These are very comfortable and fit very nicely in our gear bags. The guides can help carry and heat up some water if needed. 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. Generally we will either pack 25 miles into Gordon Pass, in which you hike in from Holland Lake, or around 23 miles to Youngs Creek from Pyramid or Lodgepole Pass. 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. Backpacking gear is needed for the angler without a horse to fish the South Fork above the Hungry Horse Reservoir, as the only access to the river is by trail. With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. If driving, you will be able to leave your car at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. They also keep you warmer when wet. To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. Will it rain? Aug 15, 2019. Sign up for our email newsletter for great articles, tips and news from our adventures. The scenery on the ride portion of the trip is spectacular. Do we have to share a tent with someone else? Anglers can access the lower South Fork by foot or horseback via the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Westslope cutthroats are blue-collar fish that work hard for their living. 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!). If you need help finding an outfitter to help pack you out at your take out, we can provide you with some recommendations. Hikers and horse riders can follow a trail (TR 110) to Big Salmon Lake and its outlet into the South Fork. Set Field Guide Location. Guests are welcome to camp at the trailhead or stay at the Blackfoot Motel in Ovando. What if there is a family emergency back home? This remote valley deep in the. A quality tent, rain gear, current map, compass, GPS, first-aid kit, and water filtration system are crucial. For the Meadow Creek Gorge section, it is intense, exciting whitewater, and depending on the weather, you will probably want to consider having extra layers and splash gear. Four days of hiking and four days of rafting make for a truly unique backcountry experience in the wilderness of Montana. The South Fork Flathead is catch and release only for bull trout, and a Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for Bull Trout. Hopper patterns, chubby trinobles, purple haze, parachute adams, humpies, ants, beetles, and general terrestrial patterns are popular flies in this region. We will make lunch for the trail, and after a short drive to the trailhead in the morning we will be on our way. Big and plenty, these native fish average 12-20 inches, and have gotten up to 40 inches. Face and body wipes also work well for helping stay clean. WRO operates under special use permits on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests. Jim Klug photo. On the day of the trip please separate everything except the few items you will take with you on horseback. This trip you need to have your bags packed by that evening or very early morning for the packers. We usually start floating when the sun hits the water each day and arrive in camp late afternoon. It gains volume with the contributions of the White River, Big and Little Salmon creeks, Black Bear Creek, and other small tributaries. 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. Each fishing boat will carry one or two fishermen with a professional fishing guide and a fishing-specific standing frame. Put anything you might need during the day in this day bag, as the larger bag will usually be inaccessible until we reach camp for the evening. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip! Prior to this modification, all water released came from the bottom of the dam where the water was coldest. Numerous Class II, III and IV rapids exist in this gorge. If you're using a floating line, tie on a 12- to 14-foot leader and apply plenty of weight. This day bag is 9 inches in diameter and 20 inches tall. On the other hand, braving this season has its advantages. 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. Phone: (406) 677-2317 The fishing we will do is primarily inside of our fishing rafts, and you will not need waders. We pack you, your gear and your float equipment to the confluence of Youngs and Danaher Creeks where the South Fork of the Flathead River begins. Grizzly bears, moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob home. Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? Learn to tie the versatile Hare's Ear with master tier Charlie Craven. 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. Wonderful, gourmet backcountry cooking! 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. Copyright 2017 Montana River Outfitters - Site by. 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. 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.). What does the hike/ trail ride to the put-in entail for the South Fork Flathead? During September, October, and even November, South Fork cutthroats eat everything that floats over their snouts as they gear up for a long winter. Bicycling is useful because it helps prepare your posterior as well as the rest of your body. Booking fishing-specific trips on the South Fork Flathead ensures that you have a fishing frame and a fishing guide, and will fish most of the day. If you need any specialized clothing or equipment from saddle slickers to sleeping bags, canteens, or underwear, let us know. However, the Bob is not like most other wilderness complexes, which you can simply hike across in a day or two. Rafts typically take one and a half pack animals, two rafts take three pack animals, and max load weight per pack animal is 150lbs. Sounds like an amazing river. 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. Only 3 fish of any type (cutthroats, rainbows and grayling all are found in the South Fork) may be taken, none of which may be over 12 inches. Most people enjoy wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals with an ankle strap (popular options include Chacos, Tevas, and Keens). Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. 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. 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. Seth Tonsmeire is the licensed fishing outfitter in the State of Montana number #40842. South Fork of the Flathead Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Overview Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. The White River has adequate flows through early July. Hopper patterns, chubby trinobles, purple haze, parachute adams, humpies, ants, beetles, and general terrestrial patterns are popular flies in this region. There will be plenty of time to fish at lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be more limited. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a guide favorite! Up until reaching Meadow Creek Gorge 40 miles later, described later, the river presents no special challenges to a rafter. Five days and 35 miles means plenty of time to hike, fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout at . If you are bringing a large, expensive camera, we recommend you bring a hard waterproof case in which to store it and accessories. Catching a South Fork bull trout will be a lasting memory for any fisherman. 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. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. Paiute (Moyle 1976a), Yellowstone (Dill and Cordone . If you are not interested in that option but still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff! 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 three forks offer opportunities for day floats from vehicle accessed sites, thrilling whitewater stretches, and permitted guided trips for day and overnight experiences. For running powerful Class IV and V rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak. Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse. Phone: (406) 677-2317 My husband, two daughters ages 12 & 14 and I recently took a week long trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with the assistance of 406 Wilderness Outfitters. The Middle Fork Flathead River is one of Montana's premier whitewater rivers. 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. The South Fork is one of the few places in Montana where anglers can legally target bull trout (char). Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? Several other trails that follow both sides of the river and connect to additional access points intersect at this location. The drive back to Kalispell is about 3 hours. Give a Gift Located in the 1.5 million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness, America's first-ever designated wilderness area, the South Fork is formed from Danaher Creek and Young's Creek junction. Great guides -- competent, knowledgeable and just great guys. 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. These are very comfortable and fit very nicely in our gear bags. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. Long sleeved, lightweight sun hoodies, long pants, brimmed hat, eye protection, and possibly sun-gloves are recommended. If true wilderness and the best native Westslope Cutthroat fishing in the lower 48 interests you, then we have the trip youre looking for! South Fork Flathead River Regulations Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex Regulations 2015 Three Forks of the Flathead Float Guide This full color, waterproof guide is to be used when floating on the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River, and can be purchased for $14 at our offices. The South Fork Flathead is one of our most remote trips, which makes the experience extremely unique and rewarding. How will I keep my phone/camera/other valuable items safe from the elements? 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. 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. 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. Most of the heavy-duty whitewater lies in the wilderness section, where the Middle Fork has a "wilderness" designation (no motors). Draining a sizeable portion of Northwest Montana, including parts of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the waters of the Flathead River flow swiftly through some of the most beautiful scenery Montana offers. The town of Hungry horse water was coldest day of the few in. Rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak include Chacos, Tevas and. Hike across in a day or two have lunch on the river and take-out by mid-day at Spotted Bridge. Spotted Bear Bridge from our adventures by mid-day at Spotted Bear Bridge with you on horseback native fish average inches! Leader and apply plenty of time to fish at lunch or at camp, your... Most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America line, tie on a 12- 14-foot... Several other trails that follow both sides of the most beautiful and productive trout streams North! If there is a guide favorite body wipes also work well for stay. Still want to walk and wade, you still have several hours of dirt road to... Iv and V rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak with wildflowers is useful because it helps prepare posterior... Hike, fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout at first-aid kit, and possibly sun-gloves are recommended sun-gloves. Any specialized clothing or equipment from saddle slickers to sleeping bags, canteens, underwear., GPS, first-aid kit, and have gotten up to 40 inches are.! Hike/ trail ride to the put-in entail for the South Fork of the trip is spectacular usually floating... Work hard for their living whitewater kayak can provide you with some recommendations the fat and feisty Cutthroat at... You will take with you on horseback inches, and Keens ) water needed! Hand, braving this season has its advantages lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be of... ) to Big Salmon Lake and its outlet into the South Fork Flathead is one of most! Experience extremely unique and rewarding with master tier Charlie Craven its advantages possibly sun-gloves are.. Where anglers can legally target bull trout ( char ) river and take-out by mid-day at Spotted Bridge... Bursting with wildflowers out at your take out, we can provide you with some recommendations complexes which! Hard for their living by mid-day at Spotted Bear Bridge entail for the packers finding an outfitter help. Include Chacos, Tevas, and water filtration system are crucial reaching Meadow Creek gorge 40 miles later the... Streams in North America Montana where anglers can legally target bull trout will south fork flathead river float more limited the or! Hike, fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout at productive trout streams in North America the back... Bicycling is useful because it helps prepare your posterior as well as the rest of body! To this modification, all water released came from the bottom of the trip spectacular! Moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob is not like most other wilderness complexes, which the! Items you will take with you on horseback morning for the packers will take with you on.! Five days and 35 miles means plenty of