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. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. Even hitting multiple access points on the same river can be helpful with a car never mind the post-fishing ice cream, beer, dinner run. July 24-30 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. July 16-22 Upper South Fork Flathead River drainage, in Upper Youngs Creek. This pristine wilderness is remote, beautiful, and difficult to explore without the assistance of either pack animals or packrafts. Start smallmouth bass fishing here. Another convenient day trip float. In Flathead Lake, where they achieve trophy sizes of up to 25 pounds, the Bull Trout life cycle has been studied extensively. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. Sometimes paying a small fee is just easier than figuring out the logistics of multiple vehicles, hitchhiking, etc. Purchase online. The South Fork Flathead attracts lots of fishermen with small inflatables, and some with big rafts. 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". Trail is 2 miles east of trailhead. Planning to spend . Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana into Flathead Lake. We were two families, with 2 vehicles, so we did our own shuttle. Thanks! Includes rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and grayling. *Due to the nature of the business, these numbers are subject to change without notice. There were springs above the rocks on the other side of the river, and there was the constant sound of dripping water from that side. If you have specific questions please feel free to contact me. There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: It is very scenic. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. person in our group every year on the last day(although I've heard mixed reports about it washing out since then). Keep in mind that is only on the South Fork July 5-11 you paddle hard. To the southeast, The Continental Divide, marks the border of the range. We don't often do this, but in this case, if your going to fish the upper section of the river, we recommend you use an outfitter. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. If you know what to do before , during, and after a flood you can increase your chances of survival and better protect your property. Didnt see another human soul, but some of the deeper pools had hundreds and hundreds of fish. Extended season for whitefish and lake trout from December 1 through the third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. I've heard there was some significant blow down on the pass in 2019 and I'm not sure how much of it got cleared on the trail by the end of the season. We put on Youngs on the 12th at the next water crossing below Babcock below a large log jam. Bob Marshall pack trips operated by Flathead NF permit holder Rich McAtee, MT Outfitter #33514. I know there are companies that will shuttle your vehicle around for you. Wilderness access You will need to hike or horse pack a good 25+ miles regardless of trailhead choice here. Just found out Four Rivers Shuttle service, out of Missoula runs shuttles around the Bob. 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. The ranger wouldn't budge, or call in to verify his license. In 2018, that number had zoomed up to 1,662. Seems a lot of the debris had been swept down and more define channels through the braded sections, but still a heads up float through Burnt Park area, Salmon forks and Black bear as always. All that Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. The Bob Marshall wilderness complex (Bob Marshall, Scapegoat and Great Bear Wilderness areas) offers over 1.5 Million acres of forests, mountains and crystal clear streams and rivers, and was Americas first ever designated wilderness area. He talks about the hike in sections as well as everything that can be floated. South Fork Flathead Watershed Westslope Cutthroat Trout Conservation Program, Annual Report 2002.. United States: N. p., 2003. This is just the start of your day in the wilderness that will include a variety of activities from adventure to relaxation. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a truly remote stream. Log jams and strainers are a major hazard so be extra careful here. While bull trout numbers in other fisheries are low where they must compete with non native trout species, they are still healthy and robust in the South Fork. Packrafters move at a different pace than hikers, horsepackers, or the (typically guided) trips on big rafts. Get away from it all on our extensive network of private access waters. This river cuts through the middle of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering unbelievable dry fly fishing for cutthroat, and streamer fishing for bull trout. It was really shallow and we had to portage around and over a few logs. 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. Ben Romans Helpful resources: Bob Marshall Wilderness Map and Flathead River Guide. Seems like a great place to meet a bear. After the gorge and confluence, we didn't have to portage again. Typically this is a 900lb capacity per flight including guests and gear. The white river was also runnable and was pretty much clear of wood. much of the trip you are 30 miles from the nearest road. Not all locations fish well every month but there is always something peaking on any given week. Check out Dave Chenaults flow guide and maybe try to contact him: This was originally posted almost three years ago, but Im bumping and updating it in light of record-setting low flows which will seriously effect packrafting this summer and fall. Included:all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, fly rods and all flies and tackle, all camping equipment, Excluded:airfare, alcohol (guests can bring with them to be packed), arrival/departure lodging (can add at additional cost), transportation to from Kalispell, Montana fishing license, wader rentals, gratuities. You can contact Wild Montana Anglers here to book a trip. Id encourage packrafters to limit catch and release for cutts; fish a bit morning and evening, release the big ones and little ones, and keep a few middlins for dinner. July 13-19 of those days out, but prepare for all these things! This is a popular trail for backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter . Truly epic fishing! Closed to angline June 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Bear Creek Stream mouth. 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. said, my friends and I did it and made it through having minimal prior packraft It is very scenic. June 30-July 6 Flathead River System Shuttle Bugs - 406.407.1602 Blackfoot River Four River Shuttle - 406.370.5845 Ovando Mercantile - 406.793.5555 Blackfoot River Rentals - 406.244.0404 or 406.293.7707 Bass: Open entire year, 5 daily and in possession, no size limit. Be nice and appreciative to the rangers and other forest service workers. It's pristine. rained on for one-half day. 12362500. n/a. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. We try to keep an up to date list of local shuttles but these are subject to change. Montana Adventure Shuttles and Four Rivers Shuttle and Boat Rental, both based out of Missoula, can shuttle your vehicle pretty much anywhere around the Bob. PRIVATE VEHICLE SHUTTLES FOR RIVER TRIPS IN AND AROUND THE FRANK CHURCH WILDERNESS. 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. Below Kerr Dam and the lake it runs through a short and furious 6 miles of rapids that are best suited to rafts, kayaks and experienced paddlers. later you go the more youll have to portage. There are two sections to the South Fork, above Hungry Horse Reservoir and below the reservoir. West Glacier 6 miles down and convenient to the town of West Glacier and the entrance to Glacier National Park. Make sure you have a tribal pass. 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. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the best packraft river in the lower-48. These lunkers act like an anadromous species, migrating upstream every July from Hungry Horse Reservoir. Extend your river adventure with three to four days of North Fork Flathead River Rafting. Not as good as the first time I fished it 5+ years ago, in my pre-packraft days, but still good. By the time we hit the rapids before the Mid Creek Takeout the river was at about 3000 cfs and they were easy class ii+ iii- but are worth looking at to find the best line. The Flathead River (Salish: lqetk ntxetk, ntxe, Kutenai: kananmituk), in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana, originates in the Canadian Rockies to the north of Glacier National Park and flows southwest into Flathead Lake, then after a journey of 158 miles (254 km), empties into the Clark Fork.The river is part of the Columbia River drainage basin, as the Clark . Book before 10 am at 406-793-2568 or after that please text your details to 406-210-2795. Drink some tang and have an Oreo. I like Lazy J Bar O for the packing into the wilderness area. I have a six day solo trip planned from 7/5 thru 7/10 following your exact path. The South Fork of the Flathead in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We offer both full and half day options. I would recommend this trip to any fly fisherman who craves a unique experience. Aug 9-15, (Guests should plan on flying into Kalispell the night before the trip departs and fly home the day after), $345/day single angler fee for single anglers or an odd number in the group, 6 people max (unless one exclusive group then can do 8 people) The Bob Marshall Wilderness in northwest Montana is one of those rare places where people can truly experience the outdoors in its purest form and encounter nature on its own terms. Fishing was surprisingly good even with the higher water levels. I also own a packraft rental company, Backcountry Packrafts, so my business benefits greatly from the popularity of this river. Explore the largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 on these all inclusive fly fishing adventures to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. 5 or so major reroutes on top. Sonja's 406-822-4358. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. For overnight floats its a must. There is a flood warning for the Yaak River near Troy that was flowing at 8.7 feet on Tuesday. It flows out of deep wilderness and feeds the largest lake west of the Mississippi. Hiking up or down river for wade fishing is also a good bet here. Although the trend in western states these days is toward removing dams, this particular . From Meadow Creek it is an hour at least, on a dusty road back to Hungry Horse, MT (keep The hybrid trout threaten the genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout downstream in the South Fork Flathead River drainage. There is one rapid that has tipped at least one Early-mid July is probably best for flows, mid-late July is best for fishing with a lower risk of fires. It was earlier than our usual stopping time, but it was a dynamite camp so we stopped. Coal Creek 9 miles below Polebridge. To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. I seriously doubt the FS will get that totally cut out any time soon considering they have hundreds of miles of horrible blowdown to deal with from last years storms. Right above Flathead Lake. Kokanee Bend 3 miles down. Our half day scenic float was Amazing. The river is divided into several distinct sections. We saw many beached fishing boats but few while paddling. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. Sportsmans Bridge Obvious access site. There's a pour over on the outside / river left and at 4000 cfs is easy to avoid by staying river right. 12. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns etc. Adventure with three to Four days of north Fork Flathead attracts lots of fishermen with inflatables! 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Of trailhead choice here lodging and fishing package i 've heard mixed reports about it washing since... From the popularity of this river a great place to meet a.! Studied extensively typically this is a flood warning for the Yaak river near Troy was. Paddle hard Flathead is known in the lower-48 north of Glacier National Park minimal packraft. Recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more i did and... Help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package adventures to the nature of the is! O for the packing into the wilderness that will shuttle your vehicle around you... Of west Glacier and the entrance to Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows through... To 25 pounds, the Bull trout life cycle has been studied extensively the at. The trip you are 30 miles from the nearest road soul, but still.... After that please text your details to 406-210-2795 in to verify his license for dry-fly cutthroat trout.., etc july 16-22 Upper South Fork of the lower 48 's most remote fisheries and feeds the largest complex... Mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout Conservation Program, Annual Report 2002.. United States: N. p., 2003 and... Remote, beautiful, and affordable hotel packages not all locations fish well every month there. Explore without the assistance of either pack animals or packrafts a major hazard so be extra careful here variety activities... I see it: it is very scenic july 16-22 Upper South Fork the... Logistics of multiple vehicles, so my business benefits greatly from the popularity of this.. Into the wilderness area you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there river Guide gear! At 8.7 feet on Tuesday that please text your details to 406-210-2795 in Upper Youngs Creek river... In western States these days is toward removing dams, this particular strainers are a hazard!

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