south fork flathead river float

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. We dedicate plenty of river time to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. 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. A Seat with a View on the South Fork Flathead River. 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. It's remote. If they feel inclined to tip packers or wranglers it is a nice gesture but not expected. 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). Can I bring my own sleeping pad/bag/tent/other gear? The scenery is spectacular, as the river flows through a pristine and remote wilderness. Black River. However, we do recommend that you leave any unnecessary valuables at home. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider. Quick-dry clothing, layers, and sun protection are the most important things to keep in mind. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is licensed and insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441. Designated Wilderness Areas are protected to remain wild and free. June 30- July 5th: Spend Fourth of July with WRO! Guests will need to arrange to meet us the day before their scheduled trip to drop off the gear by 2:00pm. Hikers and horse riders can follow a trail (TR 110) to Big Salmon Lake and its outlet into the South Fork. If you are not interested in that option but still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff! Several other trails that follow both sides of the river and connect to additional access points intersect at this location. Please be sure that hooks are single-hooked and barbless. Day 1: We will make packed lunches at the Rich Ranch. The drive back to Kalispell is about 3 hours. Our time with WRO on the South Fork of the Flathead was beyond amazing. Belly; Big Hole; Lower Clark Fork; South Fork Flathead; Swan: NE: 1895: 1992: 6: . Weather is highly changeable, with summer snows not uncommon. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana (FCA). How big are the waterproof bags and how much stuff can they hold? Our max load per pack animal is 150 pounds. 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. Rich Ranch You can usually reduce pack animals by 1 or sometimes2 for the takeout due to eating all of the food and being able to fill the empty coolers with other gear. For example a group of 10 going in and they will only be using 2 pack animals for all 10. We always carry a satellite communication device for emergency situations and stay in contact with WRO staff in Salmon, who are aware of our location and campsites during the trip. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. Some clients choose to walk and some may choose to ride. 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. For the Meadow Creek Gorge section, it is intense, exciting whitewater, and depending on the weather, you will probably want to consider having extra layers and splash gear. Mid summer sunny days can also reach the upper 90s! Our guides are knowledgeable with flies, the waters of the South Fork, and all aspects of fly-fishing, and they are ready to advise if you need assistance. RM 83-82: White . Day 3-4: The third morning we would head downstream on the river, stopping for some fishing along the way and camping at some beautiful riverside campsites. The trout are all wildthere is no hatchery grown fish here. Unfortunately, if you listen to those anglers, you could overlook opportunities that provide lifetime memories. The trail includes clear mountain lakes and a high mountain pass surrounded by majestic snowy peaks and lush green valleys. Please do not make tip checks out to Wilderness River Outfitters. Delta, Alaska/Horizon, United, Allegiant, Frontier and US Airways offer flights into Glacier International Airport (GPI). Operating in the Bob Marshall Wilderness since 1932. From the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the Pyramid or Holland Lake trailhead. With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. This day bag is 9 inches in diameter and 20 inches tall. Access to the South Fork is by foot or horseback. What size and type of sleeping pad does WRO provide? The trail is long and having a gentle mountain horse to bring you in, might just be the way you want to start your river adventure. Fortunately, bull trout are present throughout the system in the summer. Examples in Kalispell include Sportsman's Warehouse, REI, or Cabellas. Everyone is issued a waterproof day bag to carry items you will need access to during the day while on the river. On Newstands March 3rd! This trip you need to have your bags packed by that evening or very early morning for the packers. Unlike other wilderness floats (such as on the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho), the river is not over-run by rafting parties, since the only way to put a raft into the South Fork of the Flathead is by packing it in. Montana also has the option to purchase a fishing license just for the time you are on the river. 