Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. We hiked in from Lodgepole TR. Class III-IV rapids are big and technical. PRIVATE VEHICLE SHUTTLES FOR RIVER TRIPS IN AND AROUND THE FRANK CHURCH WILDERNESS. overwhelming if youve never packrafted before. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more, "My dad and I did the trip to the Bob and it was one of the best I've ever been on. Be prepared to portage.but that is one plus If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. Deerborn River. The drive to Spotted Bear is about 2 hours from Kalispell. the scenery is unbelievable from the shallow parts of the river where you see the beautiful rocks on the bottom to the tops of the mountains. Writing, photographing, hunting, fishing and exploring full-time. The last day of the trip you will see a sign As a gateway to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park, Kalispell, GPI, is owned by the Flathead Airport Authority. There are a ton of rookie guides in this area however. But it doesn't make sense to rent a vehicle for 8 days just to have it sit unattended. At those flows it is worth a scout. These lunkers act like an anadromous species, migrating upstream every July from Hungry Horse Reservoir. Full transparency: I own a packraft rental company. The main Flathead River at Columbia Falls hit 14.5 feet on Tuesday, 1.5 feet above flood stage. Drink some tang and have an Oreo. July 5-11 There were no less than 7 and I think 9 Mandatory portages on Youngs between Babcock and the Gorge. For overnight floats it's a must. South Fork of the Flathead Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Overview Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. There's a pour over on the outside / river left and at 4000 cfs is easy to avoid by staying river right. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. There was basically one log jam on Young's, right around the Hahn's cabin crossing. The South Fork Flathead River drainage contains 355 lakes and nearly 2,000 miles of stream habitat. trifecta (burgers, fries and shakes), but you can mix and match with the Mark. We will ride through lush green mountain valleys, across cold clear streams and over majestic passes. Blankenship Bridge 15 miles down from Big Creek. 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. There is one dedicated outfitter in the region that is focused specifically on fishing and they run the best guides in the region. These large predatory trout are eager to hunt well placed over-sized streamers. for huckberries on the way down. 2 rapids the last day flipped people. Choose from Montana's largest selection of fishing and lodging packages. This river cuts through the middle of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering unbelievable dry fly fishing for cutthroat, and streamer fishing for bull trout. water until you get over the top. 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. The South Fork Flathead River heads in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and flows from south to north, eventually ending up in Hungry Horse Reservoir before joining the Middle Fork near Columbia Falls, Montana. paddle). Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. Shuttle Services. Drivers take extra steps to keep your rigs & trailers safe, Located on the North Fork of the Blackfoot River, Fishing Access, Boat Launch, and Campground, Fishing Access & Boat Launch with Shaded Parking. Adult Bull Trout ascend the North and Middle forks of the Flathead River to spawn in small tributary streams; in some cases traveling well over 100 miles in a few months. Youll need to carry your inspection papers with you. You can easily hike Polebridge 11 miles down, this is a great option for a long day trip from the border or a shorter one from Ford. Below Kerr Dam and the lake it runs through a short and furious 6 miles of rapids that are best suited to rafts, kayaks and experienced paddlers. We offer both full and half day options. Legal fishing season for bull trout usually closes on July 31. For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. The robust smells of campfire coffee and fresh mountain air will wake you as you stir from your cot and step out of the tent into a crisp, Montana wilderness morning. 2020 & 2021 Drop Float Trip Pricing Per Pack Mule: $300 per animal Per Riding Clients: $300 per person Per Guide/Packer: $300 $1,200 minimum per drop. Hike from Lodgepole Creek to the upper Youngs took twice as long as it should have due to hundreds (probably thousands) of downed trees on trail. We offer a 7 day adventure (6 day option also available) that takes you into the best westslope cutthroat and bull trout river in the country, the beautiful, remote South Fork of the Flathead. We were told that there was ton of blowdown on the White River Trail so we didnt bother walking up it. The trail from Pyramid Pass is about 2 miles longer but it gets us up onto Youngs Creek faster. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the lower-48. . $285. Ovando River Shuttles are based in Ovando, Montana and we are honored to serve you. long day of hiking your first day and then float the rest of the trip (its However, my wife and I are having a baby in November so this summer will likely be the last time I float the whole thing for a while. But it doesn't make sense to rent a vehicle for 8 days just to have it sit unattended. There is one rapid that has tipped at least one 14. I've heard there was some significant blow down on the pass in 2019 and I'm not sure how much of it got cleared on the trail by the end of the season. To reserve your trip email Bobmarshallwilderness12@gmail.com or Call Trent Osburn (406)321-0984 We are Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters specializing in summer and early fall traditional horseback family vacations. Trail in over Lodge Pole (Young's Pass) was relatively clear. Other options includeexploring and learning about the ecology, history and majestic landscapes of the Bob, as you make memories that last a lifetime. Bass: Open entire year, 5 daily and in possession, no size limit. These lunkers act like an anadromous species, migrating upstream every July from Hungry Horse Reservoir. 531-0003 MISSOURI AND DEARBORN RIVERS Missouri River Trout Shop, Craig 1-800-337-8528 or 406-235-4474 I have also heard that culverts are being dug on the road up to Lodgepole that was causing delays. 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. Middle Fork Flathead River. Clothes hang to dry on the line, and steaks sizzle on a . We paddle about 10 miles today to the South Fork Access area, where we locked up our boats and left them for the night. The South Fork is also one of the few places in Montana where the threatened bull trout may be directly targeted by anglers. Didnt see another human soul, but some of the deeper pools had hundreds and hundreds of fish. We saw many beached fishing boats but few while paddling. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. It is worth the view! Aug 1-7 Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Not sure how it would be in Flathead River. Hey Infrastructure, Im interested in doing the Youngs Creek/SF Flathead this year as well. "We hiked in over lodgepole on the 11th and took out on the 16th. Hi all, Four of us have a drop in trip planned for the South Fork of the Flathead River this July. Meadow Creek Trail Head parking lot. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. stop. 2.2.1 Proposed Transportation Method2-3 2.2.2 Proposed Treatment Method 2-3 2.3 Alternative A: No Action or Status Quo Management2-3 2.4 Alternative B: (Proposed Action) Fish Toxins-Combined Delivery and . It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason. Packers There are several operations here. 7. I learned a lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the area and about packrafting. Typically this is a 900lb capacity per flight including guests and gear. Cascadilla Creek 11 miles down. Bears- customers ask fairly frequently about bears and how to prepare for them.I honestly haven't heard of anyone encountering a grizzly on the main trail or on the river. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. On a different trip into the Bob we had to turn around and go back because my friend's fishing license had disappeared out of his pack. The third day of the trip will be spent wade fishing the upper reaches of the South Fork as the gear team transitions gear from the horse pack to floating portion of the trip. There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: It is very scenic. Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. Id encourage packrafters to limit catch and release for cutts; fish a bit morning and evening, release the big ones and little ones, and keep a few middlins for dinner. So be careful and avoid swimming if possible. 16-18 miles of hiking over Youngs Creek Pass to the first float-able stretches Combined Trout: 3 daily limit and in possession, no fish over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes. They also partner with Larys Fly Shop in Columbia Falls and you can drop-in the shop for current reports and trips. Wildlife is found in copious abundance in the "Bob" where grizzly bears, black bear, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lion, lynx, wolf and bald eagles all roam and fly in healthy numbers. Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. Blankenship Bridge The first launch site on the main stem. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. Ready to float? The Young's Gorge is definitely an expert only area with that high of flows. Includes rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and grayling. It forms the western border for Glacier National Park and is incredibly beautiful. drop of the river, you can see it. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. South Fork of the Flathead River Bridge, Spanning the Flathead River at Milepost 142.2 on U.S. 2, Hungry Horse, Flathead County, MT. The car would literally be sitting there not used for 8 days. This pristine wilderness is remote, beautiful, and difficult to explore without the assistance of either pack animals or packrafts. Fishing continues to be very good despite high flows. From Meadow Creek it is an hour at least, on a dusty road back to Hungry Horse, MT (keep Glacier Raft Company They run the North, Middle and some main-stem. Full transparency: I own a packraft rental company, Backcountry Packraft Rentals, so my business benefits greatly from the popularity of this river. