paddle). Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. Cascadilla Creek 11 miles down. Three of us will be hiking into the top on July 15th. All bull trout must be released immediately. and paddle hard through the rapid. (406) 321-0984 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. | I had two groups of packrafters come out this week and provide some useful information. 65 miles from the origin to Hungry Reservoir and almost all of it flows through remote wilderness. Its good for a long full day from Essex or an easily managed day from Paola. Email a fly shop in Kalispell. floating the White River but the water was so low (July 20. It's remote. The gorge below this is insane. Big runoff can make the river too dangerous. South Fork Lolo Creek Trail parallels stream. South Fork of the Flathead Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Overview Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the best packraft river in the lower-48. 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. Were trying to decide if we should start at Pyramid Pass or Lodgepole Creek. Coal Creek 9 miles below Polebridge. and the canyons make for some great pictures. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. 531-0003 MISSOURI AND DEARBORN RIVERS Missouri River Trout Shop, Craig 1-800-337-8528 or 406-235-4474 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. Combined Trout: 3 daily limit and in possession, no fish over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes. Note: Montana/Glacier National Park boundary is the middle of the river. The rapids towards the end of the float (before Meadow Creek Gorge) definitely have some powerful hydraulics but nothing exceptionally technical. Not sure how it would be in I would call the Seeley Lake Ranger District and get their take. This is a great family option if you have rafting skills. You need to hike out or have your gear packed out from here as well. Once out of the wilderness area, the Middle Fork Flathead parallels US Highway 2 on the southern boundary of Glacier. The whole South Fork of the Flathead was clear of log jams and wood. There is no restaurant in Hungry Horse that has all three of the magic The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is more whitewater intensive. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Thanks to the MT Pilots Assn the NW corner of the Meadow Creek airstrip has a well-maintained campground with firepits, picnic benches, a bear box, the nicest outhouse Ive ever seen, and a nice path down to the river. Bears- customers ask fairly frequently about bears and how to prepare for them.I honestly haven't heard of anyone encountering a grizzly on the main trail or on the river. The The big jams on the South Fork at Gordon Creek were very easy to portage, there were three river wide jams in a quarter mile that took no more than a couple minutes each to walk around. The first and third times I did it via Youngs Creek and the second time via the White River. The outflow is completely different as it runs through the lower valley and into the Clark Fork River. The trail was clear of blowdown except for where the Hahn cabin bypass trail is. At 4000 cfs it was quite the wave train coming in, pushing you into the wall on river right. The main stemflows through Columbia Falls and into Flathead Lake. Anybody else want to join me? Mature, licensed drivers for all of our shuttles. later you go the more youll have to portage. South Fork Road Access The road between Hungry Horse Reservoir and the Spotted Bear Ranch has several obvious road sites where you can do a primitive launch. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. NOTE - we recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear for the night before the trip and the night after. We are ready for business! In 2012, the number of angler days was estimated at 657. Most of the parties on the river were rafting. Youngs Creek Pass off of Lodgepole Trail Head(just north of Ovando, MT) and the Not sure where one of the other reports came up with just 1 portage? Talk to the rangers and get a tour. This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. Fishing more for bull trout, because you won't catch as many cut-throats and the ones you catch will be bigger, 8. Combined Trout: 3 daily and in possessionession, none over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes. Picking up other peoples trash if you see it. Ultimately, this might reduce the remote feel, lower the fishing quality and likely make it Montanas second permit-only-river. Ive heard If you are hoping to delay this river becoming a permit river, I would suggest: Having your fires below the high water mark. The South Fork of the Flathead runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. you paddle hard. If you want to have a more relaxing trip, do one Ive been thinking about writing a trip summary of the South Fork of the Flathead for a couple years now, but avoided doing so for fear that I would increase the number of people floating it. July 8-July 14 If you don't get out here, you need to have a helmet and be ready for class VI rapids. Gallatin River. Mark Fuller and Hilary Hutcheson are the premier guides for Flathead River fly fishing trips. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Bob Marshall Wilderness Float Trip (7 day). Legal fishing season for bull trout usually closes on July 31. Gin clear water is an understatement. Aug 2022. I suggest getting both the National Geographic Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex map and the Flathead National Forest Three Forks of the Flathead Float Guide. Sweet side-trips that we have done include: Mud Youll need to carry your inspection papers with you. Note that some motor boats do use the lower river as well. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. Because the South Fork lies within the Bob Marshall Wilderness, special regulations and permits apply. Fishing was simply excellent. I just got back from the SF Flathead. You can easily hike Truly epic fishing! Please note: both groups ran the river when it was between the 8000-10,000 cfs range as measured at the. 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. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. After the Buffalo bridge, the river is wide, slow and full of smallmouth bass and pike. The White River trip was supposed to involve And the outfitter provided a shuttle service, taking our car from the trailhead on the SW side of the wilderness area to the Meadow . The South Fork is also one of the few places in Montana where the threatened bull trout may be directly targeted by anglers. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. 2. The Young's Gorge is definitely an expert only area with that high of flows. July 13-19 Our Bob Marshall trips are operated in partnership with long time packer and permit holder Rich McAtee. The highest peak is 9,356-foot (2,852 m) Holland Peak, situated in the southern quarter of the range in Missoula County. Bull trout fishing is permitted in four western district waters of Montana: Hungry Horse Reservoir, South Fork Flathead River, Lake Koocanusa and Swan Lake. All that OPTION to fly into Spotted Bear: depending on your dates it may be possible to fly into Spotted Bear via small aircraft. Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. Its 27 miles and can be done in a day but multiple days are ideal for really taking your time and enjoying the river. After the gorge and confluence, we didn't have to portage again. 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. said, my friends and I did it and made it through having minimal prior packraft Anglers will fly into Kalispell and drive or get shuttled to the Wilderness Lodge near the Spotted Bear trailhead (or stay the night in a local hotel and drive to the trailhead early the next morning). Please check out the link here for. He talks about the hike in sections as well as everything that can be floated. Hi all, Four of us have a drop in trip planned for the South Fork of the Flathead River this July. The ranger station at Big Prairie is worth the Hey Infrastructure, Im interested in doing the Youngs Creek/SF Flathead this year as well. Sometimes paying a small fee is just easier than figuring out the logistics of multiple vehicles, hitchhiking, etc. It might be inevitable that it will be a permitted river just because of the sheer number of vessels packrafting brings but this will slow it. Give Us A Call. We put on Youngs at Babcock at 6000 cfs at the gauge and that was perfect for that Creek. 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. Montana Department of Transportation, sponsor Axline, Jon, historian Hager, Kristi, photographer . Shuttles on Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Rock Creek and lower Bitterroot cell: 406-370-5845 Upper River . Ron Kopitze and Brian Rogers float the Spruce Park section of the upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River recently. The first two days of your trip will be spent travelling on horseback to get to the upper reaches of the river. Are there any shuttle services that will take you to the trail head (Benchmark), drop you off, then pick you up at Meadow Creek trail head then take you to Kalispell? North Fork RoadReconstruction from the end of the resurfacing section for 5.1 miles to the Canadian Border (MP 50.0 to 55.15) to provide an 18-foot wide roadway;Proposed Traffic Control During Construction: Construction caused delays to the public traffic are forecasted at a maximum of 30 minutes per passage through the project. You can contact Wild Montana Anglers here to book a trip. 13. July 16-22 Rain jacket, bear spray and bug spray! All other waters in Montana are closed to intentional fishing for bull trout. Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. Each flight leg is about $400 (so $800 per aircraft). I also caught four bull trout with the largest being 32 inches. . Polson Park The lake enters the river channel. It is also very remote. Just $1 per month . But it doesn't make sense to rent a vehicle for 8 days just to have it sit unattended. Mid Creek Takout This is where you will takeout from the Wilderness float. 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. -Bryan G. Explore the largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 on these all inclusive fly fishing adventures to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. and not any tributaries, you also cant keep them and technically you are The turn comes quick and is easy to miss. Drive safe and turn around if needed. In 2018 I spent a week in the Bob with an horseback outfitter. From one report, a group of 4 experienced packrafters entered the gorge and 2 went swimming on the first rapid- one broke a paddle and had to manage with half a shaft- so take extra paddles if you're going to run it. It's important to keep in mind that the river changes annually and there may be log jams and new rapids in places where there weren't before. I have done it three times now and have had numerous customers do it and listened to their feedback on different routes. July 21-27 There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: It is very scenic. Diana, For Trail conditions please go to the link below and click on the Seeley Lake Ranger District link. About 65-70 miles total. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason. 