It is also one of the wildest, beginning in the Great Bear Wilderness just south of Glacier National Park. We generally suggest 12 years old as a minimum for this particular trip due to the length of the hike/ trail ride and the possibility of running Meadow Creek Gorge. Learn more about these fun boats. Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat and light jacket. Please be mindful of this when planning your gear for the trip. The most popular place to start a backcountry South Fork float trip is at the confluence of the Young's and Danaher rivers. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. Most of the guides also use Venmo. But there are few places that are as remote or offer such a unique experience. This is a 2 day ride to the South Fork. Large, heavy stoneflies, such as Bitch Creek Nymphs and golden stonefly imitations, also work. 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. Rich Ranch We've already booked 2022.ALASKA! Website: richranch.com. The result is that anglers now sometimes struggle to catch fish that are small enough to keep. For most trips you will need two pairs of shoes, one to wear in the boats and one to wear hiking and around camp. Available in both print and digital. Regardless of where you enter the Bob, the South Fork is a wade fishermans dream. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. Numerous Class II, III and IV rapids exist in this gorge. Dispose of all entrails and uneaten portions far away from where you are camped. Learn to tie the Woolly Bugger fly with master tier Charlie Craven. The guides can help carry and heat up some water if needed. 12359800. n/a. In certain cases, individuals may want to supplement meals and snacks with some items of their own. The reservoir is more than 50 miles long, created by the 460-foot Hungry Horse Dam. He talks about the hike in sections as well as everything that can be floated. 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. 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. What will I do with items I need accessible during the day or on the boat? Examples in Kalispell include Sportsman's Warehouse, REI, or Cabellas. So the moral of the story is this: If you cook any fish while camped in the wilderness area, make sure you cook them well away from where youre camping (like hundreds of yards). For the first few days of the trip, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. To avoid going through this gorge, any floater must be prepared to pack out their gear (you just cant float out to your car). It depends on the time of year, and on the child. From start to finish, our guides showed expert knowledge of the area and a keen attention to our group's needs. Yes, we do normally change campsites every day. They also keep you warmer when wet. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. 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. However you get there, the South Fork of the Flathead River is a place where good fishing and a wonderful experience go hand in 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.). It appeared in the June-July 2010 issue of Fly Fisherman. Old running sneakers can also work well as river shoes. The Flathead River represents the combined flow of hundreds of headwater creeks funneled from the glacial cirques of Glacier National Park and other wild places within the U.S. and Canada. 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. Print Map. n/a. Your lead guide will give you an overview of the day each morning. Everyone is also issued a large waterproof bag for your personal gear and clothing. 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. Mid summer sunny days can also reach the upper 90s! 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. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana (FCA). They also know how to get you from amazing point A to beautiful point B safely. Back to daydreaming of beautiful Montana 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. Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? Belly; Big Hole; Lower Clark Fork; South Fork Flathead; Swan: NE: 1895: 1992: 6: . It has both whitewater and flat water sections. 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). The South Fork of the Flathead begins deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness at the confluence of Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek. We will make lunch for the trail, and after a short drive to the trailhead in the morning we will be on our way. Western rivers are becoming so crowded that some anglers consider casing the long rods for good. During July, the South Fork is one of the only rivers in America where you can target bull trout. You will need IGBC Approved coolers for food storage. WRO operates under special use permits on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests. We will need to have our gear ready that evening or very early the next morning (especially if youve chosen to use horse support). Unless you want to carry a raft out of the wilderness, make arrangements in advance to pick up your gear on a predetermined date. Site name This is the official name of the site in the database. For more information, please go to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. From this point it's approximately three miles to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. If possible, we recommend bringing hard alcohol packed in non-glass containers, or bagged wine. The South Fork of the Flathead is a freestone stream, vulnerable to the nuances of runoff, and typically unfishable until mid to late June. Long sleeved, lightweight sun hoodies, long pants, brimmed hat, eye protection, and possibly sun-gloves are recommended. 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. Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a legendary wilderness fishing trip! A variety of car rentals are available should you decide to visit Glacier National Park before or after your trip. Nighttime temperatures, even during the short summer months, frequently plummet below freezing. The Ultimate Backcountry Flyfishing Expedition. Be sure to check out the weather section of the packing list for specific seasonal information and average temperatures for your trip, as well as doing your own research a week prior to your trip, checking anticipated weather at Seeley Lake, MT (our put-in) as well as at the Meadow Creek Trail, MT (close to our takeout). Can WRO accommodate dietary restrictions/ allergies? If you visit the South Fork of the Flathead, go prepared for the worst. 