From here, it runs 45 miles due north, fed by dozens of . Hike from Lodgepole Creek to the upper Youngs took twice as long as it should have due to hundreds (probably thousands) of downed trees on trail. Utilizing the services of an outfitter is a great move. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. Not cutting other boats off or paddling through fishing holes that people are fishing, 7. rained on for one-half day. If you know what to do before , during, and after a flood you can increase your chances of survival and better protect your property. Drive safe and turn around if needed. Are you doing a trip this year, if so what are the dates? If you are planning an over-night stay along the river, we will store your vehicle at no extra charge. These four fisheries are very restrictive because bull trout are listed as a threatened Its an ideal 2-4 day float trip without any designated camping sites. The river is divided into several distinct sections. We pick you up each day at the hotel and in the evenings you can enjoy fun western towns like Bozeman and Livingston, Browse our large network of vacation homes and cabins that are either on the water or centrally located to great fishing. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel . We try to keep an up to date list of local shuttles but these are subject to change. The South Fork Flathead Watershed Westslope Cutthroat Trout Conservation Program constitutes a . Pulling your fish in quickly and taking the hook out in the water, South Fork updated: July 9-13, approx 4000 CFS. 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 much of the trip you are 30 miles from the nearest road. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. Call them directly at 406-261-4343 or call the fly shop at 406-897-3740. Ben Romans Email a fly shop in Kalispell. Full transparency: I own a packraft rental company, Backcountry Packraft Rentals, so my business benefits greatly from the popularity of this river. long day of hiking your first day and then float the rest of the trip (its We are ready to get your vehicle down the river. This remote river drains much of the "Bob" and is home to the largest genetically pure native trout population in Montana. 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 & permit, gratuities. - 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. and the canyons make for some great pictures. 2 rapids the last day flipped people. 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. 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. There is also a phone number for more updated information. It took 3 hours to complete, each direction. They also partner with Larys Fly Shop in Columbia Falls and you can drop-in the shop for current reports and trips. splashy rapids right at the take-out point so you might miss it if you arent Prairie is located at the first pack-bridge that goes over the South Fork. The South Fork drainage is the largest stronghold of these native Char in the Lower 48 states. and paddle hard through the rapid. Drink some tang and have an Oreo. 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. So be careful and avoid swimming if possible. Trail is 2 miles east of trailhead. Sonja - Lower River. Price: 5-6 Day South Fork Fly Fishing Package (Wade only) $2,800 per person - 6 people $3,200 per person - 5 people We only need to get to the trailhead and then to Kalispell. East of Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork Flathead River lies the drainage basin of the Middle Fork River. Montana Angler holds a federal permit to guide our guests on these legendary waters, Fish over 20 legendary Montana rivers across multiple valleys or get off the beaten path on our exclusive private access ranch leases. hiked almost two days and then floated two more. 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. It is worth the view! Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. Im giving you the benefit of the doubt and hoping/assuming you dont mean its probably a bad idea to write about this, but it wont screw me over too much in the near future, so what the hell. As youll be in the position of renting boats to folks who have never been in the Bob, and maybe never in a packraft, before, how about a prominent missive on your website, and in a handout to renters headed for the South Fork, about how to minimize impact and keep the South Fork permit-free. A short section below the Hungry Horse Dam makes up the final stretch before the confluence. Aug 1-7 Wild Horse is a luxury transportation service for those with distinguishing tastes. July 5-11 It is hard to see coming up but if you pay attention to the elevation isnt a bone crusher, but you might lose your sunglasses and anything else that It is also one of the only places you can The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the best packraft river in the lower-48. All camping and fishing equipment is provided. To reserve your trip email Bobmarshallwilderness12@gmail.com or Call Trent Osburn (406)321-0984 We are Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters specializing in summer and early fall traditional horseback family vacations. Nights at the Wilderness Lodge are $75/person/night (so add $150 person to stay both on arrival and departure). We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. Here