south fork flathead river floatsouth fork flathead river float

After the trip: Guests arrive the day before their scheduled trip, as gear needs to be dropped off at the trailhead by 2:00 p.m. We will weigh and pack your gear for an early start the next morning. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is licensed and insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441. If true wilderness and the best native Westslope Cutthroat fishing in the lower 48 interests you, then we have the trip youre looking for! Of course, this remote setting has its benefits. 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. 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. While on the river you will get wet going through rapids (what fun would it be if you didnt?!). South Fork Flathead River. Weather is highly changeable, with summer snows not uncommon. Another access is near Holland Lake. Sign up for our email newsletter for great articles, tips and news from our adventures. During your registration, you will note your boat preferences so we can plan accordingly. Summer temperatures in Montana can fluctuate dramatically in a 24-hour period, from freezing at night to 70-90's the next afternoon. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. Any rafts will need to be brought in either on your back or on horse. Let our professional fishing guides show you one of the most remote, trout-filled rivers in Montana on a fishing specific South Fork Flathead trip in the heart of Montanas backcountry. Delta, Alaska/Horizon, United, Allegiant, Frontier and US Airways offer flights into Glacier International Airport (GPI). and spend the night. Aug 15, 2019. The trout are all wildthere is no hatchery grown fish here. Either way, its a long way in from any trailhead to reach the river. You will be responsible for the cost of lodging and dinner here that is not included in the WRO trip cost. Rich Ranch Most of the heavy-duty whitewater lies in the wilderness section, where the Middle Fork has a "wilderness" designation (no motors). You'll be delighted by the river's gentle currents and scenic views and you can even bring a beverage or two to enjoy as you float down the waterway. 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. Burn all leftover food, fish carcasses, and garbage. Westslope cutthroats are blue-collar fish that work hard for their living. Catching a South Fork bull trout will be a lasting memory for any fisherman. From the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the Pyramid or Holland Lake trailhead. Learn to tie the Sparkle Caddis Pupa with master tier Charlie Craven. You will need to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the night before your launch date at the Rich Ranch. How will I keep my phone/camera/other valuable items safe from the elements? The drop float service is a one way service. During July, the South Fork is one of the only rivers in America where you can target bull trout. If I lived anywhere close to the area, I know I'd be in there every summer. Upon reaching the Meadow Creek Pack Bridge, it is a short hike into the wilderness. On one of our trips last summer three people fishing the same hole each caught 20 fish in under an hour! Moleskin, for patching up blistered feet, is definitely recommended. 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. They will need to be made out to the guide or to cash. A variety of car rentals are available should you decide to visit Glacier National Park before or after your trip. 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. Long sleeved, lightweight sun hoodies, long pants, brimmed hat, eye protection, and possibly sun-gloves are recommended. One excellent float is between Big Creek and Glacier Rim, a float of about 13 miles. What will I do with items I need accessible during the day or on the boat? The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. There will be plenty of time to fish at lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be more limited. To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. Yes, we will store your extra bags and make arrangements for them to be transported to meet you at the end of the trip. 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. Usually we would reach the river mid afternoon the second day camping at the river the second night. Four days of hiking and four days of rafting make for a truly unique backcountry experience in the wilderness of Montana. 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. The trip into the confluence of Gordon Creek and the South Fork is a 26 mile (9 hour) horseback ride and we do it in 1 day. Most of our tents are high-quality three-person tents, but we only put two people in each tent. The most popular place to start a backcountry South Fork float trip is at the confluence of the Young's and Danaher rivers. Summer temperatures in Montana can fluctuate dramatically in a 24-hour period, from freezing at night to 70-90s the next afternoon. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This is because if they break, it is very disruptive to the mules, and can cause a whole mule crash. But there are few places that are as remote or offer such a unique experience. On Newstands March 3rd! The nose-diving U.S. economy has persuaded many families in recent years to put costly and exotic vacation plans on hold . The scenery on the ride portion of the trip is spectacular. We usually start floating when the sun hits the water each day and arrive in camp late afternoon. What size and type of sleeping pad does WRO provide? Print Map. Rich Osthoff's book Fly Fishing the Rocky Mountain Backcountry has a great chapter in it about the South Fork of the Flathead. 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. There is the option to add a fishing boat for an additional fee, fishing boats are booked for two people. 0. The drive back to Kalispell is about 3 hours. Black River. Though cutthroat are found throughout its length, the best fishing is between the Meadow Creek Trailhead and Black Bear Creek. ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FOR HORSE PACK TRIPS. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the Mecca for dry-fly cutthroat fishing. Day 1: We will make packed lunches at the Rich Ranch. (What you will eventually pack into your river day bag. 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. 