We pack you, your gear and your float equipment to the confluence of Young's and Danaher Creeks where the South Fork of the Flathead River begins. Numerous Class II, III and IV rapids exist in this gorge. The South Fork of the Flathead is a freestone stream, vulnerable to the nuances of runoff, and typically unfishable until mid to late June. We do not provide any food or drinks for any part of the trip including the ride in. These are very comfortable and fit very nicely in our gear bags. WRO met them in every way! Please check your entries and try again. Seth has worked hard to make the trip work for ALL of us. The three forks offer opportunities for day floats from vehicle accessed sites, thrilling whitewater stretches, and permitted guided trips for day and overnight experiences. Everyone is also issued a large waterproof bag for your personal gear and clothing. When fishing for bull trout use short 0X to 2X leaders and sinking-tip lines. USGS. Just be careful not to spook the fishthe waters of the South Fork of the Flathead River are crystal clear. We are located under the giant log arch on the south side of US Highway 2, 1/2 mile west of West Glacier. 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. Temps for Trout: How to Catch Fish that Behave Hot n Cold, 2021 Fly Fisherman Father's Day Gift Guide, How to Remove Wind Knots and Snarls from Leaders and Tippet, Managing Menhaden: The Most Important Fish in the Sea, Pharmaceutical Pollution Threatens Florida's Shallow-Water Fish, Finding and Catching Trout in Mountain Lakes. Since the fishing pressure is low, the trout arent horribly picky about what they will take. After the trip: We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. Michigan has a bunch of river called "Black" but when you add brook trout plus fly fishing in the same paragraph your talking about the "Black River" in Otsego County. Due to the remote setting and the difficulty and expense of bringing in rafts, the river is relatively free of floaters, allowing for a peaceful, scenic float. What kind of footwear should I bring? In order to keep these places beautiful for years to come, all rivers are pack it in, pack it out. We bring fabulous portable toilets and handwashing stations that we place in a private location away from camp with the best bathroom view you will ever have. The fish pound attractor dry flies, not because they are stupid, but because they have to eat when food is available. Lunches are a combination of tasty salads, sandwiches, fruits, and assorted snacks. We offer fishing-specific trips that reserve a fishing boat and frame and a professional fishing guide. Westslope cutts prefer a big meal so use large hooks when you can (size 8-14). Camped out along the South Fork Flathead River. Great guides -- competent, knowledgeable and just great guys. The initial climb is moderately steep, making this route more suited for horses, but once through the pass, the trip to the river is scenic and enjoyable. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or allergies as early as possible so that we can adjust the menu accordingly. It is helpful but not necessary to do some riding prior to your trip. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. Most of the heavy-duty whitewater lies in the wilderness section, where the Middle Fork has a "wilderness" designation (no motors). The South Fork Flathead is one of our most remote trips, which makes the experience extremely unique and rewarding. Day 7: Depending on the group and water levels we may run the Meadow Creek Gorge on the seventh day and camp below the tight and technical 5 mile rapid section the final night. While the river is deep in spots, the river should pose no challenges to the alert wade fisherman. You are welcome to bring your own sleeping gear if you wish, but if you do, please bring your own complete sleep kit and let us know ahead of time. It has both whitewater and flat water sections. Others are disappointed by the size of the fish they're catching and blame increased pressure and catch-and-release mortality on the decline. Most travelers to the wilderness complex do not come here to fish. Online purchases are immediately effective, but must be printed and kept on your person at all times when fishing. Overall, the South Fork flows more than 60 miles through designated wilderness and National Forest lands before emptying into Hungry Horse Reservoir. WRO provides ample snacks as well as plenty of drinking water, fruit juices, and coffee, tea, and cream in the morning. With these trips being in the middle of the summer, the temperatures are very pleasant and walk-and-wade fishing from the bank and on side streams can be done without waders. These guys have it nailed. n/a. For most trips, sneakers or a lightweight hiking boot will be fine for side hikes. Give a Gift After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. 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. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. I once encountered someone who hit a pothole and broke an axle while driving late at night. The only items you should have with you for the horseback ride are: full water bottle, camera, rain gear, fleece jacket or sweater, hat, and riding clothes. We are currently working with Seth to go on a trip to the South Fork of the Flathead at the end of July. We travel 6 to 10 miles a day through spectacular backcountry and most routes include one day of uphill climbing. The natural elements in the Bob should not be taken lightly. Large, heavy stoneflies, such as Bitch Creek Nymphs and golden stonefly imitations, also work. We need to keep soap out of the rivers in order to protect sensitive fish populations, so if you want to use soap and bathe on the trip, you need to do so above the high water mark (even biodegradable soaps). June 30- July 5th: Spend Fourth of July with WRO! River in Flathead NF, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Rocky Mountains in Hungry Horse, MT. We do not have a packer or wrangler fee and do not charge for any animals that the packers or wranglers are riding or any pack animals we need to pack in our gear for staying over night. South Fork of the Flathead Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Overview Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. Trail 110 begins approximately two miles from Holland Lake (take TR 415 to TR 42 from the trailhead). We have experience working with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, etc. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a major river in Northwestern Montana. The South Fork of the Flathead River begins deep in the heart of Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, one of the nations largest designated wilderness areas. What a fabulously memorable trip!!! Before the trip: What is an appropriate gratuity for your guides? What shoes will I wear in the boat? The trail (TR 80) parallels the east bank of the river to Black Bear Creek. A quality tent, rain gear, current map, compass, GPS, first-aid kit, and water filtration system are crucial. Occasionally hiking members can pack a few beers on their personal backpack, but one can imagine we need to keep these quantities limited. When booking your trip, you will need to know your pack-in preference, and horse reservations need to be arranged ahead of time through WRO. See Special License Requirements for application information. From the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the Pyramid or Holland Lake trailhead. One day of the South Forks whitewater is enough adrenaline for the whole trip! Wonderful, gourmet backcountry cooking! Online purchases are immediately effective, but must be printed and kept on your person at all times when fishing. Immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty and pristine watersheds of Glacier National Park and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River with an experienced guide. So the moral of the story is this: If you cook any fish while camped in the wilderness area, make sure you cook them well away from where youre camping (like hundreds of yards). This is in addition to the local wildlife that can make any trip an interesting and memorable experience. You will head to the trail the next morning (the official starting date of your trip) and start the hike or pack in. Thanks to Seth, Sarah, Vince and Tyler for an unforgettable adventure. Breakfasts consist of a combination of grains, vegetables, eggs, and breakfast meats, and dinners consist of culinary delights such as wild salmon and steak, many of which are cooked over open campfires and dutch ovens. 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). Check out the full of story of Sage Indendi Johnson's journey from a path towards professional basketball to guiding in Alaska. Most people credit the river's decline to increased pressure, and they are probably correct. We start the trip with a two-day ride (or hike) through spectacular scenery through the Bob Marshall wilderness to access the starting point of the float, then spend five days fly-fishing some of the most pristine water in Montana. Big and plenty, these native fish average 12-20 inches. Long sleeved, lightweight sun hoodies, long pants, brimmed hat, eye protection, and possibly sun-gloves are recommended. Day 4-7: As we continue on, well be rafting the calm and beautiful upper South Fork, floating around lazy corners and casting along undercut banks. *This story was originally titled "Glacier's Borderlands: Do-it-yourself adventures on the North and Middle forks of the Flathead.". During July, the South Fork is one of the only rivers in America where you can target bull trout. Yes, we do normally change campsites every day. We will provide transportation from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch the day before your trip is scheduled to begin. South Fork Flathead River upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir. Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse. We are consistently told by guests that we out-do their expectations when it comes to our foods quality that we can accomplish in the wilderness. What if there is a family emergency back home? Hopper patterns, chubby trinobles, purple haze, parachute adams, humpies, ants, beetles, and general terrestrial patterns are popular flies in this region. Spey fishing is a unique way to fish for bull trout in the Flathead. Below the dam, the river only runs for 5 miles. Yes, we almost always have a campfire every evening and morning. It is recommended to keep your wallet at the bottom of your overnight bag, so it does not get misplaced. Call 1.406.888.5454 to Book. The guides can help carry and heat up some water if needed. Belly; Big Hole; Lower Clark Fork; South Fork Flathead; Swan: NE: 1895: 1992: 6: . The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. After meeting your trip leader and the other guests, we will drive as a group from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch, which is about a two hour drive. Please be sure that hooks are single-hooked and barbless. 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. During your registration, you will note your boat preferences so we can plan accordingly. Copyright 2023 Wilderness River Outfitters. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. I highly recommend them! Can WRO accommodate dietary restrictions/ allergies? How will they locate us? Terrestrial patterns, particularly hoppers, also are excellent to use in July and August. 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. 