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. Usually we would reach the river mid afternoon the second day camping at the river the second night. WRO will happily do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions at no additional cost! 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. 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. Face and body wipes also work well for helping stay clean. Anglers should be stealthy when casting to native cutthroats, but finesse is rarely required. You won't see masses of insects like on other Western rivers, but there are enough to trigger fish's appetites. 11. However, if youre not, heres something else to consider before putting that trout into the frying pan. Explore all WRO trips on our interactive map . Weather can be variable in the Montana wilderness, so be sure to have warm layers for around camp. We are located under the giant log arch on the south side of US Highway 2, 1/2 mile west of West Glacier. The stretch between the Meadow Creek footbridge and the Spotted Bear footbridge is catch-and-release only. Healthy and nutritious options are always available, and meals always include fruits and vegetables (sourced locally when we can). *Itinerary and route to river is subject to change based on the desired hiking and whitewater interest of the group. Be sure to check out the weather section of the packing list for specific seasonal information and average temperatures for your trip, as well as doing your own research a week prior to your trip, checking anticipated weather at Seeley Lake, MT (our put-in) as well as at the Meadow Creek Trail, MT (close to our takeout). Long sleeved, lightweight sun hoodies, long pants, brimmed hat, eye protection, and possibly sun-gloves are recommended. There is one rapid section below the dam called Devils Elbow, with two short Class IV rapids. 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. How will they locate us? Will it be cold? This is the classic way WRO ran our wilderness trips, and is a wonderful way to experience this river! This allows us to cover new scenery, rapids, and side adventures each day at a fun, comfortable pace. The South Fork of the Flathead River is Montanas crown jewel in terms of remote rivers. For most trips, sneakers or a lightweight hiking boot will be fine for side hikes. Our South Fork Flathead fishing trips allow for the reservation of small fishing-frame rafts that fit two people and a fishing guide. Yellowstone, Lahantan and perhaps other subspecies have been stocked in Arizona (Minckley 1973). The last day includes a casual float and fishing from the boat. 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. Explore Scenic Floats Multi-Day Rafting Trips Set off on the ultimate whitewater experience down the Middle Fork or North Fork of the Flathead River. Wonderful, gourmet backcountry cooking! It's a long journey to get there. If true wilderness and the best native Westslope Cutthroat fishing in the lower 48 interests you, then we have the trip youre looking for! The river is navigable for up to 6 miles upstream from its confluence with the South Fork. To reach the trailhead, take FR 477 just north of Seeley Lake. For the first few days of the trip, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. Something went wrong. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana (FCA). And not a single service will be found, so bring whatever you need, as you wont be able to buy something if you forget it. From the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the Pyramid or Holland Lake trailhead. I believe those reports, but today fish average between 8 and 14 inches with an occasional 17- to 20-inch fish. A safe time frame to fish the river is between July 15 and October 15. Overall, the South Fork flows more than 60 miles through designated wilderness and National Forest lands before emptying into Hungry Horse Reservoir. The run through the gorge is dependent on the river level, the gorge being clear of logjams and guide discretion. Seth has been personally involved in this trip because it is a custom deal, mostly because we wanted to take another trip with WRO, but really are not fishermen-and this is usually a fishing trip. Nothing ruins a trip as quickly as a visit from an aggressive bear, and a camp with scraps of food strewn about invites disaster. The river also runs through a deep, nearly impassable gorge for several miles (called Meadow Creek Gorge) just upstream of the pack bridge, thus forcing anglers to go further upstream to fish. Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm one day prior to your trips launch date. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. Six Montana paddlers took a five day backpacking and packrafting trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness to float about 56 . The Bob Marshall Wilderness covers more than 1 million acres and is home to the South Fork of the Flathead River. Backpack or let the horses carry your gear and wear only a light daypack. Delta, Alaska/Horizon, United, Allegiant, Frontier and US Airways offer flights into Glacier International Airport (GPI). In certain cases, individuals may want to supplement meals and snacks with some items of their own. Check out the full of story of Sage Indendi Johnson's journey from a path towards professional basketball to guiding in Alaska. The put in and pack in are trip dependent, as different outfitters have different preferences. is home to extraordinary wildlife, including elk, moose, wolf, eagles, mountain goats, grizzly and black bear. This bag should be plenty large enough for everything listed on our suggested packing list. Five days and 35 miles means plenty of time to hike, fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout at . Depending on the route in, over the first two days we will cover about 20-25 miles either by foot or by livestock. These are very comfortable and fit very nicely in our gear bags. The South Fork is open under Montana's general fishing season, which begins the third Saturday in May and closes November 30. (What you will eventually pack into your river day bag. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. Rich Ranch 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. The river provides outstanding fishing for native Montana trout in a remote and beautiful setting. How big are the tents? 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. Yes, there are usually outdoor stores located fairly close to all the hotels we recommend or on the way to the river. 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