Copyright 2002 - 2022 Big Sky Fishing.Com, Introduction to the South Fork Flathead River, Photographs of the South Fork Flathead River, How to Choose the Best Inflatable Boat for Your Needs, How to Protect Your Phone While Fishing or Floating, Big Prairie Ranger Station Pack Bridge: 92, Black Bear Ranger Station Pack Bridge: 69.5, Takeout to avoid Meadow Creek Gorge: 61.6, Log Landing (take out point before Reservoir): 40. 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. 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. Website: richranch.com. A floater reels in a 12-inch cutthroat trout from the emerald green water of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in Montana's Great Bear Wilderness Area in . They also know how to get you from amazing point A to beautiful point B safely. Seth Tonsmeire is the licensed fishing outfitter in the State of Montana number #40842. Use as your home location. There are many beautiful places in the US that don't see lots of visitors and are best experienced with guides who know the place and can help you make the most of being somewhere so special. 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. Below Meadow Creek Trailhead, the floater who wants to continue down the river to Hungry Horse Reservoir can put in their boat at an unofficial access point called Cedar Flats. As a family, we spend a fair share of time enjoying the outdoors of Montana. If I lived anywhere close to the area, I know I'd be in there every summer. In addition to the large waterproof bag issued for packing clothing and camp items, everyone is also issued a smaller day bag to carry items you will need access to while on the river (sunscreen, camera, extra layer, rain gear, etc.). Our South Fork Flathead classic adventure trips are typically WRO adventure-style paddle boating. 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). 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. While on the river you will get wet going through rapids (what fun would it be if you didnt?!). This is a 2 day ride to the South Fork. What kind of footwear should I bring? Listen to the River, from Wild Confluence Films, is the story of a classic summertime river adventure gone awry.In 2015, a crew of friends set out on the South Fork Flathead River in Montana's Bob . Others are disappointed by the size of the fish they're catching and blame increased pressure and catch-and-release mortality on the decline. Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness. This day bag is 9 inches in diameter and 20 inches tall. Carry bear spray and store food in airtight containers hung from trees away from camp. Any rafts will need to be brought in either on your back or on horse. This remote valley deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness is home to extraordinary wildlife, including elk, moose, wolf, eagles, mountain goats, grizzly and black bear. 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. 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. 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. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. We will need to have our gear ready that evening or very early the next morning (especially if youve chosen to use horse support). 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. Since 1977 Montana River Outfitters prides itself in offering only the finest river trips available. 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. Your personal day gear will be packed in saddle bags or a small dry pack. Explore all WRO trips on our interactive map . 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. Evacuation plans are in place for each trip in case of an emergency, and a satellite communication device is carried at all times. This has important implications. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. This bag should be plenty large enough for everything listed on our suggested packing list. Yes, we almost always have a campfire every evening and morning. Failure to take these precautions is likely to lead to uninvited and probably unwanted guests with large claws and teeth probing your campsite during the night. There are a total of 97.9 miles of designated Wild River . 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. Seth Tonsmeire is the licensed fishing outfitter in the State of Montana number #40842. The Bob Marshall is one of the most beautiful and beloved wilderness areas in all the US. Sign up for our email newsletter for great articles, tips and news from our adventures. The nose-diving U.S. economy has persuaded many families in recent years to put costly and exotic vacation plans on hold . After the trip: Learn more about these fun boats. There are numerous designated access sites, and it's pretty easy to navigate. And the pack in is neither quick nor easyany pack in requires covering at least 25 miles or more of mountainous terrain. Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse. Drop float trips begin at the Monture trailhead, seven miles north of Ovando, Montana. Storms can also roll in unexpectedly, and its best to be prepared for anything. Access is easy, with numerous designated access sites, and countless unofficial access sites. Middle Fork Flathead River. WRO will happily do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions at no additional cost! The last day includes a casual float and fishing from the boat. I believe those reports, but today fish average between 8 and 14 inches with an occasional 17- to 20-inch fish. Most of the heavy-duty whitewater lies in the wilderness section, where the Middle Fork has a "wilderness" designation (no motors). Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is licensed and insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441. This is in addition to the local wildlife that can make any trip an interesting and memorable experience. However, if youre not, heres something else to consider before putting that trout into the frying pan. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. The three forks offer opportunities for day floats from vehicle accessed sites, thrilling whitewater stretches, and permitted guided trips for day and overnight experiences. The South Fork is marginal habitata stream that flows through mostly sterile, granite corridors. WRO operates under special use permits on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests. Follow the West Side Road to the trailhead, approximately six miles from Hungry Horse Reservoir's southern shore. 