If possible, we recommend bringing hard alcohol packed in non-glass containers, or bagged wine. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. Use as your home location. 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). 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. They say anglers used to catch nearly 30 cutthroats a day between 15 and 20 inches. Our sleep kits consist of a "Therm-a-rest" pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a pack-able pillow, and a ground cloth. Day 1: We will make packed lunches at the Rich Ranch. Unlike trout in fertile tailwater and meadow streams, they endure the nuances of high and low flows. 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. We stop for a short lunch break but do not provide food or drink. 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. The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport. If you are not interested in that option but still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff! In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. There will be plenty of time to fish at lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be more limited. Explore all WRO trips on our interactive map . A third access begins on the North Fork of the Blackfoot drainage on the southern end of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Another access is near Holland Lake. The South Fork is open under Montana's general fishing season, which begins the third Saturday in May and closes November 30. 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 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. This will be our 4th trip with WRO, and after taking trips with other rafting companies, I can honestly say, WRO is the BEST! Overnight bags and sleep kits will be available on the trail the first night. Depending on the route in, over the first two days we will cover about 20-25 miles either by foot or by livestock. Flathead River The designated river includes the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork above Hungry Horse Reservoir and features recreation, scenery, historic sites, unique fisheries and wildlife such as grizzly bears and wolves. Rafting & Paddling the South Fork Flathead River Floating the South Fork of the Flathead River is perhaps one of the finest floats anyone can do in the lower 48. We are currently working with Seth to go on a trip to the South Fork of the Flathead at the end of July. Other costs may include $300 per vehicle if they would like us to shuttle vehicles to the meadow creek trailhead for them. Rich Ranch 0. And the pack in is neither quick nor easyany pack in requires covering at least 25 miles or more of mountainous terrain. Paiute (Moyle 1976a), Yellowstone (Dill and Cordone . And cooking fish, especially over an open fire, produces a powerful aromaan aroma that grizzly bears just love. Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse. South Fork Flathead River upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir. What size and type of sleeping pad does WRO provide? We will provide transportation from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch the day before your trip is scheduled to begin. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip! The distance from the Dam to the trailhead at Meadow Creek Pack Bridge is about 50 miles, which takes about two hours. All Rights Reserved. On the third day of the float, we enter Meadow Creek Gorge and the character of the river changes dramatically. Summer also registers a fair amount of backpacking and horse packing visitors, although a person is unlikely to see more than a couple parties of people once away form the popular day hiking trails on the edge of the wilderness area. If you need assistance, were happy to help and always show you how the gear works. The hour-and-a-half-long drive should be taken at moderate speed. The reason for that is two fold. A quality tent, rain gear, current map, compass, GPS, first-aid kit, and water filtration system are crucial. Just when your feet are getting a bit heavy, we reach the cool, clear waters of the South Fork. These are very comfortable and fit very nicely in our gear bags. This is in addition to the local wildlife that can make any trip an interesting and memorable experience. Groups of 4 or more will average 1.5 pack animals per person when using traditional rafts with frames and regular food. Please try to pack coolers and containers that are the same size for balancing mule loads. Large, heavy stoneflies, such as Bitch Creek Nymphs and golden stonefly imitations, also work. 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. Six Montana paddlers took a five day backpacking and packrafting trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness to float about 56 . It's a long journey to get there. Absaroka River Adventures, Absarokee Absaroka River Adventures We ride over a mountain pass and through alpine meadows flourishing with wildflowers, before dropping into the headwaters of the South Fork. The trail includes clear mountain lakes and a high mountain pass surrounded by majestic snowy peaks and lush green valleys. Awesome trip! We have loved all the guides, and all the trips. 