South Fork bull trout weigh up to 15 pounds or more and smack streamers, as well as the occasional cutthroat dancing on the end of an angler's line. The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport. 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. If you are bringing a large, expensive camera, we recommend you bring a hard waterproof case in which to store it and accessories. What fishing gear should I bring versus what WRO provides? The rugged area includes the landscapes of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas. All guides are trained in Swiftwater Rescue. WRO will happily do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions at no additional cost! Fine-spotted Snake River cutthroat from Wyoming were stocked in Arkansas in 1984 (Robison and Buchanan 1988). Can I stay at a different hotel than your recommended options before the trip? We offer fishing-specific trips that reserve a fishing boat and frame and a professional fishing guide. We will have lunch on the trail and camp on the trail the first night after about 16 miles. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider. Hopper patterns, chubby trinobles, purple haze, parachute adams, humpies, ants, beetles, and general terrestrial patterns are popular flies in this region. Occasionally hiking members can pack a few beers on their personal backpack, but one can imagine we need to keep these quantities limited. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. This will be our 4th trip with WRO, and after taking trips with other rafting companies, I can honestly say, WRO is the BEST! It is also nice to have camp shoes to change into. The best place to exit the river is at mile 61.6, which is marked by a small sign. Phone: (406) 677-2317 65 miles from the origin to Hungry Reservoir and almost all of it flows through remote wilderness. If we say we want to paddle on a paddle boat, are we committed to paddling the entire trip? This north-northwest trending river is about 98 miles (158 km) long, making it the second longest tributary of the Flathead River. While the river is deep in spots, the river should pose no challenges to the alert wade fisherman. The drive back to Kalispell is about 3 hours. How big are the waterproof bags and how much stuff can they hold? Rafts typically take one and a half pack animals, two rafts take three pack animals, and max load weight per pack animal is 150lbs. 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. With no roads or airstrips, everything is horse-packed to the put inits the real Montana experience! All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. In certain cases, individuals may want to supplement meals and snacks with some items of their own. Before the trip: For running powerful Class IV and V rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. It's a long haul with more time spent in the saddle or on your feet than on the water. Another access is near Holland Lake. They will need to be made out to the guide or to cash. Join us for eight wonderful days of luxury camping and dry fly-fishing in the incredible Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana! Learn to tie the versatile Hare's Ear with master tier Charlie Craven. 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. 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 are interested in a drop trip for camping or backpacking, the cost would be doubled for pickup and return. These coolers and containers must be the same size for balancing mule loads. The South Fork of the Flathead is no different from other Western rivers, and you should expect to encounter other anglers and campers and be passed by pack trainsbut it's not the end of the world. 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. How, where, and when do we get our fishing licenses? Spey fishing is a unique way to fish for bull trout in the Flathead. A third access begins on the North Fork of the Blackfoot drainage on the southern end of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. On the third day of the float, we enter Meadow Creek Gorge and the character of the river changes dramatically. If flows are not right for the gorge or clients do not wish to run it, we will camp the final night above the gorge. First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. Spey fishing is a unique way to fish for bull trout in the Flathead. Most of the heavy-duty whitewater lies in the wilderness section, where the Middle Fork has a "wilderness" designation (no motors). During your registration, you will note your boat preferences so we can plan accordingly. Up until reaching Meadow Creek Gorge 40 miles later, described later, the river presents no special challenges to a rafter. This is a tight meandering river about 20 feet wide. You are welcome to bring your own sleeping gear if you wish, but if you do, please bring your own complete sleep kit and let us know ahead of time. The Middle Fork runs for approximately 92 miles and forms the southwestern boundary of Glacier National Park. Depending on the route in, over the first two days we will cover about 20-25 miles either by foot or by livestock. Is there a place to store our non-river luggage while were on the river? Terrestrial patterns, particularly hoppers, also are excellent to use in July and August. Nothing ruins a trip as quickly as a visit from an aggressive bear, and a camp with scraps of food strewn about invites disaster. In addition to guided fishing trips, we offer drop & float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. We pack you, your gear and your float equipment to the confluence of Youngs and Danaher Creeks where the South Fork of the Flathead River begins. This bag should be plenty large enough for everything listed on our suggested packing list. Five days and 35 miles means plenty of time to hike, fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout at . 