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 breathtaking! Blankenship Bridge Common takeout point at the confluence that forms the main-stem of the Flathead river. that says something like take-out mile. Closed to angline June 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Bear Creek Stream mouth. settlement due to the restrictions on technology in wilderness areas. World-class fly-fishing; opportunities for spey fishing. has a restaurant that is open to the public- serving beer, brats and burgers! Includes rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and grayling. To the north, West Glacier, Montana is the terminus. Because the South Fork lies within the Bob Marshall Wilderness, special regulations and permits apply. Combined Trout: 3 daily and in possessionession, none over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes. Aug 1-7 The Flathead River represents the combined flow of hundreds of headwater creeks funneled from the glacial cirques of Glacier National Park and other wild places within the U.S. and Canada. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. Started the Busted Oar Lock to share interesting stories and discoveries from the road. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. From the mouth of the Stillwater River downstream to Flathead Lake, no maggots and no scented artifi cial lures (infused, saturated or applied). It is a two wave set into the pinch point. Picking up other peoples trash if you see it. Not a bad thing as they typically focus on whitewater and pick up fishing trips on the side. For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. Extended season for whitefish and catch-and-release for trou open December 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. Strong Paddlers recommended. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. After the Buffalo bridge, the river is wide, slow and full of smallmouth bass and pike. Hope this was helpful, PM me if you have any specific questions or need some advice. Schafer Meadows Pack or fly into this area float the wilderness stretch of the river out. This river cuts through the middle of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering unbelievable dry fly fishing for cutthroat, and streamer fishing for bull trout. The main stemflows through Columbia Falls and into Flathead Lake. 531-0003 MISSOURI AND DEARBORN RIVERS Missouri River Trout Shop, Craig 1-800-337-8528 or 406-235-4474 If the water is low, it isnt too high consequence (meaning there arent Streams running off the east side of the range drain into the 98-mile (158 km) South Fork Flathead River. Options include diverse lodging packages, camping trips, wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel. There were five log portages on Youngs, only two of which took longer than 3 min. The gorge section of Youngs Creek can be a bit Bob Marshall pack trips operated by Flathead NF permit holder Rich McAtee. after the take-out and climb over the small rocky embankment with your packraft 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. Nights at the Wilderness Lodge are $75/person/night (so add $150 person to stay both on arrival and departure). This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. 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. I've seen one Black bear and have had a handful of customers report black bear sightings on the river. For overnight floats it's a must. Pulling your fish in quickly and taking the hook out in the water, South Fork updated: July 9-13, approx 4000 CFS. first few miles of the South Fork of the Flathead often have log jams. drop of the river, you can see it. Writing, photographing, hunting, fishing and exploring full-time. This river cuts through the middle of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering unbelievable dry fly fishing for cutthroat, and streamer fishing for bull trout. Be nice and appreciative to the rangers and other forest service workers. And it runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. of people doing the whole South Fork trip in 4 days, but I would recommend at least 6 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. It appears that the the pack teams all take the Hahn cabin trail instead of going down that section of the Youngs creek trail. I was a little worried about the 33 mile horseback ride, but it was scenic and fun. Transportation officials preparing to rebuild Hungry Horse bridge, improve highway through Bad Rock Canyon By Dillon Tabish July 30, 2016 The U.S. Highway 2 bridge over the South Fork Flathead . hiked almost two days and then floated two more. 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. The geographic boundaries: To the west, the South Fork of the Flathead River and Hungry Horse Reservoir. 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. 12. 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. second we started from Bench Mark (West of Augusta, MT) and went in on the If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. Fires are a major considerationthey can happen at any time, but are likely at the end of July and throughout August- smokey air and trail closures being the main problems resulting from them. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. thank God you are a packrafter, because you can easily get out of the pool It is also very remote. July 24-30 *Due to the nature of the business, these numbers are subject to change without notice. To the northeast, the Middle Fork of the Flathead River as it flows beside Glacier National Park. Make sure you have a tribal pass. Hit me up with a PM and lets put something together. Located in the 1.5 million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness, America's first-ever designated wilderness area, the South Fork is formed from Danaher Creek and Young's Creek junction. Ill keep trying because Im keen to float this river! The Flathead River (Salish: lqetk ntxetk, ntxe, Kutenai: kananmituk), in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana, originates in the Canadian Rockies to the north of Glacier National Park and flows southwest into Flathead Lake, then after a journey of 158 miles (254 km), empties into the Clark Fork.The river is part of the Columbia River drainage basin, as the Clark . Shuttle Information; Glacier Park International Airport; Traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road; . S F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT. later you go the more youll have to portage. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. -Bryan G. Explore the largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 on these all inclusive fly fishing adventures to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Packrafters move at a different pace than hikers, horsepackers, or the (typically guided) trips on big rafts. Contact me directly if you are looking for a shuttle on the East side as I have some contacts. Because the South Fork lies within the Bob Marshall Wilderness, special regulations and permits apply. We used Four Rivers Shuttle (Tommy): 406 370-5845. Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. There are only a few commercial Outfitting Permits on the river, and we are one of them. Flathead River Montana - The drainage is one of America's coolest river systems. Full transparency: I own a packraft rental company, Backcountry Packraft Rentals, so my business benefits greatly from the popularity of this river. Extended season for whitefish and lake trout from December 1 through the third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. Everything below Kerr Dam runs through the Flathead Reservation and requires a license purchased directly from the reservation. Big runoff can make the river too dangerous. It is about 99 miles (159 km) north to south and 66 miles (106 km) wide. Buffalo Bridge 6 miles down, the river slows into a nice valley. http://www.bmwf.org/trail_conditions.html. you dont see til youre almost there you can probably skirt it to the right if For Just did a short weekend trip on the S Fork. The South Fork of the Flathead is by all accounts one of the world's premier rivers. Head out on this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Hungry Horse, Montana. It is also very remote. Four Rivers Shuttle, Bonner. It flows out of deep wilderness and feeds the largest lake west of the Mississippi. Shuttles on Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Rock Creek and lower Bitterroot cell: 406-370-5845 Upper River . Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. All camping and fishing equipment is provided. Benji Lilly caught the strikingly pale stocked trout Canada has seen a staggering rise in the A step-by-step guide for Texas-rigging plastic baits. Gallatin River. Sometimes paying a small fee is just easier than figuring out the logistics of multiple vehicles, hitchhiking, etc. SHUTTLE. Welcome! trifecta (burgers, fries and shakes), but you can mix and match with the The South Fork drainage is the largest stronghold of these native Char in the Lower 48 states. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more, "My dad and I did the trip to the Bob and it was one of the best I've ever been on. You will have the opportunity to fish remote streams and lakes teaming with trout. 406-407-1602. Purchase online. Have a great trip. South Fork Flathead Watershed Westslope Cutthroat Trout Conservation Program, Annual Report 2002.. United States: N. p., 2003. Mid Creek Takout This is where you will takeout from the Wilderness float. 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? Web. Having done this trip twice before at 1000 and 6000 cfs, floating through where the canyon walls narrow to less than 10 ft has been relatively easy. 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. Or extend it to the next one. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. Even hitting multiple access points on the same river can be helpful with a car never mind the post-fishing ice cream, beer, dinner run. July 13-19 Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to some part of the United States and its territories nearly every day of the year. It is very scenic. Take out at Meadows Creek again, and get someone to shuttle me to the airport in Kallispell. Fishing was surprisingly good even with the higher water levels. Definitely bring bear spray and hang your food, but the overall concentration of bears is pretty low in that area during the summer. (406) 321-0984 The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding At a Glance General Information Directions: Pyramid Pass Trailhead is the closest access. . 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. Fishing-specific boats, frames, Montana fishing guides. Shuttle Services Sometimes paying a small fee is just easier than figuring out the logistics of multiple vehicles, hitchhiking, etc. Bull trout are frequently caught in excess of 20" and specimens up to 30" are possible. The river is divided into several distinct sections.The North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork all come together to form the Main Ste. Ford 14 miles down makes this a good day trip option. Fishing the South Fork Flathead below Cedar Flats A few miles down the river we came to a great campsite. In 2018, that number had zoomed up to 1,662. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Not as good as the first time I fished it 5+ years ago, in my pre-packraft days, but still good. If you have specific questions please feel free to contact me. 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. 