fly fishing south fork of the flathead

Day 7: After a morning of fishing, we reach the Mid Creek take out at the head of the Meadow Creek Gorge, where the easy-going South Fork becomes very narrow and fast. We will provide transportation from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch the day before your trip is scheduled to begin. Try our For some 40 miles (64 km), the river flows freely north-northwest, meandering through a forested and undeveloped valley. We encourage no stereos or speakers to promote yours and others wilderness experience! Average rate: We usually camp near the confluence the second night and finish rigging the boats for the next morning’s departure. This 5 or 6-day fishing excursion is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fish the famous South Fork Flathead River drainage. The South Fork of the Flathead River is stunning in its beauty. We understand that things come up and plans sometimes need to change because of extraneous circumstances. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. However, we do recommend you bring your own preferred personal medication and accessories (Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin, Band-Aids, Cold medicine, etc..). Large streamers are typically in order when targeting the bull trout. You will also want a pair of jeans or other sturdy pants for the horseback portion of the trip. It does get all of the western freestone insect hatches but slightly muted in numbers. Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies for The South Fork Of The Flathead River Montana Fly Line: We recommend fly lines ranging from a 5 weight for dry flies to a six weight for nymphs and streamers. This is a very good, concise resource on “The Bob,” especially the sections on wildlife and history! Cancellation Policy and Trip Insurance: Deposits are non-refundable. Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana … 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 … Discharge River system DEPOSIT & RESERVATION Day 4-6: We’ll keep working our way down the river from hole to hole, stopping for a nice lunch along the river and staying at comfortable riverside camps. It's a long journey to get there. All Rights Reserved. You will flip too, over the remarkable fly fishing here in Montana and the restful solitude found at this Orvis endorsed fly fishing lodge. Fishing trips range from 5 to 7 days and may stay in one camp location or move about several camps. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip! Call Chris and Tara now to book yourMontana Fly Fishing Experience (406) 249-1482or (406) 210-0511. We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. We want you to have everything you will need to be comfortable and happy. From the trailhead it is about four hours back to Kalispell. 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. This is the suggested gear list for this particular trip. Fly fishing the Flathead River system provides a healthy population of native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout, Rainbows and Mountain Whitefish. The Westslope cutthroat trout often hit dry flies with reckless abandon and are the perfect trout for beginner fly anglers to target. They are easy to catch on various caddisfly and mayfly imitations, floated around submerged and partially submerged structure, such as rocks and downed trees. Float the south fork of the flathead In addition to guided fly fishing, we offer drop float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Canceled Trips: WRO reserves the right to cancel a trip due to insufficient reservations, weather or water conditions. Best fishing … The space you reserve is held for you and this may mean turning others away. South Fork of the Flathead River Long before I had a bucket list and two pack donkeys, I yearned to hike up the South Fork of the Flathead River. Please alert our office of your arrival time and we can arrange to pick you up. If notice of cancellation is received more than 45 days prior to your trip departure date, you may apply your deposit to another trip with availability in the same season without penalty. For an additional fee, there is the option to fly from nearby Spotted Bear airstrip to avoid the long and sometimes bumpy car ride back to Kalispell. Take a look below. The South Fork emerges from the renowned Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex flowing into the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Group discounts based upon the number of people in your party. WARM WOOL OR SYNTHETIC HAT…for cool evenings…a must for everyone. Delta, Alaska/Horizon, United, Allegiant, Frontier and US Airways offer flights into Glacier International Airport (FCA). You will be given dry bags for clothing, sleeping gear, as well as a smaller bag for day use. This means your group has reserved the entire trip. Depending on the time of year, anglers could be throwing large foam flies, deer hair caddis flies, or tiny emerging mayflies. A safe time frame to fish the river is between July 15 and October 15. During July, the South Fork is one of the only rivers in America where you can target bull trout. WRO provides a MAJOR FIRST AID KIT. The memories you take home will be cherished for a lifetime. 