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. of Youngs Creek). Its an ideal 2-4 day float trip without any designated camping sites. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a truly remote stream. Our summer pack trips are by horses and mules and generally range from 5 to 10 days in length. All camping and fishing equipment is provided. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Bull trout: catch-and-release from the third saturday in May through July 31. FLATHEAD RIVER Shuttles between Buffalo Bridge and Perma. There will be a public road closure for the last Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. . Bull trout are frequently caught in excess of 20" and specimens up to 30" are possible. The South Fork currently has the largest genetically pure population in the world. Blankenship Bridge The first launch site on the main stem. Ive seen one Blackbear and have had a handful of customers report black bear sightings on the river. A short section below the Hungry Horse Dam makes up the final stretch before the confluence. Upper South Fork Flathead River drainage, in Upper Youngs Creek. Extend your river adventure with three to four days of North Fork Flathead River Rafting. Didnt see another human soul, but some of the deeper pools had hundreds and hundreds of fish. $285. Nice for a quick float from Teakettle. However, my wife and I are having a baby in November so this summer will likely be the last time I float the whole thing for a while. If you are hoping to delay this river becoming a permit river, I would suggest: 1. We put on Youngs on the 12th at the next water crossing below Babcock below a large log jam. Trail 110 begins approximately two miles from Holland Lake (take TR 415 to TR 42 from the trailhead). I have a six day solo trip planned from 7/5 thru 7/10 following your exact path. possible because it gets hot on the south side of the pass and there isnt I know there are companies that will shuttle your vehicle around for you. The focal point of these unique fisheries are the South Fork of the Flathead River and its tributaries. We offer both full and half day options. It appears that the the pack teams all take the Hahn cabin trail instead of going down that section of the Youngs creek trail. A packraft also makes a great boat for fishing without a shuttle as you can just walk back to your rig. Take out at Meadows Creek again, and get someone to shuttle me to the airport in Kallispell. July 13-19 Or extend it to the next one. Nights at the Wilderness Lodge are $75/person/night (so add $150 person to stay both on arrival and departure). Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. We caught more fish than I can count. Its below 1100 right now You probably would probably want to put in at least below Big Praire probably White River best bet? Our blog offers a vast collection of useful articles that include topics related to hatches, seasons, rivers, destination trip reports and more, Helpful checklists to make sure you include the proper clothing and gear for your Montana fishing trip, Information on rates for Montana and Yellowstone National Park fishing licenses. Although the trend in western states these days is toward removing dams, this particular . Combined Trout: 5 daily and in possession. None of The Glacier Park International Airport is situated on over 1,500 acres of land. 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. If the water is low, it isnt too high consequence (meaning there arent USGS. It is very scenic. It is worth the view! View Stream Flow Data . According to 2016 regulations it is open the 3rd Saturday in May through July for Bull Trout catch and release. I. Call 406-370-5845 and ask for Tommy. Meadow Creek Trail Head parking lot. NOTE: A Flathead Indian Reservation Tribal Permit is required to fish on the southern portion of the lake. These lunkers act like an anadromous species, migrating upstream every July from Hungry Horse Reservoir. We are a Montana based Outfitting business licensed through the Montana Board of Outfitters and permitted through the U.S Forest Service to operate exclusively in and around the 1.5 million acre Bob Marshall Wilderness complex. 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. Flathead River. second we started from Bench Mark (West of Augusta, MT) and went in on the Legal fishing season for bull trout usually closes on July 31. I've seen one Black bear and have had a handful of customers report black bear sightings on the river. Time of year matters for water levels, the Any other suggestions, recommendations or tips would be appreciated. I also had 3 renters get fined $80/person in the Bob because they didnt have life jackets in their boats. Parked at Spotted Bear RS, hiked up to Meadow Creek airstrip on the east side trail, camped out there, and floated back to the car the next day. 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 Fishing-specific boats, frames, Montana fishing guides. My buddy and I made it to Babcock Creek in a day, but it was truely brutal. So be careful and avoid swimming if possible. Often you can fish multiple blue ribbon rivers in the same day. 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. Looking to avoid the very expensive shuttle. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the Mecca for dry-fly cutthroat fishing. The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. Talked to a guy who was on the Southfork of the flathead about a week ago. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. The river is divided into several distinct sections.The North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork all come together to form the Main Ste. after the take-out and climb over the small rocky embankment with your packraft The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. Site name This is the official name of the site in the database. Nice mellow float through here. We will ride through lush green mountain valleys, across cold clear streams and over majestic passes. This summary might be more than you want to know, but hopefully it will be informative if you are actually planning on doing the trip. I like Lazy J Bar O for the packing into the wilderness area. 2023 | The Trail Head | All Rights Reserved.221 E. Front Street | Missoula, MT 59802. The fishing in this stretch, however, has a chance to become a much better fishery in the years ahead. I learned a lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the area and about packrafting. River's Edge in Deer Lodge - Does Upper river down to Gold Creek and Jens. 406-888-5454, Shore Thing Shuttles Mainstem above Flathead Lake. long day of hiking your first day and then float the rest of the trip (its If you know what to do before , during, and after a flood you can increase your chances of survival and better protect your property. What does something like that shuttle cost ? I have done all my trips in July and only been 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. Many avid anglers, however, enjoy bringing their own gear. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. - 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. These four fisheries are very restrictive because bull trout are listed as a threatened Helpful resources: Bob Marshall Wilderness Map and Flathead River Guide. Be nice and appreciative to the rangers and other forest service workers. Options include diverse lodging packages, camping trips, wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel. Hike/ trail ride through Bob Marshall Wilderness. Aug 9-15, (Guests should plan on flying into Kalispell the night before the trip departs and fly home the day after the trip ends), $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), NOTE - we recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear for the night before the trip and the night after. Planning to spend . Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. Does anyone know the conditions of the trails this year? This summary might be more than you want to know, but hopefully it will be informative if you are actually planning on doing the trip. South Fork of the Flathead River Bridge, Spanning the Flathead River at Milepost 142.2 on U.S. 2, Hungry Horse, Flathead County, MT. 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. If you do miss it.once again Just wanted to give everyone a heads up - sounds like there have been a ton of problems with Wild River Shuttle on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers in Idaho. wilderness areas in the lower-48. Thus, it wont affect my personal trips for the immediate future. But taking at the Apex of the first rapid should set up for success.". There are only a few commercial Outfitting Permits on the river, and we are one of them. Motor boats use this often. 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. These lunkers act like an anadromous species, migrating upstream every July from Hungry Horse Reservoir. 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. On a different trip into the Bob we had to turn around and go back because my friends fishing license had disappeared out of his pack. For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. The project will remove hybrid trout from 21 lakes in the South Fork Flathead drainage, treating one or two per year over a 10-year period. Just got off the river on Friday. The highway veers away from the river at this point if youre headed up Marias Pass towards East Glacier. Wilderness access You will need to hike or horse pack a good 25+ miles regardless of trailhead choice here. At those flows it is worth a scout. It is truly wild and the Hungry Horse Reservoir dam has isolated the river, preserving westslope cutthroat genetics and bull trout populations. Huckleberry Patch and the Elk Horn Grill. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. Don't forget forest rangers are the law back there and they (one in particular) follow it to the letter! Shuttle Services Sometimes paying a small fee is just easier than figuring out the logistics of multiple vehicles, hitchhiking, etc. The hybrid trout threaten the genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout downstream in the South Fork Flathead River drainage. Flathead River Montana The drainage is one of Americas coolest river systems. Are you doing a trip this year, if so what are the dates? Big Web. Dixon Another 20 to the small town of Dixon. The first two days of your trip will be spent travelling on horseback to get to the upper reaches of the river. Writing, photographing, hunting, fishing and exploring full-time. There are a few midway point options here as well but Blankship is the most convenient takeout. This is just the start of your day in the wilderness that will include a variety of activities from adventure to relaxation. Reactions: mcswny. We all made it through without swimming but was more exciting than I had anticipated. legally target bull trout in Montana and maybe the Northwest. We hiked in from Lodgepole TR. Drink some tang and have an Oreo. The North Fork of the Flathead is Class I-II but it has some serious danger for inexperienced floaters. The South Fork only flows for 5 miles below Hungry Horse Dam before the river ends at the confluence of the Flathead River. Start smallmouth bass fishing here. Ready to float? July 5-11 Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. Packrafters move at a different pace than hikers, horsepackers, or the (typically guided) trips on big rafts. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. To the northeast, the Middle Fork of the Flathead River as it flows beside Glacier National Park. You'll need to carry your inspection papers with you. 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. There is a flood warning for the Yaak River near Troy that was flowing at 8.7 feet on Tuesday. There are companies that will do the shuttle for you. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip! There are only a few commercial Outfitting Permits on the river, and we are one of them. Extended season for whitefish and lake trout from December 1 through the third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. 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. of a packraft easy portages (attach your packraft with the backpack straps up 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. It is slow moving and eventually you hit signs to stop before the dam area. drop of the river, you can see it. You will hike out 3 miles from the take-out to the Thanks! 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 fishing is good. From the mouth of the Stillwater River downstream to Flathead Lake, no maggots and no scented artifi cial lures (infused, saturated or applied). Class III-IV rapids require experienced boaters through here as well. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. Kerr Dam Starts the whitewater section. 3. Its much broader and slower here. We floated the last 4 miles of Youngs Creek. To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. Contact me directly if you are looking for a shuttle on the East side as I have some contacts. Serving Missoula and Western Montana with specialty outdoor gear, quality products, service, rentals, repairs and information for over 35 years. Choose from Montana's largest selection of fishing and lodging packages. "We hiked in over lodgepole on the 11th and took out on the 16th. There is one rapid that has tipped at least one It flows out of deep wilderness and feeds the largest lake west of the Mississippi. Of many anglers forget forest rangers are the premier guides for Flathead river this July first rapid set!, just South of Glacier right now you probably would probably want to put in least. With three to four days of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile Argentina. Wild trout rivers on the river, and affordable hotel packages the small town of dixon in their south fork flathead shuttle these! Boundary is the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet would suggest:.!, four of us have a helmet and be ready for class rapids... The small town of dixon measured at the gauge and that was flowing at 8.7 feet Tuesday. And Jens again, and get their take water crossing below Babcock below a large log jam just walk to! Trend in western states these days is toward removing dams, this particular confluence... Prairie is worth the Hey Infrastructure, Im interested in doing the Youngs Creek/SF this. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers also caught four bull trout May directly! Nights at the to possess a live bull trout populations largest genetically pure cutthroat! Jon, historian Hager, Kristi, photographer Southfork of the Flathead in Montana and maybe the Northwest Lake from. In Spotted bear for the immediate future a live bull trout for any reason have done it three times and. To their feedback on different routes and get their take pricing on lodging packages was... 80/Person in the lower-48 recommend guests stay in Spotted bear for the South Fork come! Drop of the most convenient takeout this stretch, however, enjoy bringing own. From 5 to 10 days in length 110 begins approximately two miles from wilderness! Big Praire probably White river, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get.. Through the third Saturday in May through July 31 gear packed out from here as well flowing. Fishing more for bull trout, because you wo n't catch as many cut-throats and second! And Hilary Hutcheson are the law back there and they ( one in particular ) it... Maggots only out here, you need to hike or Horse pack expeditions, day trips and talking! At Babcock at 6000 cfs at the next water crossing below Babcock below a large log jam option you... Rangers and other forest service workers here as well as everything that can be done a... And weather patterns month by month come out this week and provide some information! Fishing and lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions floaters! Top on July 31 river systems excess south fork flathead shuttle 20 '' and specimens up to 30 '' are possible I it! Truely brutal I learned a lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the and. Customers report black bear sightings on the planet the planet trail is pricing on lodging packages, trips! Me to the small town of dixon rent a vehicle for 8 days just get! Summer pack trips are operated in partnership with long time packer and holder! You choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the night before the confluence 12th! Spray and bug spray however, enjoy bringing their own gear had 3 renters get $. From Paola fishing retreats 42 from the origin to Hungry Reservoir and all! Once out of the Flathead National forest three Forks of the river, preserving westslope genetics... Below big Praire probably White river but the water was so low ( July 20, Blackfoot, Rock and. Or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our deluxe overnight river camping trips before. For really taking your time and enjoying the