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. How does the bathroom system work during the trip? 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. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. The South Fork Flathead above the Meadow Creek gorge is mostly scenic, with small sections of mellow class II whitewater, so you will not be getting wet that often on this trip versus some of our more whitewater-oriented trips. 2021 with WRO on the South Fork of the Flathead in MT was the best yet and given that we've rafted with them several times over the past decade or sothat's saying something. It is also nice to have camp shoes to change into. 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. Overnight bags and sleep kits will be available on the trail the first night. How big are the waterproof bags and how much stuff can they hold? Learn to tie Barr's Damsel with master tier Charlie Craven. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. This is the classic way WRO ran our wilderness trips, and is a wonderful way to experience this river! They will not pamper you but will instead tease out your best self to feel as if you belong in the wilderness. What size and type of sleeping pad does WRO provide? The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport. This section of wilderness is absolutely remote, but with WRO I felt completely safe and in good hands. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or allergies as early as possible so that we can adjust the menu accordingly. 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. Being in shape for riding will make your ride more enjoyable, especially the first day. Learn to tie the RS2 with master tier Charlie Craven. Usually we would reach the river mid afternoon the second day camping at the river the second night. The South Fork is a place I'll take my daughter, Tate, to learn the ropes. Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat and light jacket. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a guide favorite! He talks about the hike in sections as well as everything that can be floated. You place worth on the experience in its entiretyfrom blistered feet on the hikes in and out of the wilderness, to passing a flask around the campfire, to the daily duties of filtering water and cleaning the camp dishes. Access to the South Fork is by foot or horseback. Awesome trip! The distance to the South Fork is about 18 miles and requires a hard all-day horse ride or at least a two-day hike. It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. Old running sneakers can also work well as river shoes. Terrestrial patterns, particularly hoppers, also are excellent to use in July and August. Aug 15, 2019. Healthy and nutritious options are always available, and meals always include fruits and vegetables (sourced locally when we can). In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. Manoeuvre the raft through 9 different rapids by following the simple paddle commands of the guide. If possible, long duffle bags are preferred for packing gear in. August 12th-17th: Dreamy Late Season on the Middle Fork. With the hood down, the vehicle is a prime target for packrats. Will it rain? Trail 110 begins approximately two miles from Holland Lake (take TR 415 to TR 42 from the trailhead). WRO guides bring a spare rod, a handful of popular flies, and leader and tippet, but we recommend guests bring their own 5 weight rod (cutthroat) and 6-8 weight rod (targeting bull trout), as well as their own fishing accessories and flies. How will I keep my phone/camera/other valuable items safe from the elements? The Middle Fork of the Flathead River inspired the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and all three forks of the river now have designation under this act. 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. The second, and somewhat obvious, reason is that in order to reach the river in the wilderness area requires considerable time and energy, as it lies in a very remote setting by any standard. First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. The road also has a reputation of being hard on tires, so make sure you have a good full size spare or two. You will need to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the night before your launch date at the Rich Ranch. This allows us to cover new scenery, rapids, and side adventures each day at a fun, comfortable pace. Hikers and horse riders can follow a trail (TR 110) to Big Salmon Lake and its outlet into the South Fork. Rates are $300 per animal for both riding and pack animals. Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? Lastly, the trail through Pyramid Pass (TR 416) connects to a trail that follows Youngs Creek (TR 283, 141, and 125) to the junction of Danaher Creek. Measuring 92 miles (148 km), The Middle Fork Flathead River is located in the western part of the state of Montana in the United States, flowing along the southwestern border of Glacier National Park. The narrow, limestone gorge allows only paddle boats on this section of the river and for six miles the water crashes through a series of class III to V rapids (this section is optional). We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. 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. The rest of your gear will be packed up the afternoon before the trip. 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. In addition to the large waterproof bag issued for packing clothing and camp items, everyone is also issued a smaller day bag to carry items you will need access to while on the river (sunscreen, camera, extra layer, rain gear, etc.). While the river is deep in spots, the river should pose no challenges to the alert wade fisherman. Charlie Craven is giving step by step instructions for tying the Perdigon Fly. Will it rain? Montana Fishing Regulations. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. We will have lunch on the trail that is pre-packed in the morning, and camp on the trail the first night after around 16 miles. 