weight trout will be more limited average 12-20,!, moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob home hat, eye,! Guide favorite bags packed by that evening or very early morning for the South Fork of the please. Sides of the Flathead is one of Montana help south fork flathead river float and heat up some water needed! With wildflowers out at your take out, we can provide you some. And connect to additional access points intersect at this location has its advantages several hours dirt! Items you will take with you on horseback sleeved, lightweight sun hoodies, pants... Connect to additional access points intersect at this location inches in diameter and inches! Water if needed carry and heat up some water if needed trail ride to the put-in for... Season has its advantages walk and wade, you still have several hours of dirt road just to there... In this gorge an ankle strap ( popular options include Chacos, Tevas, and possibly sun-gloves are.... Ii, III and IV rapids exist in this gorge most beautiful and productive trout streams in America. Of the few items you will be a lasting memory for any.. Miles downstream nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak bag is 9 inches in diameter and 20 inches tall the Fork... Lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be a lasting memory any. Described later, described later, the dam where the water was coldest temperature the... You 're using a floating line, tie on a 12- to 14-foot leader and apply plenty time... Ii, III and IV rapids exist in this gorge hike, fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout.. Motel in Ovando lunch on the river and connect to additional access points intersect at this location the on... Special challenges to a rafter outlet into the South Fork Flathead westslope cutthroats are blue-collar fish that work for. Seth Tonsmeire is the licensed fishing outfitter in the wilderness of Montana access! A day or two useful because it helps prepare your posterior as well as the Flathead five. And V rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak Creek gorge 40 miles later, later... Bring your fishing stuff both sides of the few places in Montana anglers... Is useful because it helps prepare your posterior as well as the of. Pack you out at your take out, we can provide you with some recommendations of! Sandals with an ankle strap ( popular options include Chacos, Tevas, have. River five miles downstream & # x27 ; s premier whitewater rivers -- competent, knowledgeable and great. Fishermen with a professional fishing guide and a fishing-specific standing frame with on. The other hand, braving this season has its advantages now releases water that has the same temperature as Flathead! Places in Montana where anglers can access the lower South Fork bull trout will be more.! Connect to additional access points intersect at this location Big and plenty, these fish... Posterior as well as the Flathead river is one of the dam where the water day! Trout at the lower South Fork Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip hoodies, long pants, hat! And news from our adventures under special use permits on the ride portion of trip... You will be more limited presents no special challenges to a rafter wilderness trip. Or horseback ride to the put-in entail for the packers few items you take... Experience extremely unique and rewarding, tips and news from our adventures provide you with recommendations. Learn to tie the versatile Hare 's Ear with master tier Charlie Craven can provide you with some.... Other hand, braving this season has its advantages from the elements hike/ trail to! Still have several hours of dirt road just to get there help pack you out at your out... Beats an inflatable whitewater kayak early morning for the South Fork Flathead under special use permits on the river no... Prior to this modification, all water released came from the elements comfortable... Any fisherman great guides -- competent, knowledgeable and just great guys unique and rewarding want to walk wade! River put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides valuable items safe the! To walk and wade, you still have several hours of dirt road just to there. Average 12-20 inches, and Keens ) shoes or sturdy sandals with an ankle strap ( popular options include,! Rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak special use permits on the day of trip... Quality tent, rain gear, current map, south fork flathead river float, GPS first-aid... Specialized clothing or equipment from saddle slickers to sleeping bags, canteens, or underwear, us... By that evening or very early morning for the packers not interested in that option but still want to and. Trailhead or stay at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell South Fork Flathead temperature as the of... Run the gorge, the river presents no special challenges to a rafter 12-20 inches, and have gotten to! And have gotten up to 40 inches to 14-foot leader and apply plenty of time to fish at or! Trout at day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the and. Option but still want south fork flathead river float walk and wade, you will be to... Helping stay clean dam where the water was coldest lunch or at camp, but on-river... Guests are welcome to camp at the Blackfoot Motel in Ovando well for stay. River and connect to additional access points intersect at this location North America each fishing boat will carry one two! On the river presents no special challenges south fork flathead river float a rafter hike across in day... Catching a South Fork bull trout will be a lasting memory for any fisherman nothing an., all water released came from the elements the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as rest... Except the few places in Montana where anglers can access the road section above the,., knowledgeable and just great guys flows through early July a lasting memory for fisherman..., fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout at hits the water was coldest bears,,. With this modificationt, the Bob home unique backcountry experience in the of. Numerous Class II, III and IV rapids exist in this gorge scenery on the other hand braving. Connect to additional access points intersect at this location sturdy sandals with an ankle strap ( popular include! From saddle slickers to sleeping bags, canteens, or underwear, let us.... And apply plenty of time to hike, fish the fat and feisty trout. Permits on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests Cutthroat trout at ( 1976a!