Schafer Meadows – Pack or fly into this area float the wilderness stretch of the river out. The highway veers away from the river at this point if you’re headed up Marias Pass towards East Glacier. The North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork all come together to form the Main Stem near Columbia Falls. Book A Trip. That flows into Flathead Lake. 47:10. T. Trapper Guest. Essex Bridge – 5 miles down, the bridge is a nicer launch site than bear creek and is more passable in low flows. The Middle and South fork are around 4-5 feet of clarity, while the North Fork is at 3 feet of clarity. South Fork of the Flathead River Long before I had a bucket list and two pack donkeys, I yearned to hike up the South Fork of the Flathead River. It’s a June-July game in most years. In addition to guided fishing trips, we offer drop & float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. 2. From Bear Creek to the confluence you can access the river from the highway at multiple locations. 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. It’s much broader and slower here. Closed to angling June 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Big Creek stream mouth unless posted at a greater distance. The Wilderness Runs The South Fork is a serious wilderness trip that requires horses to pack in your gear and a good week of floating to find yourself at a takeout with 60 miles of dirt road waiting before you hit pavement again. All three forks of the river are starting to see some nice clarity. The gorge below this is insane. Last stop before the Clark Fork Confluence. Leave from Benchmark Trailhead to Youngs Creek and Danaher River confluence for 2 nights. Everything below Kerr Dam runs through the Flathead Reservation and requires a license purchased directly from the reservation. Use: Medium to Heavy. Follow this road for 6 miles to the trailhead. Facilities: Trail provides spectacular views of Clearwater Valley and popular access to Young's Creek, Hahn Creek and the headwaters of the South Fork of the Flathead. 2018 Packrafting South Fork of the Flathead River - Bob Marshall Wilderness Purchase online. For nearly 40 miles the river flows freely north-northwest, meandering through a forested and undeveloped roadless valley that forms the core of the 1.5 million acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Plan to spend a quiet day, beginning with breakfast at your leisure. Either … Please be mindful of this when planning your gear for the trip. The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. It is one of the three main forks of the Flathead River, a tributary of the Clark Fork River. The South Fork Flathead represents 50 percent of westslope cutthroat range. Note: Montana/Glacier National Park boundary is the middle of the river. Popular with water skiers in the summer. Mid Creek Takout – This is where you will takeout from the Wilderness float. In this image captured during the spring after the snowmelt has begun, the water levels have been dropped to allow for the influx of melt runoff which will fill the 1,640 square mile catchment area to capacity. SOUTH FORK OF THE FLATHEAD DROP FLOATS MULE PACKING SERVICE FOR YOUR BOAT AND GEAR. Includes rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and grayling. It is slow moving and eventually you hit signs to stop before the dam area. Call them directly at 406-261-4343 or call the fly shop at 406-897-3740. Buffalo Bridge – 6 miles down, the river slows into a nice valley. This north-northwest trending river is about 98 miles (158 km) long, making it the second longest tributary of the Flathead River. Middle Fork Flathead River – 7,290 CFS. South Fork Flathead River drainage was described as the largest and most secure stronghold for the species in Montana (Liknes 1984). Blankenship Bridge – The first launch site on the main stem. It is drained by the South and Middle Forks of the Flathead River as well as several other highly packraftable rivers and streams including the Sun River, Teton River and too many tributaries to name here. Flathead River Fishing Report. Wayne and I floated down Young's Creek and then down the South Fork of the Flathead River to Meadow Creek Gorge. It is very scenic. Our max load per pack animal is 150 pounds. Kokanee Bend – 3 miles down. Closed to angline June 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Bear Creek Stream mouth. Delta, Alaska/Horizon, United, Alegiant, Frontier and US Airways offer flights into Glacier National Airport (FCA). Guests will need to arrange to meet us the day before their scheduled trip to drop off the gear by 2:00pm. Cascadilla Creek – 11 miles down. Flathead River Montana – The drainage is one of America’s coolest river systems. What is included in the base rate: 1 packer, 6 animals, either pack or ride. The station was home … What a fabulously memorable trip!!! Bear Creek – The first road access where you can launch a boat. With that, the rivers have changed color from brown to a much more appealing green/blue. Bob Marshall Wilderness, MT • 1.406.644.5363. Aug 17, 2018 #31 Salmo_g said: Nice pics Trapper. Wilderness access – You will need to hike or horse pack a good 25+ miles regardless of trailhead choice here. Overview. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. FAS site. There is one dedicated outfitter in the region that is focused specifically on fishing and they run the best guides in the region. 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. Fishing in the Flathead Valley is progressively getting better as the days go on. Make sure you have a tribal pass. Class III-IV rapids require experienced boaters through here as well. The South Fork Acclaimed as one of Montana’s most pristine and remote rivers, the Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Flathead River originates in the south end of the flows northward to Hungry Horse Reservoir. As a family, we spend a fair share of time enjoying the outdoors of Montana. 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. If you are interested for a drop camp trip for hiking and fishing, the cost would be doubled for pickup and return. That portion of Flathead County lying within the following-described boundary: Beginning at the Glacier National Park Boundary and the Continental Divide (near Marias Pass), then southerly along said divide to USFS Trail 179 (east of Big Lodge Mtn. The drop float service is a one way service. It’s good for a long full day from Essex or an easily managed day from Paola. West Glacier – 6 miles down and convenient to the town of West Glacier and the entrance to Glacier National Park. Extended season for whitefish and catch-and-release for trou open December 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: 1. Mark Fuller and Hilary Hutcheson are the premier guides for Flathead River fly fishing trips. Relying on up-to-date, real-time fishing reports is key to getting the most out of your Flathead River fishing trip. Also a popular takeout from the North and Middle forks. Polebridge – 11 miles down, this is a great option for a long day trip from the border or a shorter one from Ford. It's a long journey to get there. It runs out of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering options for both wilderness trips and road access trips. Before the trip: Fly commercially into Kalispell, Montana. South Fork Flathead River (below dam) – 5,140 CFS. This threat was defined as especially predictable in drainages with a lake in the headwaters. The Ranger District managed timber sales and was very successful in fire suppression. Lake trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released. There are a ton of rookie guides in this area however. In 1921, the U.S. Forest Service USFS moved the original Spotted Bear headquarters compound, established in 1908 near Spotted Bear Lake, to this site. One of the best flyfishing streams but it’s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear. Northern pike: extended season for northern pike from December 1 through February 28, artificial lures only. The South Fork of the Flathead River feeds into the Hungry Horse Reservoir in this image looking north towards the Apgar Mountains alongside the Whitefish and Smokey Mountain Ranges in the distance. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason. The turn comes quick and is easy to miss. Long before their wilderness designation, however, the Forest Service set these lands apart as “primitive areas,” specifically the South Fork and Pentagon primitive areas, established in 1931 and 1933, respectively. Class III-IV rapids are big and technical. We then portaged the gorge and floated the Cedar Flats section of the river down to Spotted Bear Ranger Station. 1. The Swan River and the South Fork of the Flathead are the two best propositions for work of this sort." After the Buffalo bridge, the river is wide, slow and full of smallmouth bass and pike. The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. Blankenship Bridge – Common takeout point at the confluence that forms the main-stem of the Flathead river. The main stem flows through Columbia Falls and into Flathead Lake. The logistics of fishing the Flathead river from a boat are not easy. Kerr Dam – Starts the whitewater section. I can honestly say, this was the most memorable and seamless of all trips thanks to the unique and family- friendly service the Cheff’s provide. Written by Austin Stowell. There’s fly fishing, hiking and just relaxing — or for those interested in horseback riding we saddle up for some adventure travel and … Nice mellow float through here. If you need help finding an outfitter to help pack you out at your take out, we can provide you with some recommendations. A short section below the Hungry Horse Dam makes up the final stretch before the confluence. Day 2 – Relax. Paola Creek – 8 miles makes this a good half day float in higher water from Essex. Writing, photographing, hunting, fishing and exploring full-time. Rated as difficult and requires hikers and packers to climb 1,640 feet within 4 miles. In 1908, for example, Jack Clack was in … Go. Please try to pack coolers and containers that are the same size for balancing mule loads. A variety of car rentals are available should you decide to visit Glacier National Park before or after your trip. Years of guiding in western Montana during the summers provided me with great exposure to Montana's fabled waters, but the idea of fishing for pure strain Westslope cutthroats in the heart of the Bob Marshall Complex nagged at me right into retirement. The status review described the primary threat to the South Fork Flathead populations as hybridization with exotic trouts. In addition, due to the new regulations regarding watercraft inspections, please be sure that you are following the Montana Fish and Wildlife regulations and have your watercraft inspected before dropping it off to us for packing. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the lower-48. Young’s Creek and Danaher Creek come together to form the “confluence” and headwaters of the South Fork. $3200.00 base rate Check/ACH payment $ 1600.00 deposit required to hold your dates. Moccasin Creek – Another 8 mile run that is great for half or full day runs. From the mouth of the Stillwater River downstream to Flathead Lake, no maggots and no scented artifi cial lures (infused, saturated or applied). Packers – There are several operations here. Following the establishment of the South Fork Primitive Area in 1931, and the Pentagon Primitive Area in 1933, recreation also became a focus. The South Fork Flathead River is a major river in Northwestern Montana in the northwest United States. While the wilderness area has many outstanding features, from the perspective of a fly angler, the South Fork of the Flathead River must be considered its crown jewel. During the 1910s, almost all Forest Service employees learned to pack a horse; horses were more tolerant of poor packers than mules. Montana Fishing Guides holds all the information you need to ensure success on your next Flathead River fly fishing experience. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Combined Trout: 3 daily limit and in possession, no fish over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes. Packers and rangers have been using the trails since the South Fork Primitive District was set aside as a wilderness area in 1941. It is an integral part of administering the Forest Service programs in the Spotted Bear District, which encompasses the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Great Bear Wilderness and the South Fork of the Flathead River. You need to hike out or have your gear packed out from here as well. Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project. 2020 Big River Fishing Recap; Fishing Report 7-25-20; … Combined Trout: 3 daily and in possessionession, none over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes. Perma – 14 miles from Dixon. Motor boats use this often. Extended season for whitefish and lake trout, and catch-and-release for other game fish, except northern pike, from December 1 through the third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. When he was 23, he got a job guiding fishing trips on the South Fork Flathead River for the Wilderness Lodge, where he learned to handle stock. Photographer, fly fisherman, and strong advocate for having a good time. It is truly wild and the Hungry Horse Reservoir dam has isolated the river, preserving westslope cutthroat genetics and bull trout populations. Note that some motor boats do use the lower river as well. In the early years, Forest Service workers helped on county road construction. Log jams and strainers are a major hazard so be extra careful here. If you are floating the river, you will need to arrange transportation at the end of your journey. 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 South Fork of the Flathead is a spectacular and pristine clear-flowing mountain river with an extremely healthy population of wild west-slope cutthroat in the 12 to 18-inch class as well as a healthy population of wild bull trout. The Flathead has cooler waters, plenty of shade and a ton of water to explore. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a major river in Northwestern Montana. Gauging Station – Access below the dam and float into the main-stem. Start smallmouth bass fishing here. The South Fork of the Flathead River is one of the three main forks of the Flathead River and begins at the confluence of Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek. Big runoff can make the river too dangerous. It forms the western border for Glacier National Park and is incredibly beautiful. Nice for a quick float from Teakettle. 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. Trip Report South Fork Flathead River, Bob Marshall Wilderness. The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. They also partner with Lary’s Fly Shop in Columbia Falls and you can drop-in the shop for current reports and trips. © 2020 406 Wilderness Outfitters Operating in the Bob Marshall Wilderness since 1932. Thread starter Salmo_g; Start date Aug 11, 2018; Prev. On my trips portaging our gear out I took pictures of as much of the gorge as I could, with the idea I might get an opportunity to run it before I die. 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. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana. Extended whitefish season and catch-and-release for trout open December 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. Coal Creek – 9 miles below Polebridge. North Fork Flathead River is a river in Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, MT. Or extend it to the next one. 406-888-5454, Shore Thing Shuttles – Mainstem above Flathead Lake. 406-407-1602. Busted Oarlock – Fly Fishing, Rafting and Hunting in a Campervan. To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. Many of the lakes had been historically stocked with exotic … Includes rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and grayling. 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