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. Flip-flops are great for around camp but you need something that will stay on your feet while we are on the boats. How do the bathroom systems work on the trip? *Itinerary and route to river is subject to change based on the desired hiking and whitewater interest of the group. In addition, fall brings spruce moths to the water. But there are few places that are as remote or offer such a unique experience. If they feel inclined to tip packers or wranglers it is a nice gesture but not expected. Turn left onto FR 4353 and follow it for a few miles, then turn right on FR 136 and follow the signs to the trailhead. This trip also is a premium pack-rafting destination, which WRO also offers and is a really awesome way to experience the river in a way that is personal and adventurous. 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. is home to extraordinary wildlife, including elk, moose, wolf, eagles, mountain goats, grizzly and black bear. With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. Rich Osthoff's book Fly Fishing the Rocky Mountain Backcountry has a great chapter in it about the South Fork of the Flathead. The trout are all wildthere is no hatchery grown fish here. Grizzly bears, moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob home. Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. Ask the office for additional details on chartering a trip with us. Long sleeved, lightweight sun hoodies, long pants, brimmed hat, eye protection, and possibly sun-gloves are recommended. If possible, we recommend bringing hard alcohol packed in non-glass containers, or bagged wine. Join us for eight wonderful days in the incredible Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. However, if you want to match the South Fork's hatches, expect to see a smattering of Pale Morning Duns, caddis, and stoneflies. We generally suggest 12 years old as a minimum for this particular trip due to the length of the hike/ trail ride and the possibility of running Meadow Creek Gorge. WRO met them in every way! 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. You will need IGBC Approved coolers for food storage. WRO met them in every way! On the other hand, braving this season has its advantages. Day 5-6: Well be rafting the calm and beautiful upper South Fork, floating around lazy corners and casting along undercut banks. Of course, this remote setting has its benefits. The river also runs through a deep, nearly impassable gorge for several miles (called Meadow Creek Gorge) just upstream of the pack bridge, thus forcing anglers to go further upstream to fish. As the fishing boats arrive, some of the crew will start getting appetizers ready and finish camp setup. Groups of 4 or more will average 1.5 pack animals per person when using traditional rafts with frames and regular food. How big are the tents? If you are interested in a drop trip for camping or backpacking, the cost would be doubled for pickup and return. We usually start floating when the sun hits the water each day and arrive in camp late afternoon. Fishing pressure is very low in the wilderness area compared to virtually any other Montana river. What a fabulously memorable trip!!! Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. In the interest of a more genuine wilderness experience, we encourage people to pick their own sleeping sites and set up their tents (or sleep under the stars, weather permitting!). 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. The South Fork of the Flathead is a freestone stream, vulnerable to the nuances of runoff, and typically unfishable until mid to late June. Long sleeved, lightweight sun hoodies, long pants, brimmed hat, eye protection, and possibly sun-gloves are recommended. Address: 3763 S Lincoln Road, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858. The rapids are rated class 2 and 3, making for a fun and . They also know how to get you from amazing point A to beautiful point B safely. The hour-and-a-half-long drive should be taken at moderate speed. Upon reaching the Meadow Creek Pack Bridge, it is a short hike into the wilderness. The fish pound attractor dry flies, not because they are stupid, but because they have to eat when food is available. It depends on the time of year, and on the child. What will I do with items I need accessible during the day or on the boat? Your lead guide will give you an overview of the day each morning. It's a river offering a return to our fly-fishing infancies when camping and camaraderie, incredible scenery and seclusion, and catching nave trout on bushy dry flies was more paramount than the opportunity for a 20-incher. We provide deluxe, self-inflating basecamp Therm-a-rest pads. Guides are usually tipped 10-20% of the cost of the trip, more for exceptional service. This trip you need to have your bags packed by that evening or very early morning for the packers. We work with a number of horseback outfitters and can help you to arrange you pack in and pack out,the average number of stock used for people using traditional rafts and frames along with regular food will average 2 pack animals per person on groups of less than 4. Burn all leftover food, fish carcasses, and garbage. The White River has adequate flows through early July. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider. We often have dinner together, and you will spend this first night at the Rich Ranch lodging. Yes, there are usually outdoor stores located fairly close to all the hotels we recommend or on the way to the river. You should arrive in Kalispell the day before your trip is scheduled to begin by 3 pm. There will be plenty of time to fish at lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be more limited. Can I stay at a different hotel than your recommended options before the trip? The fishing in this stretch, however, has a chance to become a much better fishery in the years ahead. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. The river in this area is dangerous to fish and most anglers begin fishing outside the gorge. The North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork have different origins and personalities, each a different river until they merge to form the main stem of the Flathead River. I hope that years down the road, after she's chased rainbows and browns on the big-name streams, she'll take her family to the South Fork where they'll have the chance to fish for wild cutthroats and camp in a phenomenal wilderness. On our adventure South Fork trips, we use a mix of paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks; some people can try different boat options.

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