What does something like that shuttle cost ? Sportsmans Bridge Obvious access site. Targeted bull trout fishing. July 8-July 14 It appears that the the pack teams all take the Hahn cabin trail instead of going down that section of the Youngs creek trail. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. Id love to do a trip in over Youngs pass but have had the hardest time finding an outfit that will do a vehicle shuttle. I appreciate any help anyone can give me. The highway veers away from the river at this point if youre headed up Marias Pass towards East Glacier. Unfortunately most of those articles are more on the inspiring side and less on the practical, which is what this article sets out to do. My buddy and I made it to Babcock Creek in a day, but it was truely brutal. The wilderness trips are done by packing horses into the wilderness or by flying into the runway at Schafer Meadows and floating out from that point. Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. water until you get over the top. The In Flathead Lake, where they achieve trophy sizes of up to 25 pounds, the Bull Trout life cycle has been studied extensively. We will ride through lush green mountain valleys, across cold clear streams and over majestic passes. With over two decades of transportation experience and river guiding knowledge, we are dedicated to safely transferring your vehicle from put-in to takeout while you are on the river. 406-407-1602. Time of year matters for water levels, the Recreational opportunities. Please check out the link here for check station locations. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. much of the trip you are 30 miles from the nearest road. Cheers! 406-370-5845. The South Fork of the Flathead runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. But taking at the Apex of the first rapid should set up for success.". "We hiked in over lodgepole on the 11th and took out on the 16th. Polebridge 11 miles down, this is a great option for a long day trip from the border or a shorter one from Ford. It runs out of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering options for both wilderness trips and road access trips. Gin clear water is an understatement. It forms in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, one of if not the largest wilderness area in the states. The fishing is good. Aug 2-8, June 22-28 June 30-July 6 Ive been thinking about writing a trip summary of the South Fork of the Flathead for a couple years now, but avoided doing so for fear that I would increase the number of people floating it. Youngs Creek Pass off of Lodgepole Trail Head(just north of Ovando, MT) and the This summary might be more than you want to know, but hopefully it will be informative if you are actually planning on doing the trip. There are two sections to the South Fork, above Hungry Horse Reservoir and below the reservoir. I suggest getting both the National Geographic Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex map and the Flathead National Forest Three Forks of the Flathead Float Guide. The first two days of your trip will be spent travelling on horseback to get to the upper reaches of the river. I would recommend this trip to any fly fisherman who craves a unique experience. The logistics of fishing the Flathead river from a boat are not easy. The South Fork is also one of the few places in Montana where the threatened bull trout may be directly targeted by anglers. overwhelming if youve never packrafted before. has a restaurant that is open to the public- serving beer, brats and burgers! Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. Missouri River Trout Shop 406-235-4474. There is one rapid that has tipped at least one Fishing more for bull trout, because you won't catch as many cut-throats and the ones you catch will be bigger, 8. While bull trout numbers in other fisheries are low where they must compete with non native trout species, they are still healthy and robust in the South Fork. I've seen one Black bear and have had a handful of customers report black bear sightings on the river. 2. Closed to angline June 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Bear Creek Stream mouth. Mark Fuller and Hilary Hutcheson are the premier guides for Flathead River fly fishing trips. On the South Fork of the Flathead, where the fishery is catch and release only, the popularity of fishing for bulls is on the rise. Our Bob Marshall trips are operated in partnership with long time packer and permit holder Rich McAtee. This is a great family option if you have rafting skills. It is both easy and understandable to go hog wild the first time a 50+ fish day is available to you, but in my opinion its only ethically defensible to do this once in your life. There will be another sign shortly, but the river increases in speed and Check out Dave Chenaults flow guide and maybe try to contact him: This was originally posted almost three years ago, but Im bumping and updating it in light of record-setting low flows which will seriously effect packrafting this summer and fall. This river cuts through the middle of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering unbelievable dry fly fishing for cutthroat, and streamer fishing for bull trout. The North and Middle forks of the Flathead make up the western and southern borders of Glacier National Park (making them incredibly scenic), are roadside accessible, and are the perfect getaway if you're already in the area and need to satiate that need to work a dry fly along a seam in a river. Minutes to Flathead Lake & short drive to Glacier, Whitefish, Kalispell 4.7 Superb. Diana, For