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. Depending on the route in, over the first two days we will cover about 20-25 miles either by foot or by livestock. Email: [emailprotected] Since 1977 Montana River Outfitters prides itself in offering only the finest river trips available. How, where, and when do we get our fishing licenses? If we say we want to paddle on a paddle boat, are we committed to paddling the entire trip? We do not provide soda or alcohol, except for one night which is a fiesta night in which we provide drinks. Large, heavy stoneflies, such as Bitch Creek Nymphs and golden stonefly imitations, also work. You must also possess a bull trout catch card if you intend to fish for them. Extend your river adventure with three to four days of North Fork Flathead River Rafting. The river meanders its way through some of the most spectacular country a rafter could hope to find. 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. This cold, clear water flows into the North, South and Middle forks of the Flathead, which merge together near Columbia Falls to begin a southward journey. We can provide all the rental equipment that you may need from rafts to breakdown frames to tents. We will provide transportation from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch the day before your trip is scheduled to begin. Being in shape for riding will make your ride more enjoyable, especially the first day. Belly; Big Hole; Lower Clark Fork; South Fork Flathead; Swan: NE: 1895: 1992: 6: . You can either hike in or be packed in by horse, which is an additional cost not included in your WRO trip cost. | It will be hard to measure up to WRO in any capacity. Greg Thomas is the former Fly Fisherman western editor and the author of five books. Seldom does a particular hatch demand a specific imitation. It has both whitewater and flat water sections. I can honestly say, this was the most memorable and seamless of all trips thanks to the unique and family- friendly service the Cheffs provide. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. How, where, and when do we get our fishing licenses? August 12th-17th: Dreamy Late Season on the Middle Fork. 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. River is the largest tributary to the upper South Fork. Everyone is issued a waterproof day bag to carry items you will need access to during the day while on the river. 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. Dispose of all entrails and uneaten portions far away from where you are camped. Please arrive by 10:15 AM for a prompt departure at 10:30 AM. 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. 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. 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. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or allergies as early as possible so that we can adjust the menu accordingly. 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. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. What fishing gear should I bring versus what WRO provides? 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. How big are the waterproof bags and how much stuff can they hold? There will be plenty of opportunities to try out the superb fishing, and well take some time to wander through the beautiful Ponderosa Parks, for opportunities to possibly see wildlife and soak in the scenery. Fine-spotted Snake River cutthroat from Wyoming were stocked in Arkansas in 1984 (Robison and Buchanan 1988). Access is easy, with numerous designated access sites, and countless unofficial access sites. Yes, we almost always have a campfire every evening and morning. It is also nice to have camp shoes to change into. 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. From this point it's approximately three miles to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Healthy and nutritious options are always available, and meals always include fruits and vegetables (sourced locally when we can). Most people enjoy wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals with an ankle strap (popular options include Chacos, Tevas, and Keens). I highly recommend them! On the other hand, if you are an experienced fisherman, they will put you in the right spot and let you do your thing! For more information, please go to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Examples in Kalispell include Sportsman's Warehouse, REI, or Cabellas. Join us for eight wonderful days in the incredible Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. In certain cases, individuals may want to supplement meals and snacks with some items of their own. Our max load per pack animal is 150 pounds. Middle Fork Flathead River. 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. We provide deluxe, self-inflating basecamp Therm-a-rest pads. Is there somewhere to purchase last-minute items before the trip? The best way to access the confluence is from the Owl Creek trailhead in the Swan Valley or the Lodgepole trailhead out of Ovando, Mt. Grizzly bears, moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob home. Copyright 2023 Wilderness River Outfitters. And cooking fish, especially over an open fire, produces a powerful aromaan aroma that grizzly bears just love. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. Copyright 2017 Montana River Outfitters - Site by. On this trip, we offer a deluxe camping option where a gear boat goes ahead of the other fishing boats to start setting up camp. These guys have it nailed. Great guides -- competent, knowledgeable and just great guys. Join Morgan Ray and John Fraley as they get into some of the wildlife details in My Wilderness Life. 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. Yes, there are usually outdoor stores located fairly close to all the hotels we recommend or on the way to the river. Regardless of where you enter the Bob, the South Fork is a wade fishermans dream. If I listened to the pessimists about how angling pressure on that stream is unbearable and that the fish aren't what they used to be, I would have missed one of the most quintessential camping and fly-fishing experiences an angler can find in Montana. Will it be cold? 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). Bob Marshall Wilderness, MT 1.406.644.5363. Is the former fly fisherman western editor and the author of five books all hotels. Usually we would reach the river mid afternoon the second night all the! Ride more enjoyable, especially the first day nose-diving U.S. economy has persuaded many families in years... State of Idaho under license number 441 do not provide soda or alcohol except! They get into some of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North.... 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Its a long way in from any trailhead to reach the river you will eventually pack your! Will provide transportation from Kalispell to the Pyramid or Holland Lake trailhead knowledgeable and great.

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