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. Dispose of all entrails and uneaten portions far away from where you are camped. Black River. You will head to the trail the next morning (the official starting date of your trip) and start the hike or pack in. 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. This has important implications. This should lead to significantly better fishing in both the South Fork below the dam and for the Flathead River in the years ahead. We are located under the giant log arch on the south side of US Highway 2, 1/2 mile west of West Glacier. 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. Weather can be variable in the Montana wilderness, so be sure to have warm layers for around camp. Montana Fishing Regulations. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River inspired the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and all three forks of the river now have designation under this act. Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse. For most trips, sneakers or a lightweight hiking boot will be fine for side hikes. Please arrive by 10:15 AM for a prompt departure at 10:30 AM. 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. 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). 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. These guys have it nailed. Wonderful, gourmet backcountry cooking! 8 days, 43 river miles, 22-29 trail miles, Hike/ trail ride through Bob Marshall Wilderness, World-class fly-fishing; opportunities for spey fishing, Fishing-specific boats, frames, Montana fishing guides, This trip includes a two-day, 25-mile horseback ride (or hike) to access the remote South Fork Flathead. Day 7: Depending on the group and water levels we may run the Meadow Creek Gorge on the seventh day and camp below the tight and technical 5 mile rapid section the final night. What happens if someone gets sick or injured? Great guides -- competent, knowledgeable and just great guys. On Newstands March 3rd! The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport. Unlike trout in fertile tailwater and meadow streams, they endure the nuances of high and low flows. Email: [emailprotected] Overnight bags and sleep kits will be available on the trail the first night. You can either hike in or be packed in by horse, which is an additional cost not included in your WRO trip cost. We often have dinner together, and you will spend this first night at the Rich Ranch lodging. We are currently working with Seth to go on a trip to the South Fork of the Flathead at the end of July. If they feel inclined to tip packers or wranglers it is a nice gesture but not expected. 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. Rafting & Paddling the South Fork Flathead River Floating the South Fork of the Flathead River is perhaps one of the finest floats anyone can do in the lower 48. 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). Just got off the South Fork of the Flathead with WRO. Big and plenty, these native fish average 12-20 inches. What is an appropriate gratuity for your guides? Available in both print and digital. Any fish you catch while in the wilderness area will have to be eaten there. 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. Give a Gift On the South Fork of the Flathead, I am pleased to report, enterprising anglers can find remote campsites, solitude, and scads of native westslope cutthroat. You will need to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the night before your launch date at the Rich Ranch. We will make lunch for the trail, and after a short drive to the trailhead in the morning we will be on our way. 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. We will need to have our gear ready that evening or very early the next morning (especially if youve chosen to use horse support). You will need to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the night before your launch date at the Rich Ranch. Charlie Craven is giving step by step instructions for tying the Perdigon Fly. The Meadow Creek Trail follows the rim of the Meadow Creek Gorge for the first three miles. If there is an odd number in your group we will not make you share a tent with a stranger. 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. Everyone is issued a waterproof day bag to carry items you will need access to during the day while on the river. Delta, Alaska/Horizon, United, Allegiant, Frontier and US Airways offer flights into Glacier International Airport (GPI). How long will we be floating on the river each day? When fishing for cutthroats try all the famous attractor dry flies like Black Humpies, Royal Wulffs, Renegades, and Trudes, as well as Elk-hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Goddard Caddis, Caddis Variants, flying ants, and foam beetles. With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. My husband, two daughters ages 12 & 14 and I recently took a week long trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with the assistance of 406 Wilderness Outfitters. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip! The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. 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. 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. For more information, please go to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Below the dam, the South Fork flows for 5 miles before entering the Flathead River just downstream from the town of Hungry Horse. Weather is highly changeable, with summer snows not uncommon. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. (1-406-755-6123) in Kalispell. Learn to tie the RS2 with master tier Charlie Craven. ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FOR HORSE PACK TRIPS. Summer also registers a fair amount of backpacking and horse packing visitors, although a person is unlikely to see more than a couple parties of people once away form the popular day hiking trails on the edge of the wilderness area. Please check your entries and try again. Our time with WRO on the South Fork of the Flathead was beyond amazing. They talk about bull trout spawning over the last 50 years in the Great Bear. We ride over a mountain pass and through alpine meadows flourishing with wildflowers, before dropping into the headwaters of the South Fork. While most anglers wade-fish the South Fork, floating is an option. Old running sneakers can also work well as river shoes. 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. He talks about the hike in sections as well as everything that can be floated. Hopper patterns, chubby trinobles, purple haze, parachute adams, humpies, ants, beetles, and general terrestrial patterns are popular flies in this region. South Fork Flathead River. The South Fork Flathead is catch and release only for bull trout, and a Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for Bull Trout. Will it rain? The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Phone: (406) 677-2317 If possible, we recommend bringing hard alcohol packed in non-glass containers, or bagged wine. They are most appreciative of receiving this directly from the guest, either at the end of your trip or at the farewell dinner, so we recommend planning ahead to have cash or checks on hand. The White River has adequate flows through early July. How big are the tents? It appeared in the June-July 2010 issue of Fly Fisherman. If you need help finding an outfitter to help pack you out at your take out, we can provide you with some recommendations. 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. 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. As a family, we spend a fair share of time enjoying the outdoors of Montana. 12359800. n/a. They really strive to make each person comfortable and happy! The Flathead River itself is over 200 miles long from its northernmost point to where it meets the Clark Fork River northwest of Missoula. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is licensed and insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441. What a fabulously memorable trip!!! Just got off the South Fork of the Flathead with WRO. 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. Our South Fork Flathead classic adventure trips are typically WRO adventure-style paddle boating. It's a long journey to get there. On our adventure South Fork trips, we use a mix of paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks; some people can try different boat options. Guides are usually tipped 10-20% of the cost of the trip, more for exceptional service. Phones can be placed in a Ziploc bag or water proof case and put in your day bag if you would like to have it accessible for taking pictures during the day. We offer brands like Mountain Hardware, North Face, and Sierra Designs. USGS. 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. The drop float service is a one way service. Camped out along the South Fork Flathead River. On one of our trips last summer three people fishing the same hole each caught 20 fish in under an hour! Some clients choose to walk and some may choose to ride. Everyone is also issued a large waterproof bag for your personal gear and clothing. The South Fork of the Flathead begins deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness at the confluence of Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek. Jim Klug photo. Our sleep kits consist of a Therm-a-rest pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a packable pillow, and a ground cloth. The trout are all wildthere is no hatchery grown fish here. How old does my child have to be to participate? Sounds like an amazing river. We look forward to making this horseback/float fishing trip a comfortable, enjoyable, and exciting adventure. I once encountered someone who hit a pothole and broke an axle while driving late at night. What does the hike/ trail ride to the put-in entail for the South Fork Flathead? 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. However, we do recommend that you leave any unnecessary valuables at home. If staying in Kalispell the night your trip takes off, we recommend making your reservations at the Red Lion Hotel (1-800-547-8010) or Travelodge (1-406-755-6123) in Kalispell. Groups of 4 or more will average 1.5 pack animals per person when using traditional rafts with frames and regular food. WRO offers even a seasoned river tripper a way to be in a wilderness setting that encourages discovery and interaction as well as makes you feel safe and part of something special. For example a group of 10 going in and they will only be using 2 pack animals for all 10. How does the bathroom system work during the trip? About the closest you can get to the river by vehicle is by using the long and curvy West Reservoir Road that crosses the Hungry Horse Dam and meanders around Hungry Horse Reservoir. If you need any specialized clothing or equipment from saddle slickers to sleeping bags, canteens, or underwear, let us know. We pack you, your gear and your float equipment to the confluence of Young's and Danaher Creeks where the South Fork of the Flathead River begins. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. Please contact us if you have any questions. Most of our tents are high-quality three-person tents, but we only put two people in each tent. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. What will temperatures and weather be like? Phones can be placed in a ziploc bag or water proof case and put in your day bag if you would like to have it accessible for taking pictures during the day. They also keep you warmer when wet. The most popular place to start a backcountry South Fork float trip is at the confluence of the Young's and Danaher rivers. 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. An injury and what seemed like the end of a career paved the way for a new passion. Please try to pack coolers and containers that are the same size for balancing mule loads. A great section can be fly fished above and below Tin Shanty Road bridge. Check out more about the Flathead River. Montana also has the option to purchase a fishing license just for the time you are on the river. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is licensed and insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441. A quality tent, rain gear, current map, compass, GPS, first-aid kit, and water filtration system are crucial. Floating the South Fork of the Flathead River is perhaps one of the finest floats anyone can do in the lower 48. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. The scenery on the ride portion of the trip is spectacular. If you are not interested in that option but still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff! Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider. 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. It will be hard to measure up to WRO in any capacity. Only 3 fish of any type (cutthroats, rainbows and grayling all are found in the South Fork) may be taken, none of which may be over 12 inches. On the other hand, if you are an experienced fisherman, they will put you in the right spot and let you do your thing! 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. 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). You will need IGBC Approved coolers for food storage. There will be plenty of time to fish at lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be more limited. Hopefully, the catch and release restrictions wont bother you since you catch and release all fish anyway! For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. Is there an option for a trip for only my group? In addition to guided fly fishing, we offer drop float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. How big are the tents? Do we have to share a tent with someone else? Can I bring my own sleeping pad/bag/tent/other gear? Lower Youngs Creek also has some good fishing. In the interest of a more genuine wilderness experience, we encourage people to pick their own sleeping sites and set up their tents (or sleep under the stars, weather permitting!). A safe time frame to fish the river is between July 15 and October 15. Measuring 92 miles (148 km), The Middle Fork Flathead River is located in the western part of the state of Montana in the United States, flowing along the southwestern border of Glacier National Park. Usually we would reach the river mid afternoon the second day camping at the river the second night. While on the river you will get wet going through rapids (what fun would it be if you didnt?!). Overall, the South Fork flows more than 60 miles through designated wilderness and National Forest lands before emptying into Hungry Horse Reservoir. WRO met them in every way! Subscriber Services. Wonderful, gourmet backcountry cooking! Carry bear spray and store food in airtight containers hung from trees away from camp. August 12th-17th: Dreamy Late Season on the Middle Fork. I already miss them. In the interest of a more genuine wilderness experience, we encourage people to pick their own sleeping sites and set up their tents (or sleep under the stars, weather permitting!). Fly-fishing can also be quite difficult around Meadow Creek Pack Bridge and upstream for a number of miles since the river is cloaked in dense forest. If staying in Kalispell the night your trip takes off, we recommend making your reservations at the. The put in and pack in are trip dependent, as different outfitters have different preferences. You must also possess a bull trout catch card if you intend to fish for them. 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. Below Meadow Creek Trailhead, the floater who wants to continue down the river to Hungry Horse Reservoir can put in their boat at an unofficial access point called Cedar Flats. We do not have a packer or wrangler fee and do not charge for any animals that the packers or wranglers are riding or any pack animals we need to pack in our gear for staying over night. If you park at the trailhead for an extended foray into the wilderness, pop your vehicle's hood and leave it up. Grizzly bears, moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob home. These mid to late summer expeditions are best experienced when this high country river flows low and clear, and trout willingly rise to attractor patterns. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. What will I do with items I need accessible during the day or on the boat? Please check your entries and try again. 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. Can WRO accommodate dietary restrictions/ allergies? This is truly one of North America's great camp-float adventures. Morgan and John talk about the oldest, purest, and largest westslope cutthroat in the U.S., which are found in the upper South Fork of the Flathead River deep in the Bob. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up.
Montana Police Scanner Codes,
How To Get Honey Gold Hack,
Articles S