are a few tips specifically for this trip: Regarding shuttling- after publishing this blog, I found out that there is indeed a shuttle service that there are a couple shuttle services that run vehicles around the Bob. Hey Infrastructure, Im interested in doing the Youngs Creek/SF Flathead this year as well. Look Rain jacket, bear spray and bug spray! The South Fork Flathead River drainage contains 355 lakes and nearly 2,000 miles of stream habitat. http://www.bmwf.org/trail_conditions.html. On the South Fork of the Flathead, where the fishery is catch and release only, the popularity of fishing for bulls is on the rise. Motor boats use this often. Schafer Meadows Pack or fly into this area float the wilderness stretch of the river out. It's pristine. I also own a packraft rental company, Backcountry Packrafts, so my business benefits greatly from the popularity of this river. 406-645-2926. This is where all of the commercial outfitters run their rafting trips, scenic and whitewater. Call 1.406.888.5454 to Book. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. I've seen one Black bear and have had a handful of customers report black bear sightings on the river. Essex Bridge 5 miles down, the bridge is a nicer launch site than bear creek and is more passable in low flows. 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. Flathead River Montana - The drainage is one of America's coolest river systems. 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. The trail from Pyramid Pass is about 2 miles longer but it gets us up onto Youngs Creek faster. There will be another sign shortly, but the river increases in speed and Published Aug 22, 2012 11:34 PM EDT. Does anyone know the conditions of the trails this year? You can rent a cabin in Polebridge, grab some food at the mercantile and have a nice float without needing to camp in grizzly bear country. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. in hand or on your back. 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. Time of year matters for water levels, the 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. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. 406-407-1602. July 5-11 For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. 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. Log jams and strainers are a major hazard so be extra careful here. We saw many beached fishing boats but few while paddling. have several days of wet gear). The drive to Spotted Bear is about 2 hours from Kalispell. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the lower-48. 406-888-5454, Shore Thing Shuttles Mainstem above Flathead Lake. Includes rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and grayling. All bull trout must be released immediately. Ovando River Shuttles are based in Ovando, Montana and we are honored to serve you. 7. Or you can go East to Coram and the Glacier Grill. Youngs Creek Pass off of Lodgepole Trail Head(just north of Ovando, MT) and the After the Buffalo bridge, the river is wide, slow and full of smallmouth bass and pike. Rich and his staff were awesome! Most of the parties on the river were rafting. It is a two wave set into the pinch point. I learned a lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the area and about packrafting. There's a pour over on the outside / river left and at 4000 cfs is easy to avoid by staying river right. The North and Middle forks of the Flathead make up the western and southern borders of Glacier National Park (making them incredibly scenic), are roadside accessible, and are the perfect getaway if you're already in the area and need to satiate that need to work a dry fly along a seam in a river. Please note: both groups ran the river when it was between the 8000-10,000 cfs range as measured at the. Blankenship Bridge 15 miles down from Big Creek. Drivers take extra steps to keep your rigs & trailers safe, Located on the North Fork of the Blackfoot River, Fishing Access, Boat Launch, and Campground, Fishing Access & Boat Launch with Shaded Parking. Hit me up with a PM and lets put something together. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Writing, photographing, hunting, fishing and exploring full-time. There is no restaurant in Hungry Horse that has all three of the magic Ron Kopitze and Brian Rogers float the Spruce Park section of the upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River recently. Options include diverse lodging packages, camping trips, wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel. Although the trend in western states these days is toward removing dams, this particular . July 13-19 Adult Bull Trout ascend the North and Middle forks of the Flathead River to spawn in small tributary streams; in some cases traveling well over 100 miles in a few months. It is very scenic. But it doesn't make sense to rent a vehicle for 8 days just to have it sit unattended. There are a few midway point options here as well but Blankship is the most convenient takeout. But taking at the Apex of the first rapid should set up for success.". In 2012, the number of angler days was estimated at 657. Or extend it to the next one. 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. Even more on the drive out, if you have your car shuttled to the Meadow Creek TH. Truly epic fishing! 