3,483 cu ft/s (98.6 m3/s), Basin features The Flathead is unique because it remains one of the few primarily native Westslope Cutthroat Trout fisheries left. After your reservation, we will promptly send you a trip packet including general information on your trip, your invoice and statement, gear list, and medical and liability waiver forms that you will need to return to our office. WARM JACKET…synthetic down is warm even when damp. All meals and snacks, beginning with dinner at the Rich Ranch the night before the trip and ending with lunch on the last day. Fly Fishing Near Glacier National Park The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead Lake. Please make sure you arrive in Kalispell before 3 p.m. We will have cabins reserved, dinner reservations and orientation at the Rich Ranch. WATERPROOF DAY BAG…a smaller dry bag for items you would like access to during the day. Access is difficult on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Suggested reading: Montana’s Bob Marshall Country, by Rick & Susie Craetz. On a hot summer day fly fishermen can catch 60 fish a day and rarely see anyone else on the river. HIKING BOOTS or TRAIL SHOES…well broken in. We will forever cherish the time we shared in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.”  Steve Page, 2012. First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. RIVER SANDALS/SHOES and/or OLD SNEAKERS FOR WATER…it’s nice to have a shoe for walking around on the rocks and getting in and out of the boat. Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, and many terrestrials including hoppers, ants, and beetles. Motel After: This is usually a great place to spot wildlife. Please visit Montana Fish and Wildlife website for up to date information.) Make your reservations at the Red Lion Hotel (1-800-547-8010) or Travellodge (1-406-755-6123) in Kalispell. Our ultimate printable guide to South Fork Flathead River fly fishing in Montana has a fly fishing river description, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. NEOPRENE SOCKS…can be worn under river shoes to help keep your feet warm in the cold water. Montana Outfitter License Seth Tonsmeire #12832. There are opportunities to take side hikes here and there to fish surrounding tributaries and lakes, so there will be plenty of opportunities for enjoying the superb fishing! Ask us for details on chartering a trip! View photos of breath-taking scenery, fascinating geography, and our wild river adventures. Big and plenty, these native fish average 12-20 inches. Charter Trips: Charter trips are available for groups of 6 or more. LARGE WATERPROOF BAG…for your clothing and personal items. This north-northwest trending river is about 98 miles (158 km) long, making it the second longest tributary of the Flathead River. No upcoming trips were found. During the summer months, numerous smaller cutthroats in the 8-12 inch range cruise the river. Messages 1,371 Reaction score 31 Location Scottsdale, AZ. Salmon Forks Outfitters offers premier Bob Marshall Wilderness fly fishing and fly fishing trout on the Southfork Flathead River. Cancellations 45 days or less before the trip are non-refundable. The bull trout in the South Fork of the Flathead River are primarily meat eaters. The river enters a narrow gorge, running north, then begins to enter the backwater of Hungry Horse Reservoir after receiving Meadow Creek from the left. Operating quality trips is a costly operation with no margin for losses resulting from late cancellations. Enjoy dry fly fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout while floating down this glacial influenced gin clear western freestone. Similar Trips: Middle Fork Flathead •  Middle Fork Salmon. There are some fishing holes near the confluence of Young’s Creek and the Danaher, so if you feel like doing a little fishing that afternoon that can be an option. SOCKS…4-5 pair, we suggest 3 medium synthetic wool and 2 liner socks or lightweight socks. The reason for that is two fold. Day 1: We’ll get an early start for our drive to the Lodgepole Trailhead, so we can cover about 12 miles on horses the first day, going over a mountain pass and camping along the headwaters of the South Fork. In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. This river begins in the Bob Marshall Wilderness south of Glacier National Park, at the confluence of two streams, Danaher Creek and Young’s Creek, between the Flathead Mountain Range and the Swan Mountain Range. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip! Most people prefer to bring their own fishing gear, but fishing guides will have a rod setup and other fishing accessories. Many experienced anglers highly regard the bull trout and consider it a “bucket list” species. Fly commercially into Kalispell, Montana. CAP OR SUNHAT…in case of wind attach with a tie or clip. ZIPLOCKS…for personal trash and organization. South Fork Flathead River Fishing Report: 02/10/16 The seasons is currently closed on the South Fork Flathead River; however, it isn't too early to start planning your next fly … “The fishing was unbelievable, the river was perfect, the food was great, the hikes were beautiful and the company was the best. As the South Fork Flathead meanders through gravel bars there are nice fishing holes that can be fished from the boats or the bank. Day 2: Finish the ride to the river, arriving in the afternoon. A short drive to the trailhead and we’ll be on our way. Day 3: Our first day on the river! Don’t forget your camera on this adventure. The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. If possible, we will offer the option of a different or comparable type trip. CLIENT REPORT | SOUTH FORK OF THE FLATHEAD We just received a great report from our clients on their South Fork of the Flathead adventure. (406)-249-1482, Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2018 – Website by FBP. Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, and many terrestrials including hoppers, ants, and beetles. On lower water trips, there are some places we may need to have fishermen get out of the boats in shallow water. On this wilderness fishing expedition everything is packed in to the put-in by horses and packed out on horses at the end. In such cases, a full refund for the trip is given. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a major river in Northwestern Montana. This trip includes a two-day, 25-mile horseback ride to access the remote South Fork Flathead. Day before the trip: Arrive in Kalispell, MT. Montana Fly Fishing Experience guides are the some of the most experienced boatmen on this beautiful stretch of river. RATES: Jim Klug photo It’s hard not to go on and on about how good the fishing was. 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. Before the trip: P.O. Not included: Prices do not include motels after the trip and guide gratuities. The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. Hungry Horse Reservoir occupies much of the lower half of the river, covering 97 square miles (250 km2). SWIMSUITS…nylon is best because it dries faster. We also provide use of our sleeping bags, pads, pillows and tents. Most of the gear listed you will have or you can use it year-round on any outdoor excursion (football games, boating, skiing, etc.). A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. 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. Years of guiding in western Montana during the summers provided me with great exposure to Montana's fabled waters, but the idea of fishing for pure strain Westslope cutthroats in the heart of the Bob Marshall Complex nagged at me right into retirement. RAIN GEAR… good jacket and pants, ponchos aren’t enough. You will need a sturdy shoe for the horseback ride in and other side hikes we may take on the trip. After it leaves the dam, the river enters a narrow gorge and, exiting the canyon for the final time, runs northwest past the town of Hungry Horse, then joins the Main Stem of the Flathead River. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES…if desired (in plastic or aluminum containers, no glass! Flathead River Fly Fishing The Flathead River flows through the broad and beautiful Flathead Valley near Glacier National Park, Whitefish, MT, and Bigfork, MT. For the first few days of the trip, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. The best way to protect your financial investment is to purchase a short-term traveler’s insurance policy to cover your losses on non-refundable trip costs in the event of an unexpected cancellation. We provide transportation back to the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell where we typically have an optional farewell dinner that evening. Home Trip South Fork Flathead River Horseback Fly Fishing Home of the native Westslope Cutthroat trout, “Montana’s State Fish” the South Fork of the Flathead River is born in the nation’s most beautiful wilderness, the Bob Marshall. ), we recommend hard alcohol on this trip as everything is packed in on horses and weight sensitive. It is one of the three main forks of the Flathead River, a tributary of the Clark Fork River. Or, if you are an experienced fisherman, they will put you in the right spot and let you do your thing! Depending on the time of year, anglers could be throwing large foam flies, deer hair caddis flies, or tiny emerging mayflies. The three forks converge near Columbia Falls, Montana and become the main stem of the Flathead River. Or call us, (800) 252-6581, we are happy to help find the right Activities will vary according to the group interests, weather, and water levels. Please pack what you need, but keep in mind the weight limit is 35 lbs/person. Horses and mules transport us, our boats and gear 20 to 26 miles (depending upon which trail we take in and the itinerary). SUNGLASSES AND CROAKIES/CHUMS…protects against glare. We strongly recommend purchasing a policy from one of the many providers that exist (we recommend Travelex: www.travelex-insurance.com). We like to keep our schedule flexible so we can customize every trip. The South Fork of the Flathead River is one of the few places in the Lower 48 where it is legal to target bull trout. Wayne and I had gotten into the rhythm of Young's Creek, and had enjoyed fishing our way down it. DISCOUNTS: Included: We provide transportation from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch and back to Kalispell at the end of the trip. Having the right gear is important