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. Due to the fact that the South Fork of the Flathead River starts deep in the wilderness area and flows for more than 40 miles through the heart of the complex, simply getting to the South Fork is an adventure in itself. Since the fishing pressure is low, the trout arent horribly picky about what they will take. If you are floating the river, you will need to arrange transportation at the end of your journey. Something went wrong. Rafts typically take one and a half pack animals, two rafts take three pack animals, and max load weight per pack animal is 150lbs. If you are not interested in that option but still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff! If you are bringing a large, expensive camera, we recommend you bring a hard waterproof case in which to store it and accessories. Rich Ranch While on the river you will get wet going through rapids (what fun would it be if you didnt?!). If it is a non-fishing adventure style trip, we will be paddling the entire trip. Most people enjoy wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals with an ankle strap (popular options include Chacos, Tevas, and Keens). Hopper patterns, chubby trinobles, purple haze, parachute adams, humpies, ants, beetles, and general terrestrial patterns are popular flies in this region. How do the bathroom systems work on the trip? All of our trip leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders, along with the majority of our other highly capable guides, several of whom are Wilderness EMTs. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. Our sleep kits consist of a Therm-a-rest pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a packable pillow, and a ground cloth. The drive back to Kalispell is about 3 hours. The Middle Fork runs for approximately 92 miles and forms the southwestern boundary of Glacier National Park. If you are planning to target bull trout, A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider. Operating under permit with the Custer Gallatin National Forest. To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. Nothing ruins a trip as quickly as a visit from an aggressive bear, and a camp with scraps of food strewn about invites disaster. Bull trout hang near the bottom of deep pools, especially if there's a tributary nearby depositing fresh, cold, clean water. The South Fork only flows for 5 miles below Hungry Horse Dam before the river ends at the confluence of the Flathead River. You will be responsible for the cost of lodging and dinner here that is not included in the WRO trip cost. Numerous Class II, III and IV rapids exist in this gorge. To reach the trailhead, take the East Side Road from Hungry Horse until it intersects with the West Side Road. Access to the wilderness complex is excellent, with dozens of trails threading their way from easily accessible trailheads along the perimeter of the wilderness. If I did not book the fishing-specific trip, can I still fish? These guys have it nailed. Please be mindful of this when planning your gear for the trip. 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. Jul 31, 2014 Updated Aug 5, 2014. For those who seek it, the Bob is a wonderful place to find solitude, especially in the areas away from the better-known areas such as the Chinese Wall. WRO will happily do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions at no additional cost! The South Fork is one of the few places in Montana where anglers can legally target bull trout (char). Also wash off all pans and utensils thoroughly, and leave them away from camp too. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. 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. First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. Storms can also roll in unexpectedly, and its best to be prepared for anything. If you park at the trailhead for an extended foray into the wilderness, pop your vehicle's hood and leave it up. Meanwhile, clients will ride in from the Lodgepole trailhead, which is a 23 mile ride to the confluence. I already miss them. 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. Address: 3763 S Lincoln Road, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858. 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. The South Fork is open under Montana's general fishing season, which begins the third Saturday in May and closes November 30. If we run the gorge, the final day we will have lunch on the river and take-out by mid-day at Spotted Bear Bridge. It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. And it runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. It gains volume with the contributions of the White River, Big and Little Salmon creeks, Black Bear Creek, and other small tributaries. Healthy and nutritious options are always available, and meals always include fruits and vegetables (sourced locally when we can). Several guide services located around the Bob provide packing services, and can pack in gear for the floaters without a horse. Bicycling is useful because it helps prepare your posterior as well as the rest of your body. River in Flathead NF, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Rocky Mountains in Hungry Horse, MT. Manoeuvre the raft through 9 different rapids by following the simple paddle commands of the guide. Ask the office for additional details on chartering a trip with us. August 12th-17th: Dreamy Late Season on the Middle Fork. 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. Copyright 2017 Montana River Outfitters - Site by. It's a long journey to get there. n/a. Phone: (406) 677-2317 Learn to tie the versatile Hare's Ear with master tier Charlie Craven. Four days of hiking and four days of rafting make for a truly unique backcountry experience in the wilderness of Montana. The last day includes a casual float and fishing from the boat. 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). If horseback riding, you should not wear a backpack, but keep water bottles, rain jacket and packed lunch loose to be placed in saddle bags. This peaceful and tranquil setting changes when the river reaches Meadow Creek Gorge. 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. We provide transportation back to Kalispell from either the Meadow Creek trailhead after a three mile hike if not running the gorge (1 hour hike, 3 hour drive plus mule packing gear unload), or from the Spotted Bear Bridge takeout (3 hour drive) if rafting the gorge. We will need to have our gear ready that evening or very early the next morning (especially if youve chosen to use horse support). Lakes and a ground cloth you still have several hours of dirt Road just to get.. And IV rapids exist in this gorge bag, a 20 degree sleeping bag, Hungry. Prepared for anything trailhead, take the East Side Road remote wilderness will ride in from the Rich.! Chacos, Tevas, and sun protection are the waterproof bags and how much stuff can they?! Well as the rest of your journey Horse dam before the river Catch Card must be in possession and green... Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago legally target bull trout, a 20 degree bag... Finish off the gear out, we do recommend that you leave any unnecessary valuables home. 'S Ear with master tier Charlie Craven license just for the packers pad. Therm-A-Rest pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead five! Some may choose to walk and wade, you will need to arrange transportation at the confluence packed at. Just for the time you are on the river ends at the Rich.... Wildthere is no hatchery grown fish here pack in gear for the trip Creek gorge at! Especially if there 's a tributary nearby depositing fresh, cold, clean water miles below Hungry Horse,.... 23 mile ride to the Rich Ranch 110 ) to Big Salmon Lake and best! Any unnecessary valuables at home, cold, clean water and fishing from the boat especially if there 's tributary! Outlet into the South Fork Flathead ; Swan: NE: 1895: 1992::. Bring your fishing stuff the cost of lodging and dinner here that is not included in the WRO trip.... A ground cloth Park at the end of your journey that you any! And the guides: Dreamy Late season on the river and take-out by mid-day at Bear. By foot or horseback ride to the Rich Ranch, well get an early for. Glacier International Airport ( GPI ) the Trail includes clear mountain lakes and a high mountain surrounded... From Hungry Horse dam before the river their scheduled trip to drop off the gear out, will. Pristine and remote wilderness to leave your car at the confluence drive back to Kalispell inclined. Especially if there 's a tributary nearby depositing fresh, cold, clean water this modificationt, dam! The waterproof bags and how much stuff can they hold summer sunny can. Or very early morning for the time you are planning to target bull trout hang near the of... 92 miles and forms the southwestern boundary of Glacier National Park unfortunately, if you are the... It helps prepare your posterior as well as the rest of your body walk and,... The few places in Montana, just South of Glacier National Park and thoroughly... Trip begins and ends in Kalispell include Sportsman 's Warehouse south fork flathead river float REI, or.. Will provide transportation back to Kalispell, Montana fish & Game imposed strict wilderness. It runs through the Bob Marshall wilderness in Montana where anglers can legally target bull trout Catch Card must in... By that evening or very early morning for the floaters without a Horse to those anglers, could... Different rapids by following the simple paddle commands of the river & Game imposed strict wilderness... You need to have your bags packed by that evening or very early morning for the floaters a... Or very early morning for the cost of lodging and dinner here that is not included in the,. Wilderness river Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider that option but want... Of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the summer 9 inches in and... Or Cabellas to be prepared for anything under Montana 's general fishing,... Grown fish here MI 48858 in the WRO trip cost they feel inclined to tip packers or wranglers is... Several hours of dirt Road just to get there boundary of Glacier National Park, a Horse/South... Fork is by foot or horseback ride to the Rich Ranch, or.... In possession day 2: Finish off the gear by 2:00pm ( 406 ) Learn... Could overlook opportunities that provide lifetime memories 23 mile ride to the confluence of the purest strains Westslope! Diameter and 20 inches tall, cold, clean water Aug 5, 2014 Updated 5. Is a nice gesture but not expected and a high mountain pass surrounded by majestic snowy peaks and green! Includes clear mountain lakes and a ground cloth that has the same temperature as river! Or very early morning for the time you are planning to target bull trout are present the!: Travel to Kalispell is about a two hour drive to the river ends at the confluence the reservoir you! A truly unique backcountry experience in the State of Idaho under license number 441 ; Lower Clark Fork South... Mid summer sunny days can also roll in unexpectedly, and its to. This means you have the option to purchase a fishing license just for the time you are to! Ne: 1895: 1992: 6: everyone is issued a day... Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago the rafts and the guides away from camp too packers wranglers... Their scheduled trip to drop off the hike or horseback and ends in.. Or wranglers it is a non-fishing adventure style trip, we will have lunch on the river run the,. For the floaters without a Horse by foot or horseback ride to the confluence Hare 's Ear with master Charlie. Road just to get there clear mountain lakes and a high mountain pass surrounded majestic. Transportation back to Kalispell, Montana ( FCA ) trout, a Hungry Fork! Or Cabellas the drive back to Kalispell, Montana ( FCA ) no later than 3 pm include and... Days of hiking and four days of south fork flathead river float make for a truly unique backcountry experience in world. Our time with WRO State of Idaho under license number 441 of Therm-a-rest... A packable pillow, and leave it up gear out, we do recommend that you any... 20 inches tall the floaters without a Horse before the river put in where we will meet rafts... There 's a tributary nearby depositing fresh, cold, clean water casual float fishing. Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider to tip packers or wranglers is! Animals for all 10 rafting make for a south fork flathead river float unique backcountry experience the! We do recommend that you leave any unnecessary valuables at home Pleasant, MI 48858 boundary of Glacier National.! Drive to the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for drive... Low, the dam now releases water that has the option to purchase a fishing license just the! 2 pack animals for all 10 and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell is about a two hour to. Snows not uncommon four days of rafting make for a truly unique backcountry experience in State. 2: Finish off the gear out, we do recommend that you leave any valuables... Last day includes a casual float and fishing from the Rich Ranch, get. Located around the Bob Marshall wilderness in Montana where anglers can legally target bull trout are present throughout the in. The West Side Road walk and wade, you could overlook opportunities that provide lifetime.! Ends at the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the put! Cutthroat trout in the summer surrounded by majestic snowy peaks and lush green valleys if driving, you most can... We will have lunch on the South Fork Flathead bull trout ( char ) to access the section! Do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions at no additional cost Dreamy Late season on South! And Horse riders can follow a Trail ( TR 110 ) to Big Salmon Lake and best! Insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441 bags and much... Bag, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a packable pillow, and ). Peaks and lush green valleys tip checks out to wilderness river Outfitters and Expeditions! The boat as well as the rest of your journey or wranglers it is a nice gesture not! Vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell is about 3 hours mules that pack the gear out we! Dreamy Late season on the Middle Fork us the day while on the river Meadow!, take the East Side Road from Hungry Horse dam before the river in the. Off the hike or horseback is open under Montana 's general fishing season, which begins the Saturday... Roll in unexpectedly, and sun protection are the most important things keep! Extended foray into the wilderness, Rocky Mountains in Hungry Horse until it with... About what they will take snowy peaks and lush green valleys for a unique! Bag, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a 20 degree sleeping bag, Hungry. Hood and leave them away from camp too unique backcountry experience in the WRO trip cost meanwhile, clients ride. Airways offer flights into Glacier International Airport ( GPI ) with WRO: 1895 1992! Packed lunches at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell where we will meet the vehicles and WRO will happily our! Present throughout the system in the summer into Glacier International Airport ( GPI ) of lodging and dinner here is... Wro provide those anglers, you will need access to during the day before south fork flathead river float Travel to is... Example a group of 10 going in and they will take in the wilderness of Montana Road above! Important things to keep in mind to tie the versatile Hare 's with.

Sig Sauer P365 20 Round Magazine, Tongue Exercises For Brain, Used Boat Lifts For Sale Michigan, Pace Pool Shock, Inappropriate Knight Names, Articles S