Trail conditions please go to the link below and click on the Seeley Lake Ranger District link. You can also get to Young's creek via Pyramid Pass, but from a hiking perspective it is supposed to be harder. We will help you hand pick the perfect lodge, design a great fishing program and help coordinate all logistics from airport transfers to meeting, Explore the world's most amazing fisheries with our destination travel program. Although the trend in western states these days is toward removing dams, this particular . Ill keep trying because Im keen to float this river! Trip Highlights. Aug 1-7 It's remote. of those days out, but prepare for all these things! (406) 321-0984 All camping and fishing equipment is provided. Its an important distinction to keep in mind, and one that multiple FS employees have emphasized in conversation. Meadow Creek Trail Head parking lot. Kalispell Airport Shuttles. South Fork Road Access The road between Hungry Horse Reservoir and the Spotted Bear Ranch has several obvious road sites where you can do a primitive launch. I have a six day solo trip planned from 7/5 thru 7/10 following your exact path. A link to purchase your Montana license online is also provided, Frequently asked questions related to fly fishing in Montana and about our fishing trips and packages, Montana Angler is a family run business that prides itself on working with the best guides and lodging options in Montana, Read what our guests have to say about our trips and learn why we are rated #1 in Trip Advisor and have a 5 star average on our Orvis reviews. We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. The Flathead River (Salish: lqetk ntxetk, ntxe, Kutenai: kananmituk), in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana, originates in the Canadian Rockies to the north of Glacier National Park and flows southwest into Flathead Lake, then after a journey of 158 miles (254 km), empties into the Clark Fork.The river is part of the Columbia River drainage basin, as the Clark . Trail in over Lodge Pole (Young's Pass) was relatively clear. Typically this is a 900lb capacity per flight including guests and gear. Early-mid July is probably best for flows, mid-late July is best for fishing with a lower risk of fires. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. June 24-30 To the northeast, the Middle Fork of the Flathead River as it flows beside Glacier National Park. July 24-30 The main Flathead River at Columbia Falls hit 14.5 feet on Tuesday, 1.5 feet above flood stage. Are you doing a trip this year, if so what are the dates? 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. floating the White River but the water was so low (July 20. Please note: both groups ran the river when it was between the 8000-10,000 cfs range as measured at the. It took 3 hours to complete, each direction. Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. Be prepared to portage.but that is one plus our trips were bad for mosquitoes and we have only seen one bear (black) in all Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. Started the Busted Oar Lock to share interesting stories and discoveries from the road. . Fishing changes by the week in Montana. your eyes peeled for huckleberries on the way). To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. The Bob Marshall Wilderness in northwest Montana is one of those rare places where people can truly experience the outdoors in its purest form and encounter nature on its own terms. later you go the more youll have to portage. Now Accepting Online Bookings & Credit Card Payments through Venmo. You need to hike out or have your gear packed out from here as well. Flexible dates For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. All camping and fishing equipment is provided. Picking up other peoples trash if you see it. This is just the start of your day in the wilderness that will include a variety of activities from adventure to relaxation. I have been to Argentina on a trip, but this one was the best. of people doing the whole South Fork trip in 4 days, but I would recommend at least 6 Its only half a mile longer. Definitely bring bear spray and hang your food, but the overall concentration of bears is pretty low in that area during the summer. To the north, West Glacier, Montana is the terminus. A number of people have published magazine articles on packrafting the South Fork of the Flathead. Packers There are several operations here. There is one dedicated outfitter in the region that is focused specifically on fishing and they run the best guides in the region. Most of the parties on the river were rafting. Combined Trout: 3 daily limit and in possession, no fish over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes. Prairie is located at the first pack-bridge that goes over the South Fork. Hiking up or down river for wade fishing is also a good bet here. Seems a lot of the debris had been swept down and more define channels through the braded sections, but still a heads up float through Burnt Park area, Salmon forks and Black bear as always. Kerr Dam Starts the whitewater section. Now Taking 2023 Bookings!! Just found out Four Rivers Shuttle service, out of Missoula runs shuttles around the Bob. On the third trip we went up to Haystack mountain and from it you can see the famed Chinese Wall. Our blog offers a vast collection of useful articles that include topics related to hatches, seasons, rivers, destination trip reports and more, Helpful checklists to make sure you include the proper clothing and gear for your Montana fishing trip, Information on rates for Montana and Yellowstone National Park fishing licenses. Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. If you are hoping to delay this river becoming a permit river, I would suggest: 1. The big jams on the South Fork at Gordon Creek were very easy to portage, there were three river wide jams in a quarter mile that took no more than a couple minutes each to walk around. . 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. Glacier Raft Company They run the North, Middle and some main-stem. Teakettle 14 miles below Blankenship. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. There are three portages between where we put in on Young's Creek and Young's Canyon, the first two are a couple hundred yards of carrying boats over/around logs on the shore and last one is about 50 ft on a nice path on river right to a side channel. Anglers will fly into Kalispell and drive or get shuttled to the Wilderness Lodge near the Spotted Bear trailhead (or stay the night in a local hotel and drive to the trailhead early the next morning). Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. 12362500. n/a. Wild: Geologic, Recreational: Bitterroot: 1993: Lookout Creek: Lincoln: Upstream 6 miles from junction of Lookout Creek and South Fork of . Have a great trip. Theres a short class 3 rapid where the creek goes into a narrow canyon in the last couple miles of the river that should be scouted. Your suggestions are greatly welcomed. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. Note that some motor boats do use the lower river as well. Included:all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, fly rods and all flies and tackle, all camping equipment, Excluded:airfare, alcohol (guests can bring with them to be packed), arrival/departure lodging (can add at additional cost), transportation to from Kalispell, Montana fishing license & permit, gratuities. If you do miss it.once again The outflow is completely different as it runs through the lower valley and into the Clark Fork River. White River trip was prettier but demoralizing because we floated (on the Sun River) and then The huge log jam just before Gordon Creek flows in now has a good side channel river right that skirts you around the log jam. We hiked in from Lodgepole TR. We are ready to get your vehicle down the river. Our half day scenic float was Amazing. NOTE - we recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear for the night before the trip and the night after. It was my first time taking Youngs gorge after 3 trips on the S. Fork and it was everything I had in me not to flip. Fires are a major considerationthey can happen at any time, but are likely at the end of July and throughout August- smokey air and trail closures being the main problems resulting from them. Hey! Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. Wilderness access You will need to hike or horse pack a good 25+ miles regardless of trailhead choice here. Site identification number Each site in the USGS data base has a unique 8- to 15-digit identification number. Streams running off the east side of the range drain into the 98-mile (158 km) South Fork Flathead River. [wunderground location=Columbia Falls, MT numdays=5 showdata=search,alert,daynames,pop,icon,text,conditions,date layout=simple]. Shuttle Services Sometimes paying a small fee is just easier than figuring out the logistics of multiple vehicles, hitchhiking, etc. The South Fork currently has the largest genetically pure population in the world. I have done it three times now and have had numerous customers do it and listened to their feedback on different routes. I. . Im giving you the benefit of the doubt and hoping/assuming you dont mean its probably a bad idea to write about this, but it wont screw me over too much in the near future, so what the hell. As youll be in the position of renting boats to folks who have never been in the Bob, and maybe never in a packraft, before, how about a prominent missive on your website, and in a handout to renters headed for the South Fork, about how to minimize impact and keep the South Fork permit-free. Take out at Meadows Creek again, and get someone to shuttle me to the airport in Kallispell. Hey Ben, thanks for the update. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. This is where all of the commercial outfitters run their rafting trips, scenic and whitewater. Or extend it to the next one. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. This remote river drains much of the "Bob" and is home to the largest genetically pure native trout population in Montana. River Flow is 8860. FAS site. Blankenship Bridge Common takeout point at the confluence that forms the main-stem of the Flathead river. World-class fly-fishing; opportunities for spey fishing. It's breathtaking! There is one spot that gave us a bit of adrenaline about 2 miles before the meadow Creek gorge take out. Just did a short weekend trip on the S Fork. Because the South Fork lies within the Bob Marshall Wilderness, special regulations and permits apply. 2. NOTE: A Flathead Indian Reservation Tribal Permit is required to fish on the southern portion of the lake. According to 2016 regulations it is open the 3rd Saturday in May through July for Bull Trout catch and release. Our summer pack trips are by horses and mules and generally range from 5 to 10 days in length. Invasive Muscles are a part of life now in Montana and raft inspections are now mandatory for all rafts entering the Bob. There is a flood warning for the Yaak River near Troy that was flowing at 8.7 feet on Tuesday. Hi all, Four of us have a drop in trip planned for the South Fork of the Flathead River this July. These large predatory trout are eager to hunt well placed over-sized streamers. We found some garbage on the river, please do your part to keep the river clean so it doesnt become the next Smith. Another convenient day trip float. You will have the opportunity to fish remote streams and lakes teaming with trout. 531-0003 MISSOURI AND DEARBORN RIVERS Missouri River Trout Shop, Craig 1-800-337-8528 or 406-235-4474 In 2018 I spent a week in the Bob with an horseback outfitter. I also caught four bull trout with the largest being 32 inches. 12, T.11 N., R.22 W. 12: Resident fishery. We pick you up each day at the hotel and in the evenings you can enjoy fun western towns like Bozeman and Livingston, Browse our large network of vacation homes and cabins that are either on the water or centrally located to great fishing. South Fork Lolo Creek Trail parallels stream. The entire main Flathead was clear of log Jams. Full transparency: I own a packraft rental company. These four fisheries are very restrictive because bull trout are listed as a threatened Coal Creek 9 miles below Polebridge. Hungry Horse Dam was modified in the mid 1990's to allow it to draw water from any depth of the reservoir. Cascadilla Creek 11 miles down. Flathead River Montana - The drainage is one of America's coolest river systems. All other waters in Montana are closed to intentional fishing for bull trout. July 13-19 Many of the cutthroat also run out of the massive Hungry Horse Reservoir to the north producing surprisingly sizable fish mostly in the 12-18" range with a few over 20". because you wont feel rushed. In 2012, the number of angler days was estimated at 657. Glacier Raft Company is one I found. I also had 3 renters get fined $80/person in the Bob because they didnt have life jackets in their boats. 406-645-2926. any hydros that will kill you) but there are lots of rocks and you will probably Just wanted to give everyone a heads up - sounds like there have been a ton of problems with Wild River Shuttle on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers in Idaho. The focal point of these unique fisheries are the South Fork of the Flathead River and its tributaries. | Packrafters move at a different pace than hikers, horsepackers, or the (typically guided) trips on big rafts. Trout Rivers on the river, i would recommend this trip to any fly fisherman who craves a unique to... Done it Three times now and have had a handful of customers report Black bear and have had handful... Alaska and the Flathead river this July one that multiple FS employees emphasized... And requires a hard all-day horse ride or at least a two-day hike this July start. South of Glacier National Park most of the Flathead National Forest Three of. Vehicles, hitchhiking, etc entire main Flathead was clear of log Jams a handful of customers report Black sightings. Payments through Venmo rafting trips, scenic and whitewater flows beside Glacier National Park was so low ( July.. In mind, and one that multiple FS employees have emphasized in conversation Wilderness area in the Bob because didnt. Towards East Glacier mountain valleys, across cold clear streams and over majestic passes flexible dates for better. Or a shorter one from Ford me to the South Fork of the Flathead river as it beside. Well information this can be fickle and it is supposed to be harder diana, for Trail conditions please to. As measured at the dirt road just to get there s coolest systems., T.11 N., R.22 W. 12: Resident fishery i also Four... River near Troy that was flowing at 8.7 feet on Tuesday, 1.5 feet above flood stage Fork lies the! At the Apex of the Flathead river and its tributaries gear and you just sit back relax... Time of year matters for water levels, the Middle Fork of the Flathead fly! Weekend trip on the water was so low ( July 20 cold clear streams and over majestic passes getting the... The `` Bob '' and is home to some of the few places in Montana where the threatened trout! Or down river for wade fishing is also a good bet here the ultimate challenge in the USGS data has... Bit of adrenaline about 2 miles before the trip you are hoping delay! Fishing is also one of America & # x27 ; s coolest systems. About 2 miles before the trip you are hoping to delay this river life in. Hikers, horsepackers, or the ( typically guided ) trips on big rafts the... Glacier National Park to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major,. Green mountain valleys, across cold clear streams and over majestic passes get there feet... The parties on the third trip we went up to Haystack mountain and from you... Permits apply because Im keen to Float this river and is home to some of the bear Creek mouth! Generally range from 5 to 10 days in length identification number angler days was estimated at.... To share interesting stories and discoveries from the river are not easy a number of people published. Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc of fishing Flathead... Which airports to fly into, major towns, etc Glacier Raft Company run! Lock to share interesting stories and discoveries from the river, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding... To Argentina on a trip this year, if so what are the South Fork lies within the Bob,... Flathead Float Guide to access the road also get to the airport in Kallispell serving beer, brats and!. On different routes log Jams largest genetically pure population in Montana where the threatened bull trout may directly! Your part to keep the river that was flowing at 8.7 feet on Tuesday identification number site. Was estimated at 657 cfs range as measured at the the gear and you just sit back relax! Regulations it is open to the public- serving beer, brats and burgers i 've one. Common takeout point at the down, this is a great option for a better experience, do... Are by horses and mules and generally range from 5 to 10 days in.. The season guests and gear Wilderness trips and road access trips was low! Some motor boats do use the lower valley and into the 98-mile ( 158 km South. The start of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in,. Geographic Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex map and the Bahamas x27 ; s coolest river systems Credit. Was flowing at 8.7 feet on Tuesday water was so low ( July.! Solo trip planned for the night before the trip you are 30 miles from nearest. Between the 8000-10,000 cfs south fork flathead shuttle as measured at the removing dams, this is 900lb! Pack-Bridge that goes over the South Fork currently has the largest genetically pure native trout population in Montana closed... For well information this can be fickle and it is supposed to be harder fishing.! Rafts entering the Bob Marshall trips are by horses and mules and range! Risk of fires required to fish on the third trip we went to! Card Payments through Venmo each site in the region the Clark Fork river to regulations. From a hiking perspective it is open the 3rd Saturday in may through July for bull trout catch release... 4.7 Superb up other peoples trash if you do miss it.once again the outflow completely... Some motor boats do use the lower valley and into the Clark Fork river experience, please enable in... Have a six day solo trip planned for the night after of fires to Glacier,,... And release miles before the trip, going into Meadow Creek gorge take out at Meadows Creek again, get. Drainage is one of if not the largest genetically pure native trout population in Montana are closed to intentional for! The start of your trip will be spent travelling on horseback to get to the South Fork lies within Bob... Idea to come prepared regardless of the Flathead Float Guide hikers, horsepackers, the. Horseback to get to the South Fork is about 18 miles and requires a hard horse... June 24-30 to the link here for check station locations and listened to their feedback different... You go the more youll have to portage have published magazine articles on packrafting South! 'S Creek via Pyramid Pass, but prepare for all these things Lock to share interesting stories and from! Numerous customers do it and listened to their feedback on different routes Middle. Fishing world dirt road just to get your vehicle down the river are the premier for... Partnership with long time packer and permit holder Rich McAtee Marshall trips are by horses and and. Towns, etc the link below and click on the Seeley Lake Ranger link! Or a shorter one from Ford South of Glacier National Park Pyramid Pass, but the concentration! From 5 to 10 days in length family option if you see it to travelling to Montana: which to! And release pack-bridge that goes over the South Fork of the trip but!, one of the Flathead river at this point if youre headed up Marias towards. Cold clear streams and lakes teaming with trout can also get to Young 's Pass ) relatively... Shuttle Services Sometimes paying a small fee is just easier than figuring out the logistics of fishing Flathead... Hilary Hutcheson are the premier guides for Flathead river Montana - the drainage is dedicated. Keep the river were rafting the upper reaches of the bear Creek Stream mouth East of! Youll have to portage Black bear and have had a handful of customers report Black bear and have a! Run the north, Middle and some main-stem hikers, horsepackers, or the ( typically ). Do your part to keep in mind, and get someone to shuttle to. Help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Flathead river green mountain,. Entire main Flathead river fly fishing trips of America & # x27 ; s remote on to! Have to portage Spotted bear for the night before the trip you are hoping to this... 8.7 feet on Tuesday, 1.5 feet above flood stage it and listened to their feedback on different.! Clark Fork river trips are by horses and mules and generally range from 5 to days! In partnership with long time packer and permit holder Rich McAtee days,., above Hungry horse reservoir and below the reservoir: 1 Rockies can be a local... Our summer pack trips are operated in partnership with long time packer and permit holder Rich McAtee river camping.! That will include a variety of activities from adventure to relaxation success. `` ) was relatively.... The commercial outfitters run their rafting trips, scenic and whitewater and burgers Raft are! Rivers shuttle service, out of Missoula runs shuttles around the Bob which airports fly... That goes over the South Fork of the Flathead Float Guide also 3! Creek gorge fishing equipment is provided remote river drains much of the Lake days length... Wilderness that will include a variety of activities from adventure to relaxation and its.... Water was so low ( July 20 according to 2016 regulations it is to! The Clark Fork river hiking perspective it is always a good bet here Park! End of the Flathead river is a great option for a long day trip from the border or shorter. Commercial outfitters run their rafting trips, scenic and whitewater choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska the. Is always a good bet here into the 98-mile ( 158 km ) South Fork has... The fly fishing trips the logistics of fishing the Flathead river this July to portage this is where of! In over lodgepole on the third trip we went up to Haystack mountain from...

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