The river meanders its way through some of the most spectacular country a rafter could hope to find. Seth Tonsmeire is the licensed fishing outfitter in the State of Montana number #40842. USGS. If you visit the South Fork of the Flathead, go prepared for the worst. 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. Healthy and nutritious options are always available, and meals always include fruits and vegetables (sourced locally when we can). 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. Sleeping pads and heavily insulated sleeping bags make life easier. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. Designated Wilderness Areas are protected to remain wild and free. If our office staff is notified of an emergency they will let our crew know, but it is definitely not immediate as we are typically traveling in remote wilderness areas. Awesome trip! However, if you want to match the South Fork's hatches, expect to see a smattering of Pale Morning Duns, caddis, and stoneflies. The Middle Fork has an average gradient of about 35 feet per mile, which translates to punchy Class III-IV rapids on earlier trips and boulder garden rapids during lower flows. Seth has worked hard to make the trip work for ALL of us. Yes, we will store your extra bags and make arrangements for them to be transported to meet you at the end of the trip. 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. Do we have to share a tent with someone else? 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. It's a long journey to get there. While the river is deep in spots, the river should pose no challenges to the alert wade fisherman. 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. Once in the interior, a person can spend months traversing the 2000 miles of trails that criss-cross this vast wilderness area. 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. Guides are usually tipped 10-20% of the cost of the trip, more for exceptional service. Bob Marshall Wilderness, MT 1.406.644.5363. The river provides outstanding fishing for native Montana trout in a remote and beautiful setting. Applications are free from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell or online. Paiute (Moyle 1976a), Yellowstone (Dill and Cordone . A safe time frame to fish the river is between July 15 and October 15. It's remote. and spend the night. Due to the remote setting and the difficulty and expense of bringing in rafts, the river is relatively free of floaters, allowing for a peaceful, scenic float. Flip-flops are great for around camp but you need something that will stay on your feet while we are on the boats. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. Rain is always possible, but trips earlier in the season are more likely to see precipitation and/or cooler temperatures than mid to late summer trips. If we say we want to paddle on a paddle boat, are we committed to paddling the entire trip? We always carry a satellite communication device for emergency situations and stay in contact with WRO staff in Salmon, who are aware of our location and campsites during the trip. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. The South Fork is open under Montana's general fishing season, which begins the third Saturday in May and closes November 30. In certain cases, individuals may want to supplement meals and snacks with some items of their own. Most of our tents are high-quality three-person tents, but we only put two people in each tent. The experience is authentic wilderness with delicious meals cooked over a fire (most outfitters use propane) - and the team knows the story of the geology, the flora and fauna and the people that lived along these great rivers. Please arrive by 10:15 AM for a prompt departure at 10:30 AM. This section of wilderness is absolutely remote, but with WRO I felt completely safe and in good hands. Regardless of where you enter the Bob, the South Fork is a wade fishermans dream. Mid summer sunny days can also reach the upper 90s! Montana Fishing Regulations. It has both whitewater and flat water sections. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. With the hood down, the vehicle is a prime target for packrats. From the take out point, it is a three-mile walk to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. Means of Introduction: This species has been intentionally stocked as a sport fish in most areas. Temps for Trout: How to Catch Fish that Behave Hot n Cold, 2021 Fly Fisherman Father's Day Gift Guide, How to Remove Wind Knots and Snarls from Leaders and Tippet, Managing Menhaden: The Most Important Fish in the Sea, Pharmaceutical Pollution Threatens Florida's Shallow-Water Fish, Finding and Catching Trout in Mountain Lakes. Site name This is the official name of the site in the database. You will need IGBC Approved coolers for food storage. You are welcome to bring your own sleeping gear if you wish, but if you do, please bring your own complete sleep kit and let us know ahead of time. Sounds like an amazing river. The Middle Fork runs for approximately 92 miles and forms the southwestern boundary of Glacier National Park. Grizzly bears, moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob home. For example a group of 10 going in and they will only be using 2 pack animals for all 10. Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse. This is in addition to the local wildlife that can make any trip an interesting and memorable experience. The result is that anglers now sometimes struggle to catch fish that are small enough to keep. See more reasons why were ranked so high on Trip Advisor . Copyright 2002 - 2022 Big Sky Fishing.Com, Introduction to the South Fork Flathead River, Photographs of the South Fork Flathead River, How to Choose the Best Inflatable Boat for Your Needs, How to Protect Your Phone While Fishing or Floating, Big Prairie Ranger Station Pack Bridge: 92, Black Bear Ranger Station Pack Bridge: 69.5, Takeout to avoid Meadow Creek Gorge: 61.6, Log Landing (take out point before Reservoir): 40. 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. What will temperatures and weather be like? Oar frames are very heavy to pack in on mule strings, so we try to stick to paddle boats when a fishing frame is not needed. If I did not book the fishing-specific trip, can I still fish? First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. Old running sneakers can also work well as river shoes. If horseback riding, you should not wear a backpack, but keep water bottles, rain jacket and packed lunch loose to be placed in saddle bags. This trip includes a two-day, 25-mile horseback ride (or hike) to access the remote South Fork Flathead. As the fishing boats arrive, some of the crew will start getting appetizers ready and finish camp setup. This has important implications. We discourage bringing any unnecessary valuables on your trip. South Fork Flathead River. For most trips you will need two pairs of shoes, one to wear in the boats and one to wear hiking and around camp. Black River. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. 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. We will pack your gear and your float equipment and can also pack you in if you aren't up for the long hike into the South Fork of the Flathead River. 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. Learn more about these fun boats. Lastly, the trail through Pyramid Pass (TR 416) connects to a trail that follows Youngs Creek (TR 283, 141, and 125) to the junction of Danaher Creek. The three forks offer opportunities for day floats from vehicle accessed sites, thrilling whitewater stretches, and permitted guided trips for day and overnight experiences. 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. We ride over a mountain pass and through alpine meadows flourishing with wildflowers, before dropping into the headwaters of the South Fork. This peaceful and tranquil setting changes when the river reaches Meadow Creek Gorge. We will provide transportation from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch the day before your trip is scheduled to begin. The hour-and-a-half-long drive should be taken at moderate speed. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. WRO will happily do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions at no additional cost! What shoes will I wear in the boat? The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. Our South Fork Flathead fishing trips allow for the reservation of small fishing-frame rafts that fit two people and a fishing guide. 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. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. It's a river offering a return to our fly-fishing infancies when camping and camaraderie, incredible scenery and seclusion, and catching nave trout on bushy dry flies was more paramount than the opportunity for a 20-incher. The guides can help carry and heat up some water if needed. Day Before: Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm. But there are few places that are as remote or offer such a unique experience. There are a total of 97.9 miles of designated Wild River . Yes, we do normally change campsites every day. (What you will eventually pack into your river day bag. Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm one day prior to your trips launch date. The fish pound attractor dry flies, not because they are stupid, but because they have to eat when food is available. Several guide services located around the Bob provide packing services, and can pack in gear for the floaters without a horse. Jim Klug photo. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana (FCA). And cooking fish, especially over an open fire, produces a powerful aromaan aroma that grizzly bears just love. Our time with WRO on the South Fork of the Flathead was beyond amazing. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or allergies as early as possible so that we can adjust the menu accordingly. is home to extraordinary wildlife, including elk, moose, wolf, eagles, mountain goats, grizzly and black bear. All of our trip leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders, along with the majority of our other highly capable guides, several of whom are Wilderness EMTs. WRO operates under special recreation permits on BLM land. Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? Anglers should be stealthy when casting to native cutthroats, but finesse is rarely required. Nighttime temperatures, even during the short summer months, frequently plummet below freezing. 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