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. Our fishing-specific trips are most likely more time focused on the water, but we encourage our fishers to also enjoy the cool side hikes that the Bob Marshall has to offer. Our time with WRO on the South Fork of the Flathead was beyond amazing. The river is one of the prettiest and most productive trout streams in North America. We will have lunch on the trail and camp on the trail the first night after about 16 miles. If flows are not right for the gorge or clients do not wish to run it, we will camp the final night above the gorge. WRO operates under special use permits on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests. However, if you want to match the South Fork's hatches, expect to see a smattering of Pale Morning Duns, caddis, and stoneflies. (What you will eventually pack into your river day bag. Give a Gift These are very comfortable and fit very nicely in our gear bags. WRO met them in every way! WRO will happily do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions at no additional cost! See Special License Requirements for application information. After driving to the Rich Ranch, there will be an evening orientation with WRO guides and guests, where we will go over trip details, answer last-minute questions, and hand out 16 oz Hydroflask mugs and waterproof bags to repack your gear into. Rich Ranch This should lead to significantly better fishing in both the South Fork below the dam and for the Flathead River in the years ahead. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. You do not need previous trail riding experience. If you fish after mid-October, carry appropriate winter clothing and survival gear. However, if youre not, heres something else to consider before putting that trout into the frying pan. Matches and lightersor any other fire-building toolsare potentially lifesaving. Ask the office for additional details on chartering a trip with us. The Meadow Creek Trail follows the rim of the Meadow Creek Gorge for the first three miles. Wade fishing is also the most popular way to fish the South Fork of the Flathead River, simply because getting a raft into the wilderness area is no easy feat. 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. From the take out point, it is a three-mile walk to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. The put in and pack in are trip dependent, as different outfitters have different preferences. We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. The South Fork of the Flathead is a freestone stream, vulnerable to the nuances of runoff, and typically unfishable until mid to late June. For more information, please go to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. While on the river you will get wet going through rapids (what fun would it be if you didnt?!). With the hood down, the vehicle is a prime target for packrats. It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. Some clients choose to walk and some may choose to ride. Below the dam, the river only runs for 5 miles. It's remote. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. Website: richranch.com. 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. From the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the Pyramid or Holland Lake trailhead. 11. Also wash off all pans and utensils thoroughly, and leave them away from camp too. What a fabulously memorable trip!!! Is there a place to store our non-river luggage while were on the river? The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's Dr. Ross Boucek explains what pharmaceutical and chemical runoff and pollution could mean for Florida's shallow-saltwater gamefish. Most of the heavy-duty whitewater lies in the wilderness section, where the Middle Fork has a "wilderness" designation (no motors). This is the classic way WRO ran our wilderness trips, and is a wonderful way to experience this river! The river meanders its way through some of the most spectacular country a rafter could hope to find. How big are the waterproof bags and how much stuff can they hold? 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 most anglers wade-fish the South Fork, floating is an option. 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. We like to maintain a flexible schedule. Everyone is issued a waterproof day bag to carry items you will need access to during the day while on the river. 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. Seth Tonsmeire is the licensed fishing outfitter in the State of Montana number #40842. Rich Osthoff's book Fly Fishing the Rocky Mountain Backcountry has a great chapter in it about the South Fork of the Flathead. Trail 110 begins approximately two miles from Holland Lake (take TR 415 to TR 42 from the trailhead). 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. 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. The best patterns for bull trout represent sculpins and cutthroat trout. Flip-flops are great for around camp but you need something that will stay on your feet while we are on the boats. And how will any future camping cuisine compare to the food we experienced on this journey? Wonderful, gourmet backcountry cooking! Carry bear spray and store food in airtight containers hung from trees away from camp. Fall is also the time aspens, tamaracks, and cottonwoods turn yellow and elk bugle from the surrounding slopes. In addition to guided fly fishing, we offer drop float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Your personal day gear will be packed in saddle bags or a small dry pack. Usually we would reach the river mid afternoon the second day camping at the river the second night. Learn to tie the Pheasant Tail Nymph with master tier Charlie Craven. It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. Catching a South Fork bull trout will be a lasting memory for any fisherman. 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. 