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. Paola Creek 8 miles makes this a good half day float in higher water from Essex. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. In 2018, that number had zoomed up to 1,662. Dixon Another 20 to the small town of Dixon. This river cuts through the middle of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering unbelievable dry fly fishing for cutthroat, and streamer fishing for bull trout. These large predatory trout are eager to hunt well placed over-sized streamers. You will hike out 3 miles from the take-out to the Make sure you have a tribal pass. Includes rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and grayling. Or extend it to the next one. We are flying into Montana from out of state. Nice mellow float through here. Combined Trout: 5 daily and in possession. Drive safe and turn around if needed. Length 4.3 miElevation gain 1,893 ftRoute type Out & back. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. 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. settlement due to the restrictions on technology in wilderness areas. Vince the shuttle man - Does the Upper river down to Bonner 406-203-6350. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. The South Fork is also one of the few places in Montana where the threatened bull trout may be directly targeted by anglers. You will be hungry at this point! Nice for a quick float from Teakettle. Measuring 92 miles (148 km), The Middle Fork Flathead River is located in the western part of the state of Montana in the United States, flowing along the southwestern border of Glacier National Park. This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. It might be inevitable that it will be a permitted river just because of the sheer number of vessels packrafting brings but this will slow it. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel . There are two sections to the South Fork, above Hungry Horse Reservoir and below the reservoir. that says something like take-out mile. The outflow is completely different as it runs through the lower valley and into the Clark Fork River. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. Teakettle 14 miles below Blankenship. Even more on the drive out, if you have your car shuttled to the Meadow Creek TH. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. South Fork Flathead: 1993: Lolo Creek, South Fork: Missoula: Headwaters to NE 1/4 of Sec. We found some garbage on the river, please do your part to keep the river clean so it doesnt become the next Smith. The South Fork Flathead attracts lots of fishermen with small inflatables, and some with big rafts. Shore Thing Shuttle Shorethingshuttle.com. Shuttle option - Round Trip shuttle option from Kalispell provided by one of the guides or outfitting team $300 per vehicle up to 4 people. http://www.bmwf.org/trail_conditions.html. Invasive Muscles are a part of life now in Montana and raft inspections are now mandatory for all rafts entering the Bob. I felt that it had mellowed out even at 3000-4000 than compared with previous years floating around the same levels. 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. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. We only need to get to the trailhead and then to Kalispell. Shuttle Information; Glacier Park International Airport; Traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road; . The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. Glacier Raft Company is one I found. The waters that we may fish are the South Fork of the Flathead, Gordon Creek, Young's Creek and Danaher Creek. I suggest getting both the National Geographic Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex map and the Flathead National Forest Three Forks of the Flathead Float Guide. SHUTTLE. That flows into Flathead Lake. It forms in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, one of if not the largest wilderness area in the states. Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. Theres a point in a destinations popularity where increased traffic becomes inevitable, and education is particularly valuable right then. Although the trend in western states these days is toward removing dams, this particular . The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the lower-48. It is very scenic. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. USGS. One near Blackbear Creek- stay on the inside of the river and not where the current takes you on the outside to avoid a couple large boulders. It was earlier than our usual stopping time, but it was a dynamite camp so we stopped. Flathead River Montana - The drainage is one of America's coolest river systems. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Give us a call or text your information to our mobile line, please leave us your name and a contact number to get all the details. It can only be accessed by foot or horseback. 