65 miles from the origin to Hungry Reservoir and almost all of it flows through remote wilderness. The Middle Fork has an average gradient of about 35 feet per mile, which translates to punchy Class III-IV rapids on earlier trips and boulder garden rapids during lower flows. If you need help finding an outfitter to help pack you out at your take out, we can provide you with some recommendations. If staying in Kalispell the night your trip takes off, we recommend making your reservations at the Red Lion Hotel (1-800-547-8010) or Travelodge (1-406-755-6123) in Kalispell. Upon reaching the Meadow Creek Pack Bridge, it is a short hike into the wilderness. It gains volume with the contributions of the White River, Big and Little Salmon creeks, Black Bear Creek, and other small tributaries. On the other hand, if you are an experienced fisherman, they will put you in the right spot and let you do your thing! While most of our other trips can get to the put-in at the river by vehicle, we must use packing outfitters to break down all of our river and personal gear to be packed in by a mule string. Enjoy an exciting half-day Glacier National Park whitewater rafting trip on the middle fork section of the Flathead River. The river is navigable for up to 6 miles upstream from its confluence with the South Fork. In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. Catching a South Fork bull trout will be a lasting memory for any fisherman. Weather is highly changeable, with summer snows not uncommon. Rich Ranch For more information, please go to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. They talk about bull trout spawning over the last 50 years in the Great Bear. Six Montana paddlers took a five day backpacking and packrafting trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness to float about 56 . This remote valley deep in the. Day 5-6: Well be rafting the calm and beautiful upper South Fork, floating around lazy corners and casting along undercut banks. All Rights Reserved. For most trips you will need two pairs of shoes, one to wear in the boats and one to wear hiking and around camp. I highly recommend them! Your trip leader will put on an orientation at 6 pm at the Rich Ranch, where trip details, last minute questions, and dry bag demonstrations will be given. However, this route requires you to ascend the North Fork of the Blackfoot (TR 31 to TR 32), cross Dry Fork Divide, and then follow Danaher Creek (TR 126) to the junction with Youngs Creek. Rain is always possible, but trips earlier in the season are more likely to see precipitation and/or cooler temperatures than mid to late summer trips. (1-406-755-6123) in Kalispell. Manoeuvre the raft through 9 different rapids by following the simple paddle commands of the guide. The scenery on the ride portion of the trip is spectacular. From the take out point, it is a three-mile walk to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. South Fork bull trout weigh up to 15 pounds or more and smack streamers, as well as the occasional cutthroat dancing on the end of an angler's line. Access to the wilderness complex is excellent, with dozens of trails threading their way from easily accessible trailheads along the perimeter of the wilderness. We usually start floating when the sun hits the water each day and arrive in camp late afternoon. Several guide services located around the Bob provide packing services, and can pack in gear for the floaters without a horse. To reach the trailhead, turn onto Holland Lake Road from Highway 83 and follow the signs. Do we have to share a tent with someone else? Day 8: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. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. With these trips being in the middle of the summer, the temperatures are very pleasant and walk-and-wade fishing from the bank and on side streams can be done without waders. WRO operates under National Park Service contract in Glacier Bay. We do not provide soda or alcohol, except for one night which is a fiesta night in which we provide drinks. The river in this area is dangerous to fish and most anglers begin fishing outside the gorge. During September, October, and even November, South Fork cutthroats eat everything that floats over their snouts as they gear up for a long winter. Copyright 2023 Wilderness River Outfitters. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River was a major part of the inspiration for the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the strongest protection a river in the United States can have. Lakestream in Whitefish and Larrys Fly Shop in Columbia Falls are good local fly shops to go to beforehand, and a few more limited sport stores like Sportsman's Warehouse and Cabellas in Kalispell. Your trip leader will put on an orientation around 6 pm at the Rich Ranch. It seems like a lot of work and planning to make a float trip in the wilderness a reality, but it's a wonderful experience. Sign up for our email newsletter for great articles, tips and news from our adventures. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Kalispell airport. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. The South Fork is open under Montana's general fishing season, which begins the third Saturday in May and closes November 30. With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm one day prior to your trips launch date. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. This is dependent on the area you are fishing, but for all rivers you will need single, barbless hooks without bait. They say anglers used to catch nearly 30 cutthroats a day between 15 and 20 inches. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. Float the south fork of the flathead In addition to guided fly fishing, we offer drop float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Some exceptions might be considered based on a child's experience with multi-day camping, hiking, horseback riding and rafting. Sprawling more than 1.5 million acres, the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex (known to locals as the Bob), which also includes the Great Bear Wilderness and the Scapegoat Wilderness, is perhaps the wildest location in the lower 48 states. WRO will happily do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions at no additional cost! How big are the waterproof bags and how much stuff can they hold? What fishing gear should I bring versus what WRO provides? Kalispell and Whitefish have limited taxi options like Uber or Lyft, so if you dont have a vehicle, staying in the recommended lodging is especially convenient. RM 83-82: White . Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. If you want to fish, a Montana fishing license is mandatory, and can be purchased just before you arrive if it is an in-person purchase. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. Guides are usually tipped 10-20% of the cost of the trip, more for exceptional service. If I lived anywhere close to the area, I know I'd be in there every summer. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana (FCA). Aug 15, 2019. Explore all WRO trips on our interactive map . If you are bringing a large, expensive camera, we recommend you bring a hard waterproof case in which to store it and accessories. We do not provide soda or alcohol, except for one night which is a fiesta night in which we provide drinks. Morgan and John talk about the oldest, purest, and largest westslope cutthroat in the U.S., which are found in the upper South Fork of the Flathead River deep in the Bob. Chartered trips must pay for the entire slot to reserve the trip, which minimum number of guests vary depending on the river you are interested in. Your wallet & cash should be placed in a Ziplock bag and taken with you on your trip. The heaviest use in the Bob occurs in the fall, during hunting season. It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. The hour-and-a-half-long drive should be taken at moderate speed. We can provide an empty dry bag to store your sleep kit in. You will also catch fewer small fish because the large flies are difficult for small fish to inhale. WRO operates under special use permits on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests. About the closest you can get to the river by vehicle is by using the long and curvy West Reservoir Road that crosses the Hungry Horse Dam and meanders around Hungry Horse Reservoir. WRO offers even a seasoned river tripper a way to be in a wilderness setting that encourages discovery and interaction as well as makes you feel safe and part of something special. Montana also has the option to purchase a fishing license just for the time you are on the river. I believe those reports, but today fish average between 8 and 14 inches with an occasional 17- to 20-inch fish. We try to arrive back to Kalispell late afternoon on the last day of your trip if running the gorge, but will typically arrive closer to early evening if hiking out, as you are dealing with additional logistic factors. And cooking fish, especially over an open fire, produces a powerful aromaan aroma that grizzly bears just love. Additionally, from Meadow Creek Pack Bridge (near the wilderness area boundary) down to Spotted Bear footbridge, it is all catch and release and only artificial lures may be used. In some cases, introductions were illegal, and these include such sites as Coeur d'Alene Lake, Idaho; Keyhole Reservoir, Wyoming; and Beaver Creek Reservoir, Bitterroot River, and Flathead River, Montana (McMahon and Bennett 1996), and lakes in Alaska (Bell, personal communication). Follow the West Side Road to the trailhead, approximately six miles from Hungry Horse Reservoir's southern shore. WRO operates under special recreation permits on BLM land. If walking, its important to know that there are a few major creek crossings. Half-Day Scenic Float Full-Day Whitewater With Riverside Lunch . You will be responsible for the cost of lodging and dinner here that is not included in the WRO trip cost. Other than the Meadow Creek Gorge area, a wade fisherman can access virtually any segment of this river, spending weeks if not months exploring every pool, run and riffle. Use as your home location. Examples in Kalispell include Sportsman's Warehouse, REI, or Cabellas. Guests are welcome to camp at the trailhead or stay at the Blackfoot Motel in Ovando. While you probably won't catch a 22-inch trophy, you will catch some of the most perfectly configured trout in the world. Your trip leader will put on an orientation around 6 pm at the Rich Ranch. Day 8: We will arrive at Mid-Creek takeout and there will be a three mile hike to the Meadow Creek trailhead, which takes about an hour. We will make lunch for the trail, and after a short drive to the trailhead in the morning we will be on our way. WRO operates under National Park Service contract in Glacier Bay. We will pack your gear and your float equipment and can also pack you in if you aren't up for the long hike into the South Fork of the Flathead River. Floating the South Fork of the Flathead River is perhaps one of the finest floats anyone can do in the lower 48. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. If staging in Kalispell after your trip, we recommend making your reservations at the Red Lion Hotel (1-800-547-8010) or Travelodge (1-406-755-6123) in Kalispell. 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. Check out more about the Flathead River. Black River. This is because if they break, it is very disruptive to the mules, and can cause a whole mule crash. The South Fork is marginal habitata stream that flows through mostly sterile, granite corridors. Website: richranch.com. Phones can be placed in a Ziploc bag or water proof case and put in your day bag if you would like to have it accessible for taking pictures during the day. The result is that anglers now sometimes struggle to catch fish that are small enough to keep. If you are interested for a drop camp trip for hiking and fishing, the cost would be doubled for pickup and return. There will be plenty of time to fish at lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be more limited. The South Fork of the Flathead, located in the heart of theBob Marshall Wilderness, is a horsepack in/float out trip of 5-7 days, putting you over feisty Cutthroats to 22 and Bull Trout to 15 pounds. August 12th-17th: Dreamy Late Season on the Middle Fork. They will need to be made out to the guide or to cash. As a family, we spend a fair share of time enjoying the outdoors of Montana. Summer temperatures in Montana can fluctuate dramatically in a 24-hour period, from freezing at night to 70-90's the next afternoon. Seth has been personally involved in this trip because it is a custom deal, mostly because we wanted to take another trip with WRO, but really are not fishermen-and this is usually a fishing trip. 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