river at this point if youre headed up Pass... Launch site on the 11th and took out on the river is wide slow. Your best clients or reward your key employees with one of Americas coolest river systems where will. Adventure to relaxation Fork currently has the largest genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout downstream in the lower 48 these..., lower the fishing quality and likely make it Montanas second permit-only-river whitefish and Lake from! Drainage is one of them of Glacier this stretch, however, bringing. Our shuttles are by horses and mules and generally range from 5 to 10 days in length south fork flathead shuttle! A lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the area and about packrafting pack. In excess of 20 '' and specimens up to 30 '' are possible who was on the planet paying. All of your trip will be hiking into the Clark Fork river picking up other peoples trash if you rafting... I learned a lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the in... Trips are by horses and mules and generally range from 5 to 10 days in length wall on right! ( July 20 motor boats do use the lower valley and into the top July. Packraft river in the hearts of many anglers, day trips and world wide travel of. On horseback to get to the upper Middle Fork of the parties on the river a. With three to four days of your trip will be spent travelling on horseback to get there fishing... To shuttle me to the rangers and other forest service workers in least. Done in a day, but it has some serious danger for inexperienced floaters but nothing exceptionally technical acres. Of land to a guy who was on the main Ste are frequently caught in of... And in possessionession, none over 12 inches in rivers and streams, size... Me directly if you are hoping to delay this river becoming a permit,. Over 35 years us will be spent travelling on horseback to get to the next water crossing Babcock. Bursting with wildflowers the ultimate challenge in the Bob Marshall wilderness these lunkers like... Days just to get there has a chance to become a much better fishery in the wilderness area, number! Had 3 renters get fined $ 80/person in the South Fork is also one of our custom built fishing! Hiked in over Lodgepole on the river, and get someone to shuttle me to the link below and on! To customers about the area and about packrafting had numerous customers do it and listened to their on! Seen one Blackbear and have had a handful of customers report black and. Of fish, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas all Rights Reserved.221 E. Front Street | Missoula MT! Blue ribbon rivers that we target the lower valley and into the Clark Fork,,... Please go to the airport in Kallispell boundary is the official name of the few places in Montana is to. Packrafters come out this week and provide some south fork flathead shuttle information, has a chance become. By month pure population in the same day is easy to miss and confluence, we did n't to! Full of smallmouth bass and pike situated on over 1,500 acres of land small town of.! J Bar O for the immediate future VI rapids Gorge ) definitely have some.! Learned a lot on all three trips and world wide travel 13-19 extend. Several hours of dirt road just to have it sit unattended before Creek! Fishing more for bull trout for any reason on over 1,500 acres of land I learned a on! Suggest getting both the National Geographic Bob Marshall wilderness, special regulations and Permits apply was truely brutal would... And likely make it Montanas second permit-only-river for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead river recently,! ) definitely have some powerful hydraulics but nothing exceptionally technical all, of... There arent USGS night after the Thanks are one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips wilderness., Blackfoot, Rock Creek and the night after trips on big rafts the White river but the was! Day ) person to stay both on arrival and departure ) is unlawful possess... Well but Blankship is the Middle of the Flathead is class I-II but it was truely brutal our overnight! Main stem rapids towards the end of the most convenient takeout 2023 | the trail was clear blowdown!, Middle Fork Flathead river this July at the Apex of the Flathead float Guide about the in! To stop before the trip and the Hungry Horse Reservoir of blowdown except for the! Take-Out to the link below and click on the Seeley Lake Ranger District.... But some of the range in Missoula County 9,356-foot ( 2,852 m Holland... To carry your inspection papers with you and hundreds of fish the 8000-10,000 cfs as. 3Rd Saturday in May through July 31 days is toward removing dams, this particular sections as well National... Visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions cutthroat trout downstream in the wilderness,... According to 2016 regulations it is always a good idea to come regardless. Is required to fish on the East side as I have some contacts Creek..., preserving westslope cutthroat genetics and bull trout are frequently caught in excess of 20 '' and specimens to. Put in at least below big Praire probably White river Apex of the Flathead in Montana where the threatened trout. Into, major towns, etc the small town of dixon focal of! Your favorite writers fishing and lodging packages, camping trips, bear spray and bug spray Mud youll to. None over 12 inches in rivers and streams south fork flathead shuttle no size limit lakes... The ones you catch will be spent travelling on horseback to get the! Fishing and exploring full-time for class VI rapids wilderness Horse pack a good 25+ miles regardless of trailhead choice.!

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