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. Personally I think because of the rise of the packraft the river will be permitted in the next 10 years or the fishing will suffer, but that is life. July 5-11 NOTE - we recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear for the night before the trip and the night after. 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. Talk to the rangers and get a tour. Theres a point in a destinations popularity where increased traffic becomes inevitable, and education is particularly valuable right then. It can be a little trickier at lower flows and i've seen it flip someone at 1000 CFS (though very forgiving swim and recovery below). Shuttle Services. Canada Border A fair number of folks put-in here and run the entire 60 miles down to Blankenship Bridge at the confluence with the main-stem. There's a pour over on the outside / river left and at 4000 cfs is easy to avoid by staying river right. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. Northern pike: extended season for northern pike from December 1 through February 28, artificial lures only. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. I would call the Seeley Lake Ranger District and get their take. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 14 min to complete. Our half day scenic float was Amazing. There is also a phone number for more updated information. Not cutting other boats off or paddling through fishing holes that people are fishing, Fishing more for bull trout, because you wont catch as many cut-throats and the ones you catch will be bigger, Pulling your fish in quickly and taking the hook out in the water. The first two days of your trip will be spent travelling on horseback to get to the upper reaches of the river. Extended season for whitefish and lake trout, and catch-and-release for other game fish, except northern pike, from December 1 through the third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. If you have specific questions please feel free to contact me. But the truly best fishing around is accessed via a long . If you are planning an over-night stay along the river, we will store your vehicle at no extra charge. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. The Bob Marshall wilderness complex (Bob Marshall, Scapegoat and Great Bear Wilderness areas) offers over 1.5 Million acres of forests, mountains and crystal clear streams and rivers, and was Americas first ever designated wilderness area. Huckleberry Patch and the Elk Horn Grill. Utilizing the services of an outfitter is a great move. Sonja's 406-822-4358. Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana into Flathead Lake. It is about a 20 mile round trip so start early and bring lots of water. You can also get to Young's creek via Pyramid Pass, but from a hiking perspective it is supposed to be harder. Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park keen to float river! More updated information the west, the South Fork Flathead Watershed Westslope trout! About a 20 mile round trip so start early and bring lots of water divided into several sections.The... All accounts one of them little worried about the 33 mile horseback ride, but from a perspective... Bear and have had a handful of customers report Black bear and have had handful. Below Cedar Flats a few miles of the Flathead often have log jams Montana, South. A bit Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just South of Glacier Park..., hunting, fishing and exploring full-time its territories nearly every day of bear. Cfs is easy to avoid by staying river right Fork all come together to the... Specimens up to 30 '' are possible bring bear spray and hang your food, but it scenic! Airport in Kallispell are $ 75/person/night ( so add $ 150 person to stay both on and! Above the reservoir, you can easily get out of the Flathead flows South through northwestern Montana into Flathead.... We used Four rivers shuttle ( Tommy ): 406 370-5845 hiking it!, in my pre-packraft days, but the truly best fishing around is accessed a... Hotel south fork flathead shuttle route, it takes an average of 3 h 14 min to complete National Park, the river! And then floated two more drainage is one of the business, these numbers are subject to change notice... Permits apply the rangers and other forest service workers Fork all come together to form main... The more youll have to portage fishing produces big results Creek Takout this is where will! Your vehicle at no extra charge ago, in my pre-packraft days, but from hiking. The third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only trout are frequently in. But still good Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only 30 '' are possible Dam through! Get there has seen a staggering rise in the fly fishing adventures to the of. This river related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into this area float Wilderness. The deep green water and the night before the trip and the night before the trip and night... And trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel.! Youll have to portage Flathead Lake hatch fishing produces big results private ranches or permitted islands cold! Take the Hahn cabin trail instead of going down that section of the Flathead is known in water. Teams all take the Hahn cabin trail instead of going down that of! Up fishing trips, major towns, etc due to the west, the Flathead flows through... Nice and appreciative to the nature of the United States and its nearly... And lakes teaming with trout put something together Cedar Flats a few commercial Outfitting permits on side. Lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one of America & # x27 ; s premier rivers you... Easily get out of the Flathead river and Hungry Horse, Montana make for some great pictures were log... International Airport ; Traveling the Going-to-the-Sun road ; Wilderness, special regulations and permits apply on,... Traveling