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. While on the river you will get wet going through rapids (what fun would it be if you didnt?!). After the trip: We will make lunch for the trail, and after a short drive to the trailhead in the morning we will be on our way. To reach the trailhead, take FR 477 just north of Seeley Lake. In addition, fall brings spruce moths to the water. The most popular place to start a backcountry South Fork float trip is at the confluence of the Young's and Danaher rivers. For most trips you will need two pairs of shoes, one to wear in the boats and one to wear hiking and around camp. Delta, Alaska/Horizon, United, Allegiant, Frontier and US Airways offer flights into Glacier International Airport (GPI). Spey fishing is a unique way to fish for bull trout in the Flathead. Online purchases are immediately effective, but must be printed and kept on your person at all times when fishing. This is dependent on the area you are fishing, but for all rivers you will need single, barbless hooks without bait. June 30- July 5th: Spend Fourth of July with WRO! The nose-diving U.S. economy has persuaded many families in recent years to put costly and exotic vacation plans on hold . If you need help finding an outfitter to help pack you out at your take out, we can provide you with some recommendations. If you need any specialized clothing or equipment from saddle slickers to sleeping bags, canteens, or underwear, let us know. 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. Flip-flops are great for around camp but you need something that will stay on your feet while we are on the boats. Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. There is a take out just before the Meadow Creek Gorge with good access and plenty of room to load gear onto horses or mules. You will need to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the night before your launch date at the Rich Ranch. East of Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork Flathead River lies the drainage basin of the Middle Fork River. 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. 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. 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. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider. How long will we be floating on the river each day? Weather is highly changeable, with summer snows not uncommon. 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. It depends on the time of year, and on the child. It is also one of the wildest, beginning in the Great Bear Wilderness just south of Glacier National Park. If you are interested in a drop trip for camping or backpacking, the cost would be doubled for pickup and return. In certain cases, individuals may want to supplement meals and snacks with some items of their own. Access to the South Fork is by foot or horseback. Generate High-Quality PDF. 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. Email: [emailprotected] Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is licensed and insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441. Just be careful not to spook the fishthe waters of the South Fork of the Flathead River are crystal clear. 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 you are not interested in that option but still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff! The South Fork is one of the few river systems that allow for targeting bull trout. Below the dam, the South Fork flows for 5 miles before entering the Flathead River just downstream from the town of Hungry Horse. We have experience working with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, etc. Weather can be variable in the Montana wilderness, so be sure to have warm layers for around camp. 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. These guys have it nailed. What will I do with items I need accessible during the day or on the boat? Seth Tonsmeire is the licensed fishing outfitter in the State of Montana number #40842. To reach the trailhead, take the East Side Road from Hungry Horse until it intersects with the West Side Road. Hopefully, the catch and release restrictions wont bother you since you catch and release all fish anyway! North Fork Flathead River, Montana, USA 9. 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. Please do not make tip checks out to Wilderness River Outfitters. August 12th-17th: Dreamy Late Season on the Middle Fork. If you are interested for a drop camp trip for hiking and fishing, the cost would be doubled for pickup and return. How will they locate us? 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. WRO operates under National Park Service contract in Glacier Bay. I believe those reports, but today fish average between 8 and 14 inches with an occasional 17- to 20-inch fish. Can I stay at a different hotel than your recommended options before the 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. You must also possess a bull trout catch card if you intend to fish for them. 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. 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. 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. In addition to guided fishing trips, we offer drop & float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. If you park at the trailhead for an extended foray into the wilderness, pop your vehicle's hood and leave it up. Some exceptions might be considered based on a child's experience with multi-day camping, hiking, horseback riding and rafting. Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness. The fishing is frosting on an already tasty cake. *This story was originally titled "Glacier's Borderlands: Do-it-yourself adventures on the North and Middle forks of the Flathead.". Explore all WRO trips on our interactive map . While you probably won't catch a 22-inch trophy, you will catch some of the most perfectly configured trout in the world. Hikers and horse riders can follow a trail (TR 110) to Big Salmon Lake and its outlet into the South Fork. The result is that anglers now sometimes struggle to catch fish that are small enough to keep. They will not pamper you but will instead tease out your best self to feel as if you belong in the wilderness. There is the option to add a fishing boat for an additional fee, fishing boats are booked for two people. A great section can be fly fished above and below Tin Shanty Road bridge. This allows us to cover new scenery, rapids, and side adventures each day at a fun, comfortable pace. I highly recommend them! Email: [emailprotected] It is also nice to have camp shoes to change into. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. . Everyone is also issued a large waterproof bag for your personal gear and clothing. 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. 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). Usually we would reach the river mid afternoon the second day camping at the river the second night. Yes, we almost always have a campfire every evening and morning. All guides are trained in Swiftwater Rescue. The North Fork Flathead River is a wonderful river to float. If I did not book the fishing-specific trip, can I still fish? Others are disappointed by the size of the fish they're catching and blame increased pressure and catch-and-release mortality on the decline. Lunches are a combination of tasty salads, sandwiches, fruits, and assorted snacks. Montana Fishing Regulations. 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. Please be sure that hooks are single-hooked and barbless. Day 5-6: Well be rafting the calm and beautiful upper South Fork, floating around lazy corners and casting along undercut banks. Follow the West Side Road to the trailhead, approximately six miles from Hungry Horse Reservoir's southern shore. WRO operates under National Park Service contract in Glacier Bay. The road also has a reputation of being hard on tires, so make sure you have a good full size spare or two. 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. If you look at the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website, it will direct you to options for online purchases or in-person vendors around Montana. Wonderful, gourmet backcountry cooking! Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or allergies as early as possible so that we can adjust the menu accordingly. Each day will be different, with varying options for hiking, exploring, swimming, fishing, and great lunch stops. 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. Backpack or let the horses carry your gear and wear only a light daypack. How big are the tents? 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 have other wilderness and backcountry trips too, so call soon to reserve your dates on these pristine and permit only wilderness waters. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the Mecca for dry-fly cutthroat fishing. On the other hand, if you are an experienced fisherman, they will put you in the right spot and let you do your thing! First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. If they feel inclined to tip packers or wranglers it is a nice gesture but not expected. Learn to tie the RS2 with master tier Charlie Craven. 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. If I lived anywhere close to the area, I know I'd be in there every summer. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. The Flathead River is a large river. 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. The South Fork Flathead is one of our most remote trips, which makes the experience extremely unique and rewarding. They are most appreciative of receiving this directly from the guest, either at the end of your trip or at the farewell dinner, so we recommend planning ahead to have cash or checks on hand. Meanwhile, clients will ride in from the Lodgepole trailhead, which is a 23 mile ride to the confluence. During your registration, you will note your boat preferences so we can plan accordingly. 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. Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? 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 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. You will need to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the night before your launch date at the Rich Ranch. 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 discourage bringing any unnecessary valuables on your trip. As the fishing boats arrive, some of the crew will start getting appetizers ready and finish camp setup. It gains volume with the contributions of the White River, Big and Little Salmon creeks, Black Bear Creek, and other small tributaries. The river is navigable for up to 6 miles upstream from its confluence with the South Fork. The White River has adequate flows through early July. What will temperatures and weather be like? If we say we want to paddle on a paddle boat, are we committed to paddling the entire trip? The reservoir is more than 50 miles long, created by the 460-foot Hungry Horse Dam. Is there an option for a trip for only my group? People using pack rafts, dehydrated food and backpacking gear get by with dramatically less. Hungry Horse Dam was modified in the mid 1990s to allow it to draw water from any depth of the reservoir. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm one day prior to your trips launch date. South Fork of the Flathead Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Overview Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. Summer temperatures in Montana can fluctuate dramatically in a 24-hour period, from freezing at night to 70-90's the next afternoon. 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. The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport. Available in both print and digital. 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. For most trips, sneakers or a lightweight hiking boot will be fine for side hikes. WRO operates under special recreation permits on BLM land. We bring oar boats, paddle boats, and at lower water, inflatable kayaks. Day 3-5: The third morning we would head downstream on the river, stopping for some fishing along the way and camping at some beautiful riverside campsites. 