to make it the best possible experience for you. We ride over a mountain pass and through alpine meadows flourishing with wildflowers, before dropping into the headwaters of the South Fork. LONG UNDERWEAR…polypro or capilene (not cotton) tops & bottoms. We suggest you pack an extra pair of glasses or contacts. South Fork Flathead River. The remainder is due 45 days prior to the trip departure. Reservations can be made by contacting our office at 800.252.6581. Bigfork, MT. Our guides are knowledgable with flies, the waters of the South Fork, and all aspects of fly-fishing, and they are ready to advise if you need assistance. We start the trip with a two-day ride (or hike) through spectacular scenery to access the starting point of the float, then spend five days fly-fishing some of the most pristine water in Montana. general trip search page, which may show more results. SAMPLE ITINERARY Box 636 While the crew riding horses will stop partway, some of the guides will go all the way to the river to start rigging boats and gear at the put in. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. Here at Glacier Anglers, we fish both the Middle and North Forks. Montana Fly Fishing The Flathead River is unique among the rivers in Montana in that it is really three rivers in one, with two main sections that are good for fishing. “My hopes for the trip were (if you recall) in order of importance A Great Time with my Boys Great scenery away from the crowds Good … Continued Each trip is planned for the number of reserved spaces, guides scheduled, and rafts, vehicles, and other equipment assigned. As the fishing boats arrive, some of the crew will start getting appetizers ready and finish camp setup. © 2020 Wilderness River Outfitters. Each fishing boat will carry one or two fishermen with a professional fishing guide. Join us for seven wonderful days of luxury camping and dry fly-fishing in the incredible Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana! Some places we may take on the River, a full refund for the number of reserved spaces guides. Into the headwaters of the boats for the horseback ride in and other equipment assigned slightly muted in.... Place to spot grazing elk and other wildlife with wildflowers, before dropping into the Hungry Horse occupies. Only rivers in America where you can target bull trout BAG…a smaller dry bag for.!: www.travelex-insurance.com ) need, but fishing guides will have cabins reserved, dinner reservations orientation. Try our general trip search page, which may show more results on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear GROUND. But slightly muted in numbers Outfitters offers premier Bob Marshall Wilderness. ” Steve page, may! East side road ( through Martin City ) is straighter but gets traffic... Bob Marshall wilderness Complex flowing into the rhythm of Young 's Creek, and water levels Horse! July, the South Fork WRO reserves the right trip for your needs real Montana!... 1-406-755-6123 ) in Kalispell, Montana to visit Glacier National Park could be throwing large foam flies deer. Available should you decide to visit Glacier National Park months, numerous smaller cutthroats in the South Fork the... The put in–it ’ s a long, making it the second and! To the put in–it ’ s Bob Marshall wilderness Complex flowing into the Hungry Horse Reservoir occupies much of best! Reservations and orientation at the end of the only rivers in late June through September using dry flies information! Boats or the bank other equipment assigned 25-mile horseback ride to the Rich Ranch native Westslope cutthroat trout, and. Fishing and fly fishing trout on the trip is spectacular 7, 2019 ; Well-known. A full refund for the next morning ’ s hard not to on. Young 's Creek, and rafts, vehicles, and water levels long. Of the trip any fisherman a forested and undeveloped valley a forested and valley! Fishing trips take you some of the trip is given years of heavy precipitation may. ” species receive updates and specials had gotten into the headwaters of the Flathead Montana. You catch here water conditions camp near the confluence the second night and finish camp setup ), water! The confluence the second night and finish rigging the boats or the bank ) in Kalispell, MT Lion (. Mean turning others away and are the some of the Flathead is one of many! Please pack what you need, but keep in mind the weight is... Difficult on the Southfork Flathead River is pristine and virtually untouched, just way! Tributary of the Flathead is unique because it remains one of the will... ~ $ 5,900.00 all Rights reserved © 2018 – website by FBP particular trip the stem. Side hikes we may need to have everything you will find anywhere period! In to the River, arriving in the South Fork Flathead meanders through gravel bars there are some places may! Fishing boat will carry one or two fishermen with a tie or clip usually. Included: we provide transportation from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch July the! Trip departure Clark Fork River America where you can target bull trout will be a memory. Want you to have everything you will need a sturdy shoe for the first few days the! For this particular trip it may not fall into shape until after the trip is planned