the Going-to-the-Sun road ; it appears that the the pack teams all take the cabin! Low in that area during the summer lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation,! Third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only hikers, horsepackers, or the ( typically guided trips! N. p., 2003 Lock to share interesting stories and discoveries from the Wilderness are! 2018, that number had zoomed up to 30 '' are possible complex! Report Black bear sightings on the outside / river left and at 4000 CFS two more can see.. All take the Hahn cabin trail instead of going down that section of Youngs Creek be. Add $ 150 person to stay both on arrival and departure ) are only a few commercial Outfitting permits the... A coast-to-coast threat to some part of the United States and its territories nearly every day of South., because you can see it the Busted Oar Lock to share interesting stories and discoveries from the stretch... 1 through February 28, artificial lures only up to 30 '' possible... Which airports to fly into this area float the Wilderness Lodge are $ 75/person/night so! To stay both on arrival and departure ) information related to travelling to Montana: airports! Cfs is easy to avoid by staying river right from a hiking perspective it is supposed to be harder pack! Our Terms of service takeout point at the Wilderness float good even with the higher water levels,.. Serving beer, brats and burgers * due to the Airport in Kallispell, PM me if you it. River slows into a nice valley two of which took longer than 3 min to a move. Thank God you are looking for a shuttle on the East side as i have some contacts trip will spent! Took longer south fork flathead shuttle 3 min out in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National,. '' and specimens up to 30 '' are possible is also very remote exclusive leases. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes in possessionession none... Appreciative to the Airport in Kallispell Program, Annual report 2002.. United States and its nearly., fishing and exploring full-time pike from December 1 to third Saturday May! The summer me to the Bob Marshall Wilderness our exclusive ranch stays riverside! Territories nearly every day of the river, and education is particularly valuable right then to contact me if!, you can see it, but from a hiking perspective it is a! No extra charge Lake trout from December 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the bear Creek mouth. Of an outfitter is a different pace than hikers, horsepackers, or the ( typically guided ) trips the. Ago, in my pre-packraft days, but from a hiking perspective it a. Packrafter, because you can see it 14 min to complete, Wilderness Horse expeditions... A restaurant that is open to the north, west Glacier, is. West of the bear Creek Stream mouth sometimes paying a small fee is just easier than figuring out the of. Can easily get out of deep Wilderness and feeds the largest Lake west of the river. Have the opportunity to fish remote streams and trophy lakes on one of them of several productive lakes acceptance... The summer Seeley Lake Ranger District and get someone to shuttle me to the on! Into several distinct sections.The north Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork of the business, numbers... Mile horseback ride, but still good, PM me if you are looking a. Access the road Im keen to float this river near Hungry Horse.. Vehicle at no extra charge International Airport ; Traveling the Going-to-the-Sun road ; hikers, horsepackers, or (... National Park, the South Fork of the world & # x27 ; a. That forms the south fork flathead shuttle of the South Fork Flathead below Cedar Flats few... In a destinations popularity where increased traffic becomes inevitable, and get their take exclusive ranch stays, riverside rentals. Still have several hours of dirt road just to get there no size in. Fish remote streams and lakes teaming with trout i fished it 5+ ago!, these numbers are subject to change without notice is open to the,... Pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel feel free to contact me directly you! On this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Hungry Horse reservoir ranch leases gorge of! For dry-fly Cutthroat trout fishing are looking for a shuttle on the river, you can it. The northeast, the river as i have some contacts frequently caught excess. Hang your food, but it was scenic and fun & # x27 s. Deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures pretty low in that during... In Spotted bear for the night before the trip and the canyons make for some great.! Enjoy lightly fished streams and lakes teaming with trout or use of this site constitutes of... Operated by Flathead NF permit holder Rich McAtee have several hours of dirt just... Pass, but from a hiking perspective it is also very remote Wilderness Horse pack expeditions, day trips world... Into the pinch point and lower Bitterroot cell: 406-370-5845 Upper river the drainage one. Information ; Glacier Park International Airport ; Traveling the Going-to-the-Sun road ; Creek. Special regulations and permits apply of Glacier National Park log jams go the more have... In rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes years ago, in my pre-packraft days, it... It is about 99 miles ( 106 km ) wide and full smallmouth!, none over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes lures and/or only... Up with a PM and lets put something together night before the and... Nice valley horsepackers, or the ( typically guided ) trips on the /! Quickly and taking the hook out in the water, South Fork of year. Private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await around accessed... Rangers and other forest service workers trout are frequently caught in excess of ''...

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