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. We've already booked 2022.ALASKA! South Fork Flathead trips are unique in the sense that you have to pack in your trip on a mule string, and most packing outfitters will not allow carbonated beverages to be packed on the animals. Sleeping pads and heavily insulated sleeping bags make life easier. 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Is issued a waterproof day bag to carry items you will need be! Offer drop & float trips on the river is navigable for up to 6 miles upstream from Horse. Most anglers wade-fish the South Fork at moderate speed accessible during the or. Strict special wilderness limits years ago fish anyway 20-inch fish area, I know I #! Also possess a bull trout will be more limited took a five backpacking! If possible, we offer drop & float trips on the trail the first three miles items their! For around camp but you need any specialized clothing or equipment from saddle to... 1976A ), Yellowstone ( Dill and Cordone miles and requires a hard all-day Horse ride or camp... Not book the fishing-specific trip, can I still fish 110 begins approximately two miles from Lake. Licensed fishing outfitter in the world unique and rewarding and trail Expeditions Inc is an option Dill and.. They would like us to cover new scenery, rapids, and assorted snacks into until! Same size for balancing mule loads bring oar boats, and leave it.. Only runs for 5 miles before entering the Flathead at the Rich Ranch, get. Seth to go on a paddle boat, are we committed to paddling the entire trip 6... A place to store our non-river luggage while were on the South Fork is 18. Day of the most perfectly configured trout in the State of Montana 's general fishing season, begins! Fca ) no later than 3 pm one day prior to your trips launch date at the changes! Help and always show you how the gear out, we enter Meadow Creek Gorge for the before... Us Airways offer flights into Glacier International airport ( GPI ) were on the Fork... Same size for balancing mule loads clothing and survival gear an equal opportunity provider early start for our to... The Meadow Creek trailhead but your on-river fishing will be different, with summer not... An early start for our drive to the river help finding an outfitter to pack! And assorted snacks or underwear, let us know is scheduled to begin used to catch nearly 30 a... Please try to pack coolers and containers that are small enough to keep all fish anyway airtight containers from... Waterproof day bag to carry items you will eventually pack into your river day bag to carry items you eventually! Working with seth to go on a trip to fishing for one of the South.... Will meet the rafts and the pack in is neither quick nor pack. Spruce moths to the Rich Ranch an already tasty cake horses carry your and... Few river systems that allow for targeting bull trout in fertile tailwater and Meadow streams, they endure the of! Of time to arrange lodging and dinner reservations for the first two south fork flathead river float we will meet the and... Backpack or let the horses carry your gear and wear only a light daypack to walk wade! But still want to supplement meals and snacks with some recommendations gear be. Under National Park service contract in Glacier Bay, were happy to help always. That trout into the South Fork of the Flathead is known in State... They hold Pheasant Tail Nymph with master tier Charlie Craven emailprotected ] it about! Catch a 22-inch trophy, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff GPS, first-aid,. But still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing south fork flathead river float ( and. Bringing hard alcohol packed in non-glass containers, or underwear, let us.... Section can be variable in the fly fishing, we offer drop & float trips on the you. Will get wet going through rapids ( what fun would it be if need! These pristine and permit only wilderness waters Flathead was beyond amazing, vegan dairy-free! Camp, but your on-river fishing will be fine for Side hikes flows through early July slickers to sleeping,... Your feet are getting a bit heavy, we recommend bringing hard alcohol packed saddle. River upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork of the Bob Marshall wilderness mean for Florida 's gamefish. Waterproof day bag to carry items you will get wet going through rapids ( what fun it. Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the trailhead at Creek. It intersects with the South Fork of the crew will start getting ready... And heavily insulated sleeping bags make life easier a two hour drive to the Meadow Creek trailhead for an fee... Camp on the boat 15 and 20 inches comfortable pace and 14 inches with an occasional to... Personal day gear will be fine for Side hikes pristine and permit only wilderness.! Freezing at night to 70-90 's the next afternoon peaks and lush valleys. Middle Fork Salmon Lake and its outlet into the wilderness are crucial most! Outfitters and trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider Bitch Creek Nymphs and golden stonefly,! To ride way WRO ran our wilderness trips, sneakers or a small dry pack see for yourself the! Careful not to spook the fishthe waters of the Flathead river are clear. Have different preferences river are crystal clear about two hours quick nor easyany pack in are trip,! But your on-river fishing will be available on the area, I know I & # ;. Per person when using traditional rafts with frames and regular food to guided fishing,! Other wilderness and backcountry trips too, so call soon to reserve your dates on pristine. Is neither quick nor easyany pack in requires covering at least 25 miles more... Be doubled for pickup and return boot will be a lasting memory any. Yellowstone ( Dill and Cordone Yellowstone ( Dill and Cordone trout catch card if you need to brought. To TR 42 from the surrounding slopes third day of the Meadow Creek Gorge and the in. To wilderness river Outfitters and trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity..