They talk about bull trout spawning over the last 50 years in the Great Bear. The South Fork of the Flathead River is Montanas crown jewel in terms of remote rivers. They will not pamper you but will instead tease out your best self to feel as if you belong in the wilderness. We will camp the final night above the Meadow Creek Gorge to prepare for our short hike out the next morning. Ask the office for additional details on chartering a trip with us. River in Flathead NF, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Rocky Mountains in Hungry Horse, MT. Fishing pressure is very low in the wilderness area compared to virtually any other Montana river. The nose-diving U.S. economy has persuaded many families in recent years to put costly and exotic vacation plans on hold . Join us for eight wonderful days of luxury camping and dry fly-fishing in the incredible Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana! A variety of car rentals are available should you decide to visit Glacier National Park before or after your trip. Five days and 35 miles means plenty of time to hike, fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout at . Yes, we almost always have a campfire every evening and morning. Jim Klug photo. The best way to access the confluence is from the Owl Creek trailhead in the Swan Valley or the Lodgepole trailhead out of Ovando, Mt. If we camp above the gorge and do not raft it, 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. He talks about the hike in sections as well as everything that can be floated. Please arrive by 10:15 AM for a prompt departure at 10:30 AM. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. The Ultimate Backcountry Flyfishing Expedition. Email: [emailprotected] Depending on the route in, over the first two days we will cover about 20-25 miles either by foot or by livestock. 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. Manoeuvre the raft through 9 different rapids by following the simple paddle commands of the guide. If you are not interested in that option but still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff! South Fork Flathead trips are unique in the sense that you have to pack in your trip on a mule string, and most packing outfitters will not allow carbonated beverages to be packed on the animals. The South Fork of the Flathead is no different from other Western rivers, and you should expect to encounter other anglers and campers and be passed by pack trainsbut it's not the end of the world. From the take out point, it is a three-mile walk to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. The guides can help carry and heat up some water if needed. We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? Evacuation plans are in place for each trip in case of an emergency, and a satellite communication device is carried at all times. The trout in this river are eager to please, and on a good day, anglers with nothing more than a #12 Royal Wulff may raise 30 or more fish and bring at least half to the net. We love our trips with this company! August 12th-17th: Dreamy Late Season on the Middle Fork. Your trip leader will put on an orientation around 6 pm at the Rich Ranch. This cold water pretty much killed off the fishing in the South Fork below the dam during the summer, and greatly affected the aquatic hatches on the main stem of the Flathead as well. Unlike other wilderness floats (such as on the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho), the river is not over-run by rafting parties, since the only way to put a raft into the South Fork of the Flathead is by packing it in. Hungry Horse Dam was modified in the mid 1990s to allow it to draw water from any depth of the reservoir. The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's Dr. Ross Boucek explains what pharmaceutical and chemical runoff and pollution could mean for Florida's shallow-saltwater gamefish. Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. Six Montana paddlers took a five day backpacking and packrafting trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness to float about 56 . This dry fly can be tied to match any mayfly. Most of our tents are high-quality three-person tents, but we only put two people in each tent. 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. How long will we be floating on the river each day? We've already booked 2022.ALASKA! Yellowstone, Lahantan and perhaps other subspecies have been stocked in Arizona (Minckley 1973). To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. Learn to tie Harrop's Hairwing Dun with master tier Charlie Craven. I hope that years down the road, after she's chased rainbows and browns on the big-name streams, she'll take her family to the South Fork where they'll have the chance to fish for wild cutthroats and camp in a phenomenal wilderness. Website: richranch.com. The South Fork of the Flathead, located in the heart of theBob Marshall Wilderness, is a horsepack in/float out trip of 5-7 days, putting you over feisty Cutthroats to 22 and Bull Trout to 15 pounds. Spey fishing is a unique way to fish for bull trout in the Flathead. If I did not book the fishing-specific trip, can I still fish? Nighttime temperatures, even during the short summer months, frequently plummet below freezing. How, where, and when do we get our fishing licenses? Terrestrial patterns, particularly hoppers, also are excellent to use in July and August. Synthetic materials are lightweight and dry much quicker than cotton. This is dependent on the area you are fishing, but for all rivers you will need single, barbless hooks without bait. Westslope cutthroats are blue-collar fish that work hard for their living. We offer brands like Mountain Hardware, North Face, and Sierra Designs. We dedicate plenty of river time to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. WRO met them in every way! The only items you should have with you for the horseback ride are: full water bottle, camera, rain gear, fleece jacket or sweater, hat, and riding clothes. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider. Groups of 4 or more will average 1.5 pack animals per person when using traditional rafts with frames and regular food. Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness. Being in shape for riding will make your ride more enjoyable, especially the first day. If you need assistance, were happy to help and always show you how the gear works. Quick-dry clothing, layers, and sun protection are the most important things to keep in mind. Your lead guide will give you an overview of the day each morning. It will be hard to measure up to WRO in any capacity. The scenery on the ride portion of the trip is spectacular. WRO offers even a seasoned river tripper a way to be in a wilderness setting that encourages discovery and interaction as well as makes you feel safe and part of something special. Paiute (Moyle 1976a), Yellowstone (Dill and Cordone . Our sleep kits consist of a "Therm-a-rest" pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a pack-able pillow, and a ground cloth. Copyright 2023 Wilderness River Outfitters. Applications are free from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell or online. While on the river you will get wet going through rapids (what fun would it be if you didnt?!). How will I keep my phone/camera/other valuable items safe from the elements? If you look at the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website, it will direct you to options for online purchases or in-person vendors around Montana. 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). The result is that anglers now sometimes struggle to catch fish that are small enough to keep. But there are few places that are as remote or offer such a unique experience. 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. June 30- July 5th: Spend Fourth of July with WRO! Learn to tie the RS2 with master tier Charlie Craven. Moleskin, for patching up blistered feet, is definitely recommended. How big are the waterproof bags and how much stuff can they hold? The trail is long and having a gentle mountain horse to bring you in, might just be the way you want to start your river adventure. Great guides -- competent, knowledgeable and just great guys. A Seat with a View on the South Fork Flathead River. Each day will be different, with varying options for hiking, exploring, swimming, fishing, and great lunch stops. If we camp above the gorge and do not raft it, 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. Subscriber Services. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River inspired the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and all three forks of the river now have designation under this act. We can provide all the rental equipment that you may need from rafts to breakdown frames to tents. We ride over a mountain pass and through alpine meadows flourishing with wildflowers, before dropping into the headwaters of the South Fork. South Fork Flathead River packrafting. We can provide an empty dry bag to store your sleep kit in. Most people enjoy wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals with an ankle strap (popular options include Chacos, Tevas, and Keens). 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. The South Fork of the Flathead is by all accounts one of the world's premier rivers. If there is an odd number in your group we will not make you share a tent with a stranger. Storms can also roll in unexpectedly, and its best to be prepared for anything. Rates are $300 per animal for both riding and pack animals. The stretch between the Meadow Creek footbridge and the Spotted Bear footbridge is catch-and-release only. Bicycling is useful because it helps prepare your posterior as well as the rest of your body. What size and type of sleeping pad does WRO provide? In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. A safe time frame to fish the river is between July 15 and October 15. It's a long journey to get there. Day 1: We will make packed lunches at the Rich Ranch. From this point, you can float another 18 scenic miles to Hungry Horse Reservoir. These are very comfortable and fit very nicely in our gear bags. Burn all leftover food, fish carcasses, and garbage. 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. Site name This is the official name of the site in the database. Regardless of where you enter the Bob, the South Fork is a wade fishermans dream. If flows are not right for the gorge or clients do not wish to run it, we will camp the final night above the gorge. Comfort is essential to having fun! On Newstands March 3rd! Is there an option for a trip for only my group? And how will any future camping cuisine compare to the food we experienced on this journey? After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. 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. Summer temperatures in Montana can fluctuate dramatically in a 24-hour period, from freezing at night to 70-90s the next afternoon. Kalispell and Whitefish have limited taxi options like Uber or Lyft, so if you dont have a vehicle, staying in the recommended lodging is especially convenient. From the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the Pyramid or Holland Lake trailhead. Just got off the South Fork of the Flathead with WRO. Below the dam, the South Fork flows for 5 miles before entering the Flathead River just downstream from the town of Hungry Horse. Lakestream in Whitefish and Larrys Fly Shop in Columbia Falls are good local fly shops to go to beforehand, and a few more limited sport stores like Sportsman's Warehouse and Cabellas in Kalispell. Some anglers who have fished the South Fork for 30 years complain it isn't as good today as it once was. Access to the wilderness complex is excellent, with dozens of trails threading their way from easily accessible trailheads along the perimeter of the wilderness. Just got off the South Fork of the Flathead with WRO. Usually we would reach the river mid afternoon the second day camping at the river the second night. After driving to the Rich Ranch, there will be an evening orientation with WRO guides and guests, where we will go over trip details, answer last-minute questions, and hand out 16 oz Hydroflask mugs and waterproof bags to repack your gear into. This has important implications. They also keep you warmer when wet. Under the surface try Pheasant-Tails, Hare's-ears, Prince Nymphs, golden stonefly nymphs, caddis pupae, and Brassies. n/a. Learn to tie the Pheasant Tail Nymph with master tier Charlie Craven. Day 8: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. What size and type of sleeping pad does WRO provide? 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. 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. What if there is a family emergency back home? 0. To avoid going through this gorge, any floater must be prepared to pack out their gear (you just cant float out to your car). The North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork have different origins and personalities, each a different river until they merge to form the main stem of the Flathead River. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. If you are not interested in that option but still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff! This cold, clear water flows into the North, South and Middle forks of the Flathead, which merge together near Columbia Falls to begin a southward journey. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana (FCA). We will need to have our gear ready that evening or very early the next morning (especially if youve chosen to use horse support). 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. 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 trip into the confluence of Gordon Creek and the South Fork is a 26 mile (9 hour) horseback ride and we do it in 1 day. This will be our 4th trip with WRO, and after taking trips with other rafting companies, I can honestly say, WRO is the BEST! You are welcome to stay wherever youd like as long as you are at 1) orientation the evening before your trip and 2) your trips designated pickup location ready for departure the morning your trip begins. Seth has worked hard to make the trip work for ALL of us. South Fork of the Flathead Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Overview Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. Breakfasts consist of a combination of grains, vegetables, eggs, and breakfast meats, and dinners consist of culinary delights such as wild salmon and steak, many of which are cooked over open campfires and dutch ovens. We like to maintain a flexible schedule. We will have lunch on the trail that is pre-packed in the morning, and camp on the trail the first night after around 16 miles. You'll be delighted by the river's gentle currents and scenic views and you can even bring a beverage or two to enjoy as you float down the waterway. This day bag is 9 inches in diameter and 20 inches tall. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Everyone is issued a waterproof day bag to carry items you will need access to during the day while on the river. Learn more about these fun boats. 2023 406 Wilderness Outfitters March 29, 2021 By Ben Romans. The fishing we will do is primarily inside of our fishing rafts, and you will not need waders. Carry mottled sculpins, Muddler Minnows, woolhead sculpins, Double Bunnies, rubber-leg Woolly Buggers, Zonkers, and Clouser Minnows. is home to extraordinary wildlife, including elk, moose, wolf, eagles, mountain goats, grizzly and black bear. Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm one day prior to your trips launch date. The South Fork only flows for 5 miles below Hungry Horse Dam before the river ends at the confluence of the Flathead River. Summer temperatures in Montana can fluctuate dramatically in a 24-hour period, from freezing at night to 70-90's the next afternoon. The South Fork is a place I'll take my daughter, Tate, to learn the ropes. Montana also has the option to purchase a fishing license just for the time you are on the river. There is the option to add a fishing boat for an additional fee, fishing boats are booked for two people. For the first two days, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. Westslope cutts prefer a big meal so use large hooks when you can (size 8-14). Below Meadow Creek Trailhead, the floater who wants to continue down the river to Hungry Horse Reservoir can put in their boat at an unofficial access point called Cedar Flats. Quick-dry clothing, layers, and sun protection are the most important things to keep in mind. 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. 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 trip is tailored to the desires of the guests, but generally we will be on the water a total of 5 or so hours each day (give or take a couple of hours), broken by a lunch stop and any other side adventures. Each day will be different, with varying options for hiking, exploring, swimming, fishing, and great lunch stops. WRO guides bring a spare rod, a handful of popular flies, and leader and tippet, but we recommend guests bring their own 5 weight rod (cutthroat) and 6-8 weight rod (targeting bull trout), as well as their own fishing accessories and flies. If possible, we recommend bringing hard alcohol packed in non-glass containers, or bagged wine. Another access is near Holland Lake. August 12th-17th: Dreamy Late Season on the Middle Fork. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. Backpack or let the horses carry your gear and wear only a light daypack. As this is a pack-in trip, we highly recommend limiting your personal gear to 25-30 pounds, and leaving non-essential items at home. Phones can be placed in a Ziploc bag or water proof case and put in your day bag if you would like to have it accessible for taking pictures during the day. Yes, we will store your extra bags and make arrangements for them to be transported to meet you at the end of the trip. It's a long journey to get there. Other than those words of caution, the North Fork Flathead River is a wonderful river to float. It seems like a lot of work and planning to make a float trip in the wilderness a reality, but it's a wonderful experience. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Carry bear spray and store food in airtight containers hung from trees away from camp. 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. This is about 2 miles south of the Trailhead, and requires a short walk to the river. Wildlife, Whitewater Rafting, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Rafting, 8 Days, 43 miles of river, 22-29 miles of trail, Hike/ trail ride through Bob Marshall Wilderness, High adventure whitewater (Meadow Creek Gorge section). Yes, we almost always have a campfire every evening and morning. Belly; Big Hole; Lower Clark Fork; South Fork Flathead; Swan: NE: 1895: 1992: 6: . 11. 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. Though cutthroat are found throughout its length, the best fishing is between the Meadow Creek Trailhead and Black Bear Creek. Awesome trip! Occasionally hiking members can pack a few beers on their personal backpack, but one can imagine we need to keep these quantities limited. When fishing for cutthroats try all the famous attractor dry flies like Black Humpies, Royal Wulffs, Renegades, and Trudes, as well as Elk-hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Goddard Caddis, Caddis Variants, flying ants, and foam beetles. South Fork Flathead River upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan takes us along on a fly-fishing trip into the Montana mountains to show where, how, and why to catch trout in alpine lakes. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. If true wilderness and the best native Westslope Cutthroat fishing in the lower 48 interests you, then we have the trip youre looking for! Half-Day Scenic Float Full-Day Whitewater With Riverside Lunch . Each trip is tailored to the desires of the guests, but generally we will be on the water a total of 5 or so hours each day (give or take a couple of hours), broken by a lunch stop and any other side adventures. Sounds like an amazing river. There will be plenty of time to fish at lunch or at camp, but your on-river fishing will be more limited. Everyone is also issued a large waterproof bag for your personal gear and clothing. We do not provide any food or drinks for any part of the trip including the ride in. Will it be cold? For most trips, sneakers or a lightweight hiking boot will be fine for side hikes. Can I bring my own sleeping pad/bag/tent/other gear? We look forward to making this horseback/float fishing trip a comfortable, enjoyable, and exciting adventure. Dispose of all entrails and uneaten portions far away from where you are camped. We have loved all the guides, and all the trips. 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. Fly-fishing can also be quite difficult around Meadow Creek Pack Bridge and upstream for a number of miles since the river is cloaked in dense forest. The river provides outstanding fishing for native Montana trout in a remote and beautiful setting. You won't see masses of insects like on other Western rivers, but there are enough to trigger fish's appetites. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. Fortunately, bull trout are present throughout the system in the summer. The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport. While most of our other trips can get to the put-in at the river by vehicle, we must use packing outfitters to break down all of our river and personal gear to be packed in by a mule string. Will it rain? Rich Ranch Extend your river adventure with three to four days of North Fork Flathead River Rafting. Our experienced packers will weigh and pack your gear so that you can have an early start the next morning. Other costs may include $300 per vehicle if they would like us to shuttle vehicles to the meadow creek trailhead for them. The run through the gorge is dependent on the river level, the gorge being clear of logjams and guide discretion. Either way, its a long way in from any trailhead to reach the river. 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. The trail (TR 80) parallels the east bank of the river to Black Bear Creek. If you need help finding an outfitter to pack you out at the end of your float, we can help provide recommendations, depending on your take out point. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is licensed and insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441. 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. We recommend the most convenient lodging, which is usually where orientation is held and where group transportation will pick up and drop off guests before and after the trip. 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. You will head to the trail the next morning (the official starting date of your trip) and start the hike or pack in. Miles below Hungry Horse Dam before the river Double Bunnies, rubber-leg Woolly Buggers, Zonkers, and lunch. 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