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. It We are located under the giant log arch on the south side of US Highway 2, 1/2 mile west of West Glacier. The geographic boundaries: To the west, the South Fork of the Flathead River and Hungry Horse Reservoir. The South Fork currently has the largest genetically pure population in the world. Flathead River Shuttle 406-890-2600. Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to some part of the United States and its territories nearly every day of the year. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. Kerr Dam Starts the whitewater section. Wild Horse is a luxury transportation service for those with distinguishing tastes. This is where all of the commercial outfitters run their rafting trips, scenic and whitewater. The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. It might be inevitable that it will be a permitted river just because of the sheer number of vessels packrafting brings but this will slow it. The highest peak is 9,356-foot (2,852 m) Holland Peak, situated in the southern quarter of the range in Missoula County. 5 or so major reroutes on top. Schafer Meadows Pack or fly into this area float the wilderness stretch of the river out. 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. 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. The rapids towards the end of the float (before Meadow Creek Gorge) definitely have some powerful hydraulics but nothing exceptionally technical. hiked almost two days and then floated two more. 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). You will have the opportunity to fish remote streams and lakes teaming with trout. We are ready for business! Above the reservoir, you can drive very rough forest service roads for 50 miles or so until reaching a trailhead. Otherwise, lean forward Early-mid July is probably best for flows, mid-late July is best for fishing with a lower risk of fires. Quick South Fork of the Flathead update from a large group that got out Friday July 8th: Young's Gorge was still pretty spicey and not recommended for beginners. 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. Regarding shuttling- after publishing this blog, I found out that there is indeed a shuttle service that there are a couple shuttle services that run vehicles around the Bob. Look Three of us will be hiking into the top on July 15th. Note: Montana/Glacier National Park boundary is the ordinary high water mark on the park side of the river. Keep in mind that is only on the South Fork Anybody else want to join me? He talks about the hike in sections as well as everything that can be floated. Aug 9-15, (Guests should plan on flying into Kalispell the night before the trip departs and fly home the day after), $345/day single angler fee for single anglers or an odd number in the group, 6 people max (unless one exclusive group then can do 8 people) There is a flood warning for the Yaak River near Troy that was flowing at 8.7 feet on Tuesday. Have a great trip. OPTION to fly into Spotted Bear: depending on your dates it may be possible to fly into Spotted Bear via small aircraft. There will be another sign shortly, but the river increases in speed and Its only half a mile longer. To the northeast, the Middle Fork of the Flathead River as it flows beside Glacier National Park. We used Four Rivers Shuttle (Tommy): 406 370-5845. 13. I. The FWP biologists have also reported a significant increase in evidence of caught and released fish during their recent South Fork surveys. Headhunters Fly Shop 406-235-3447. Its below 1100 right now You probably would probably want to put in at least below Big Praire probably White River best bet? The project will remove hybrid trout from 21 lakes in the South Fork Flathead drainage, treating one or two per year over a 10-year period. It's important to keep in mind that the river changes annually and there may be log jams and new rapids in places where there weren't before. If you don't get out here, you need to have a helmet and be ready for class VI rapids. . July 13-19 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. Ive heard The focal point of these unique fisheries are the South Fork of the Flathead River and its tributaries. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. 2023 | The Trail Head | All Rights Reserved.221 E. Front Street | Missoula, MT 59802. This is a popular trail for backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter . June 24-30 The Bob Marshall Wilderness in northwest Montana is one of those rare places where people can truly experience the outdoors By 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". You can contact Wild Montana Anglers here to book a trip. Invasive Muscles are a part of life now in Montana and raft inspections are now mandatory for all rafts entering the Bob. I would recommend this trip to any fly fisherman who craves a unique experience. Whittaker Bridge and downstream (406) 381.1265. Nights at the Wilderness Lodge are $75/person/night (so add $150 person to stay both on arrival and departure). This is a great family option if you have rafting skills. Flathead River. Best decision we made was to stay at. Rome2rio makes travelling from Kalispell Airport (FCA) to Bigfork easy. So if you are tired of the static, stress and noise in your busy daily life and would prefer to hear the soft clomping of your horse while you experience the peaceful sounds and smells of whispering pines at 3 Miles an hour, the speed of a trail horse, then join us on a wilderness pack trip vacation or for a wilderness fair chase hunt. 12362500. n/a. Many avid anglers, however, enjoy bringing their own gear. Fishing was simply excellent. If Price: 5-6 Day South Fork Fly Fishing Package (Wade only) $2,800 per person - 6 people $3,200 per person - 5 people Four Rivers - Does most of the river. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. Are there any shuttle services that will take you to the trail head (Benchmark), drop you off, then pick you up at Meadow Creek trail head then take you to Kalispell? The logistics of fishing the Flathead river from a boat are not easy. Just $1 per month . thank God you are a packrafter, because you can easily get out of the pool You can also see a plane wreck just inside . The South Fork of the Flathead runs for over 100 miles through the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the largest roadless area in the lower 48. The year 2018 was the last report. Its an ideal 2-4 day float trip without any designated camping sites. Site identification number Each site in the USGS data base has a unique 8- to 15-digit identification number. . We put in on Young's Creek just above where Babcock flows in late on our second day and paddled about a mile till we reached the first portage. and not any tributaries, you also cant keep them and technically you are experience. We floated the last 4 miles of Youngs Creek. Take out at Meadows Creek again, and get someone to shuttle me to the airport in Kallispell. To the north, West Glacier, Montana is the terminus. You can rent a cabin in Polebridge, grab some food at the mercantile and have a nice float without needing to camp in grizzly bear country. Its much broader and slower here. after the take-out and climb over the small rocky embankment with your packraft Coal Creek 9 miles below Polebridge. Hi Hollisd, we are doing the 4 miles from the confluence to Mid Creek, then hiking out and driving back to Kalispell to fly home the next day. Diana, For Trail conditions please go to the link below and click on the Seeley Lake Ranger District link. Perma 14 miles from Dixon. Our route required fifteen miles of backpacking to get to our put-in on the river. 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. Not all locations fish well every month but there is always something peaking on any given week. On July 18-21, 2019, two of us backpacked from Lodgepole TH into Youngs Creek, then packrafted the South Fork of the Flathead River. Thanks to the MT Pilots Assn the NW corner of the Meadow Creek airstrip has a well-maintained campground with firepits, picnic benches, a bear box, the nicest outhouse Ive ever seen, and a nice path down to the river. From here, it runs 45 miles due north, fed by dozens of . | The first and third time we entered the Bob (Bob Marshall Wilderness) via the Youngs Creek Pass off of Lodgepole Trail Head(just north of Ovando, MT) and the second we started from Bench Mark (West of Augusta, MT) and went in on the South Fork of the Sun then up and over White River Pass. 9 mandatory portages on Youngs between Babcock and the Gorge Reservoir, you can very... The line, and some with big rafts get to our put-in the! Trout fishing mountain valleys, across cold clear streams and over majestic passes the season rafts entering Bob... Paola Creek 8 miles makes this a good idea to come prepared regardless of the out! Biologists have also reported a significant increase in evidence of caught and released fish during their recent South Fork:! Over Lodge Pole ( Young 's, right around the FRANK CHURCH.... Unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch leases 's cabin crossing by foot or horseback fishermen with small inflatables, grayling! To join me this pristine wilderness is remote, beautiful, and difficult to without! Be a district-assigned local number hunt well placed over-sized streamers from Kalispell its an ideal 2-4 day trip... 'S a pour over on the line, and steaks sizzle on a multi-day Horse pack.... Gain 1,893 ftRoute type out & amp ; back rocky embankment with your packraft Coal Creek 9 miles below.. From Hungry Horse Reservoir out 3 miles from the take-out and climb over the town., however, enjoy bringing their own gear biologists have also reported a significant increase in of. America & # x27 ; s coolest river systems VI rapids Seeley Ranger. Out here, it runs through the lower 48 's most remote fisheries this trip to any fly who... Match the hatch fishing produces big results Fork surveys information ; Glacier International. The hatch fishing produces big results Pass ) was relatively clear the wilds of Montana on a Horse. Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the southern quarter of float! Logistics of fishing and exploring full-time mile west of west Glacier, Montana we... Islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await technical match the hatch fishing produces big.. Zoomed up to 1,662 Larys fly Shop in Columbia Falls hit 14.5 feet on Tuesday 1.5... 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