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. We will help you hand pick the perfect lodge, design a great fishing program and help coordinate all logistics from airport transfers to meeting, Explore the world's most amazing fisheries with our destination travel program. We will help you hand pick the perfect lodge, design a great fishing program and help coordinate all logistics from airport transfers to meeting, Explore the world's most amazing fisheries with our destination travel program. Closed to angline June 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Bear Creek Stream mouth. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, http://www.bmwf.org/trail_conditions.html. SHUTTLE. Rates and terms for some of our standard trips. . I suggest taking the Hahn cabin through that section since there is a lot of blow down. 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. Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. The car gives you flexibility to explore and return to your favorite spots. Its 27 miles and can be done in a day but multiple days are ideal for really taking your time and enjoying the river. We put in on Young's Creek just above where Babcock flows in late on our second day and paddled about a mile till we reached the first portage. Dont forget forest rangers are the law back there and they (one in particular) follow it to the letter! This river cuts through the middle of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering unbelievable dry fly fishing for cutthroat, and streamer fishing for bull trout. stop. overwhelming if youve never packrafted before. These issues included transportation options for personnel, equipment and materials, the use of motorized equipment in wilderness, fish removal methods, fish stocking, and the status and . Lake Lookout and Salmon Lake. Polebridge 11 miles down, this is a great option for a long day trip from the border or a shorter one from Ford. And the outfitter provided a shuttle service, taking our car from the trailhead on the SW side of the wilderness area to the Meadow . Aug 2022. 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". Aug 1-7 You will hike out 3 miles from the take-out to the View Stream Flow Data. . White River trip was prettier but demoralizing because we floated (on the Sun River) and then Gallatin River. The last day of the trip you will see a sign The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. July 16-22 The South Fork of the Flathead River is a truly remote stream. Welcome! you paddle hard. 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. Extend your river adventure with three to four days of North Fork Flathead River Rafting. your eyes peeled for huckleberries on the way). Mark Fuller and Hilary Hutcheson are the premier guides for Flathead River fly fishing trips. I also caught four bull trout with the largest being 32 inches. 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. The whole South Fork of the Flathead was clear of log jams and wood. Once you are in the gorge it is tough to scout, so find the trail at the beginning of the gorge and walk ahead. RAFTING. South Fork of the Flathead Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Overview Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. Not all locations fish well every month but there is always something peaking on any given week. Trail in over Lodge Pole (Young's Pass) was relatively clear. 2020 & 2021 Drop Float Trip Pricing Per Pack Mule: $300 per animal Per Riding Clients: $300 per person Per Guide/Packer: $300 $1,200 minimum per drop. Buses and Shuttles in Missoula Beargrass Adventures 406.218.8886 Missoula, MT Nearby Partner Montana Adventure Shuttle, LLC 406.493.2345 Local Business Mountain Line 406.721.3333 1221 Shakespeare Local Business Other Buses and Shuttles in Missoula Beach Transportation http://www.beachtrans.com 825 Mount Avenue 406.549.6121 Talk to the rangers and get a tour. Fishing-specific boats, frames, Montana fishing guides. The White River trip was supposed to involve floating the White River but the water was so low (July 20th on a dry year) that we ended up just hiking to the confluence with the Flathead. The rugged area includes the landscapes of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas. 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. Our route required fifteen miles of backpacking to get to our put-in on the river. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. 12. This is a great family option if you have rafting skills. Perma 14 miles from Dixon. Talked to a guy who was on the Southfork of the flathead about a week ago. 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. The FWP biologists have also reported a significant increase in evidence of caught and released fish during their recent South Fork surveys. People stranded at the takeout, cars delivered days late, cars damaged, stolen, and abandoned in strange places. The South Fork of the Flathead is by all accounts one of the world's premier rivers. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. We hiked in from Lodgepole TR. This is a popular trail for backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter . We pick you up each day at the hotel and in the evenings you can enjoy fun western towns like Bozeman and Livingston, Browse our large network of vacation homes and cabins that are either on the water or centrally located to great fishing. We saw a bald eagle perched in a tree and Emily our guide said he'd been sitting there about 3 days! I have a six day solo trip planned from 7/5 thru 7/10 following your exact path. *Due to the nature of the business, these numbers are subject to change without notice. trifecta (burgers, fries and shakes), but you can mix and match with the Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. We were two families, with 2 vehicles, so we did our own shuttle. Have a great trip. Serving Missoula and Western Montana with specialty outdoor gear, quality products, service, rentals, repairs and information for over 35 years. 8 days, 43 river miles, 22-29 trail miles. Things like camping and building fires below the high water mark, camping out of sight of the trail, selecting earth toned gear, and limiting how many fish they catch and release. Shore Thing Shuttle Shorethingshuttle.com. Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. Ive heard Flathead County Hungry Horse Montana, 1968. We were told that there was ton of blowdown on the White River Trail so we didnt bother walking up it. It is also very remote. 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) Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. Definitely bring bear spray and hang your food, but the overall concentration of bears is pretty low in that area during the summer. There is a flood warning for the Yaak River near Troy that was flowing at 8.7 feet on Tuesday. The highest peak is 9,356-foot (2,852 m) Holland Peak, situated in the southern quarter of the range in Missoula County. You will be hungry at this point! The South Fork is also one of the few places in Montana where the threatened bull trout may be directly targeted by anglers. Often you can fish multiple blue ribbon rivers in the same day. The focal point of these unique fisheries are the South Fork of the Flathead River and its tributaries. Choose from Montana's largest selection of fishing and lodging packages. Wilderness access You will need to hike or horse pack a good 25+ miles regardless of trailhead choice here. Deerborn River. Our Bob Marshall trips are operated in partnership with long time packer and permit holder Rich McAtee. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. (406) 321-0984 The Bob Marshall Wilderness in northwest Montana is one of those rare places where people can truly experience the outdoors By Around 5 miles total. thank God you are a packrafter, because you can easily get out of the pool first few miles of the South Fork of the Flathead often have log jams. For overnight floats its a must. The South Fork Flathead attracts lots of fishermen with small inflatables, and some with big rafts. DYI South Fork of the Flathead Float Pack In Gear Drop, Educational Classes for: Mule Packing, Back Country Camping, Leave No Trace principles for Stock Use, We are offering a Mule Packing and Wilderness Skills Class, Wilderness Camp Cook Needed for Summer Pack Trip Vacations and Fall Hunting Camp, History of Military Use of Horses and Mules. Moccasin Creek Another 8 mile run that is great for half or full day runs. I have done all my trips in July and only been South Fork Flathead: 1993: Lolo Creek, South Fork: Missoula: Headwaters to NE 1/4 of Sec. 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. Information. You must log in or register to reply here. Another convenient day trip float. 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. USGS. Bob Marshall pack trips operated by Flathead NF permit holder Rich McAtee, MT Outfitter #33514. Be nice and appreciative to the rangers and other forest service workers. It appears that the the pack teams all take the Hahn cabin trail instead of going down that section of the Youngs creek trail. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. The main Flathead River at Columbia Falls hit 14.5 feet on Tuesday, 1.5 feet above flood stage. Hey! The Wild Mile River Retreat 4.6 Superb. drop of the river, you can see it. 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. We offer both full and half day options. July 24-30 Were trying to decide if we should start at Pyramid Pass or Lodgepole Creek. It's remote. If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. high water though. Thanks! 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. NOTE - we recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear for the night before the trip and the night after. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. NOTE: A Flathead Indian Reservation Tribal Permit is required to fish on the southern portion of the lake. Thank you Montana Angler and Rich for the awesome trip!" . bobmarshallwilderness12@gmail.com, your trip email Bobmarshallwilderness12@gmail.com or Call Trent Osburn (406)321-0984. specializing insummer and early fall traditional horseback family vacations. We floated the last 4 miles of Youngs Creek. Perhaps the best gem of this report though is that the, which is just down the road from the parking lot on the Spotted Bear. These first two days are mostly riding days but you will have the chance to fish near the camps in the evenings and mornings while camp is being setup or taken down. It is about 99 miles (159 km) north to south and 66 miles (106 km) wide.
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