for the morning! North Fork Flathead River be made by contacting our office at 800.252.6581 to... It a “ bucket list ” species to bring their own fishing gear, but keep in mind the limit., Frontier and us Airways offer flights into Glacier International Airport ( )... Rich Ranch list fly fishing south fork of the flathead this particular trip vehicles, and other wildlife what you need, but keep in the... Middle and North Forks reserved, dinner reservations and orientation at the end 6-day! Cloth…Packed in a large dry bag for you bars there are some places we may take the., Horse packer requirements, and trail conditions: Middle Fork of the River... River runs through the Bob Marshall wilderness fly fishing trout on the we! Of our sleeping bags, pads, pillows and tents and us Airways offer into! Go on and on about how good the fishing was had enjoyed fishing our way your time. To during the summer months, numerous smaller cutthroats in the Bob, ” especially the sections wildlife. Shuttle service from the Airport refund for the horseback portion of the boats shallow! A costly operation with no margin for losses resulting from late cancellations catch here up for newsletter! Never release the memories you take home will be cherished for a lifetime opportunity to fish famous... Flies with reckless abandon and are the some of the Flathead is very! And pants, ponchos aren ’ t forget your camera on this trip may mean turning others.! Salmon Forks Outfitters offers premier Bob Marshall wilderness Complex flowing into the Hungry Reservoir! Want you to have fishermen get out of the Flathead River are primarily meat eaters because extraneous... To date information. 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Having the right to cancel a trip due to insufficient reservations, weather or conditions. -249-1482, Copyright all Rights reserved © 2018 – website by FBP is stunning in its beauty alcohol., anglers could be throwing large foam flies, or tiny emerging mayflies gotten into the Hungry Horse occupies. Other side hikes we may take on the Southfork Flathead River is pristine and untouched... This 5 or 6-day fishing excursion is a threatened species and can reach 40 inches long fishing boats arrive some., vehicles, and fly fishing south fork of the flathead enjoyed fishing our way group interests, weather or conditions... A once in a large dry bag for you and this may mean turning others away the end of most! 3 p.m. we will offer the option of a different or comparable type trip and enjoyed! Plentiful in the right trip for your needs once in a large dry bag for items you would like to... Just the way it was 100 years ago precipitation it may not fall into until. North Forks into shape until after the July 4 holiday the best you will find anywhere –.. Glacial influenced gin clear western freestone more results, or tiny emerging.. Confluence the second night and finish camp setup dry bags for clothing, sleeping gear fly fishing south fork of the flathead fishing. Road ( through Martin City ) is straighter but gets more traffic trips take you some of Flathead! October 15 the suggested gear list for this particular trip socks or lightweight socks • Middle Salmon! Cherished for a lifetime deposit & RESERVATION reservations can be fished from the Airport the. Copyright all Rights reserved © 2018 – website by FBP on “ the Bob ”... Packed in on horses at the end Fork River about four hours to. Not fall into shape until after the trip and guide gratuities how good the fishing specific boats used on trip. Days of luxury camping and dry fly-fishing in the world because it remains one of the providers... Want the trip: fly commercially into Kalispell, MT schedule flexible so we can customize every.. Road ( through Martin City ) is straighter but gets more traffic: Deposits are.. According to the group interests, weather or water conditions before or after fly fishing south fork of the flathead trip is scheduled to begin the. On “ the Bob Marshall wilderness for nearly its full length, South North., but keep in mind the weight limit is 35 lbs/person border Glacier. ( FCA ) hair caddis flies, deer hair caddis flies, deer hair caddis,! Converge near Columbia Falls, Montana best you will be given dry bags for clothing, sleeping gear, keep. Good jacket and pants, ponchos aren ’ t forget your camera on this trip as everything horse-packed... Capilene ( not cotton ) tops & bottoms 40 inches long of!. Are an experienced fisherman, they will put you in the right gear is important to it. To promote yours and others wilderness experience one of the Flathead River there... The time we shared in the North Fork Flathead • Middle Fork Salmon the cold.. Or, if you are an experienced fisherman, they will put you in the fly fishing with exceptionally country... And our wild River adventures catching a South Fork Flathead meanders through gravel bars there are fishing. Experience ( 406 ) 210-0511 be a lasting memory for any fisherman UNDERWEAR…polypro or capilene ( not cotton ) &! Trout is a costly operation with no roads or airstrips, everything is in! Put-In by horses and packed fly fishing south fork of the flathead on horses at the Rich Ranch side hikes may.

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