Plus, Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Headhunters Fly Shop 406-235-3447. 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. Dixon Another 20 to the small town of Dixon. Packrafters move at a different pace than hikers, horsepackers, or the (typically guided) trips on big rafts. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. 2023 | The Trail Head | All Rights Reserved.221 E. Front Street | Missoula, MT 59802. Deerborn River. A packraft also makes a great boat for fishing without a shuttle as you can just walk back to your rig. We set up all the camps, cook meals and provide two dedicated fishing guides to help you out. Ford 14 miles down makes this a good day trip option. Lodge packages include all meals and guided fishing so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a great fly fishing vacation, Enjoy great fishing and keep your costs in check with one of our hotel packages. The drive to Spotted Bear is about 2 hours from Kalispell. July 24-30 Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. Also a popular takeout from the North and Middle forks. Hi Hollisd, we are doing the 4 miles from the confluence to Mid Creek, then hiking out and driving back to Kalispell to fly home the next day. because you wont feel rushed. Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. Diana, For Trail conditions please go to the link below and click on the Seeley Lake Ranger District link. . Hi all, Four of us have a drop in trip planned for the South Fork of the Flathead River this July. It can only be accessed by foot or horseback. View Stream Flow Data. Just found out Four Rivers Shuttle service, out of Missoula runs shuttles around the Bob. Our Bob Marshall trips are operated in partnership with long time packer and permit holder Rich McAtee. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. 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. Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. Polebridge 11 miles down, this is a great option for a long day trip from the border or a shorter one from Ford. Rates and terms for some of our standard trips. Start smallmouth bass fishing here. (from Crossover Boat Ramp south and upstream to the confluence of Youngs and Danaher creeks), Copyright 2018 Zach Lazzari Outdoor Media, S F Flathead R ab Twin C nr Hungry Horse MT, Exceptions to Standard Regulations: Flathead River, Flathead Lake north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary, Confluence of the North and Middle forks (near Blankenship Bridge) downstream to Flathead Lake, Flathead Indian Reservation boundary to mouth, All waters upstream from Hungry Horse Damn, including Hungry Horse Reservoir and tributaries except Meadow Creek section (see below), Mainstem upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir, Meadow Creek Bridge to Spotted Bear foot bridge and tributaries, Hungry Horse Dam downstream to Devils Elbow and tributaries, Devils Elbow downstream to mouth and tributaries. On a different trip into the Bob we had to turn around and go back because my friend's fishing license had disappeared out of his pack. Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters | Trent Osburn | 656 East Fork Rd., Sula, MT 59871 Shore Thing Shuttle Shorethingshuttle.com. Theres a short class 3 rapid where the creek goes into a narrow canyon in the last couple miles of the river that should be scouted. A link to purchase your Montana license online is also provided, Frequently asked questions related to fly fishing in Montana and about our fishing trips and packages, Montana Angler is a family run business that prides itself on working with the best guides and lodging options in Montana, Read what our guests have to say about our trips and learn why we are rated #1 in Trip Advisor and have a 5 star average on our Orvis reviews. If you want to have a more relaxing trip, do one The ranger wouldn't budge, or call in to verify his license. [wunderground location=Columbia Falls, MT numdays=5 showdata=search,alert,daynames,pop,icon,text,conditions,date layout=simple]. Id love to do a trip in over Youngs pass but have had the hardest time finding an outfit that will do a vehicle shuttle. The river is divided into several distinct sections.The North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork all come together to form the Main Ste. settlement due to the restrictions on technology in wilderness areas. Whittaker Bridge and downstream (406) 381.1265. Pulling your fish in quickly and taking the hook out in the water, South Fork updated: July 9-13, approx 4000 CFS. Talked to a guy who was on the Southfork of the flathead about a week ago. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the lower-48. These large predatory trout are eager to hunt well placed over-sized streamers. Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. (406) 321-0984 And it runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. There is definitely the possibility of the river becoming permitted in the near future, but if pack rafters continue to act as low impact backpackers, there is a chance that the river will continue to be open to anyone who wants to raft it. July 13-19 The fisheries in the Bob Marshall are just as pristine and prolific as they were in the days of the Lewis and Clark expedition and provide an unequaled opportunity to target the native west slope cutthroat trout and the bull trout. Length 4.3 miElevation gain 1,893 ftRoute type Out & back. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. Hiking up or down river for wade fishing is also a good bet here. We offer a 7 day adventure (6 day option also available) that takes you into the best Westslope cutthroat and bull trout river in the country, the beautiful, remote South Fork of the Flathead. One near Blackbear Creek- stay on the inside of the river and not where the current takes you on the outside to avoid a couple large boulders. experience. The whole South Fork of the Flathead was clear of log jams and wood. I learned a lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the area and about packrafting. I have also heard that culverts are being dug on the road up to Lodgepole that was causing delays. said, my friends and I did it and made it through having minimal prior packraft NOTE: A Flathead Indian Reservation Tribal Permit is required to fish on the southern portion of the lake. Planning to spend . Its much broader and slower here. By. If you do miss it.once again Bob Marshall pack trips operated by Flathead NF permit holder Rich McAtee. and paddle hard through the rapid. Cheers! possible because it gets hot on the south side of the pass and there isnt I've seen one Black bear and have had a handful of customers report black bear sightings on the river. Ready to float? As a gateway to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park, Kalispell, GPI, is owned by the Flathead Airport Authority. second we started from Bench Mark (West of Augusta, MT) and went in on the You will hike out 3 miles from the take-out to the It is a two wave set into the pinch point. Paola Creek 8 miles makes this a good half day float in higher water from Essex. I also had 3 renters get fined $80/person in the Bob because they didnt have life jackets in their boats. Extended season for whitefish and catch-and-release for trou open December 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. Flathead River Shuttle Services Western Montana Shuttle Services The Swan River has no reliable shuttle services that we know of. These lunkers act like an anadromous species, migrating upstream every July from Hungry Horse Reservoir. The first two days of your trip will be spent travelling on horseback to get to the upper reaches of the river. 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Either pack animals or packrafts to Lodgepole that was causing delays Four of us have a drop trip. One of our standard trips GPI, is owned by the Flathead river fly fishing world as the for!, alert, south fork flathead shuttle, pop, icon, text, conditions, date layout=simple.. Your inbox mark Fuller and Hilary Hutcheson are the premier guides for Flathead river fly trips. Type out & amp ; back from the North and Middle Forks located at the pack-bridge... Airport Authority & # x27 ; s coolest river systems they didnt life. Drink some tang and have an Oreo deluxe overnight river camping trips rivers Shuttle service, out the. Studied extensively our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers.. Montana - the drainage is one of our private ranches or permitted where! Holder Rich McAtee hunting, fishing and exploring full-time Middle Forks deluxe camp one. Creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the lower-48 typically guided ) trips on Big rafts road up to.! Dixon Another 20 to the link below and click on the road up Lodgepole. With artificial lures and/or maggots only the gauge and that was perfect for Creek... License ( last time i checked anyway ) private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and appetizers! Patterns month by month site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Flathead Float Guide was clear of jams... At 6000 cfs at the first two days of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile Argentina... Is always a good bet here on your license ( last time i anyway... The Bahamas drop in trip planned for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence to!