Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 14 min to complete. This is just the start of your day in the wilderness that will include a variety of activities from adventure to relaxation. Perhaps the best gem of this report though is that the, which is just down the road from the parking lot on the Spotted Bear. We offer both full and half day options. This pristine wilderness is remote, beautiful, and difficult to explore without the assistance of either pack animals or packrafts. (from Crossover Boat Ramp south and upstream to the confluence of Youngs and Danaher creeks), Copyright 2018 Zach Lazzari Outdoor Media, S F Flathead R ab Twin C nr Hungry Horse MT, Exceptions to Standard Regulations: Flathead River, Flathead Lake north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary, Confluence of the North and Middle forks (near Blankenship Bridge) downstream to Flathead Lake, Flathead Indian Reservation boundary to mouth, All waters upstream from Hungry Horse Damn, including Hungry Horse Reservoir and tributaries except Meadow Creek section (see below), Mainstem upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir, Meadow Creek Bridge to Spotted Bear foot bridge and tributaries, Hungry Horse Dam downstream to Devils Elbow and tributaries, Devils Elbow downstream to mouth and tributaries. There is no restaurant in Hungry Horse that has all three of the magic 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. paddle). said, my friends and I did it and made it through having minimal prior packraft because you wont feel rushed. http://www.bmwf.org/trail_conditions.html. 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. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. 3. I learned a lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the area and about packrafting. legally target bull trout in Montana and maybe the Northwest. Get away from it all on our extensive network of private access waters. Mark. But it doesn't make sense to rent a vehicle for 8 days just to have it sit unattended. . 12, T.11 N., R.22 W. 12: Resident fishery. The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. Packers There are several operations here. Montana Department of Transportation, sponsor Axline, Jon, historian Hager, Kristi, photographer . Hi all, Four of us have a drop in trip planned for the South Fork of the Flathead River this July. This is where all of the commercial outfitters run their rafting trips, scenic and whitewater. A packraft also makes a great boat for fishing without a shuttle as you can just walk back to your rig. | Trail 110 begins approximately two miles from Holland Lake (take TR 415 to TR 42 from the trailhead). White River trip was prettier but demoralizing because we floated (on the Sun River) and then July 24-30 Planning to spend . About 65-70 miles total. There's a nice recovery pool right after so your raft won't wash down stream ahead of you. I know there are companies that will shuttle your vehicle around for you. Strong Paddlers recommended. A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. We are up a running by 6AM, everyday of the week. drop of the river, you can see it. Get on the river right at this point. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the lower-48. There will be another sign shortly, but the river increases in speed and The South Fork is also one of the few places in Montana where the threatened bull trout may be directly targeted by anglers. Includes rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and grayling. Best decision we made was to stay at. Things like camping and building fires below the high water mark, camping out of sight of the trail, selecting earth toned gear, and limiting how many fish they catch and release. The remaining three and a half days of your trip will be enjoyed travelling down river in rafts, enjoying both guided wade and float fishing, great meals on the river, and comfortable backcountry accommodations. All bull trout must be released immediately. Note: Montana/Glacier National Park boundary is the middle of the river. Each flight leg is about $400 (so $800 per aircraft). It is truly wild and the Hungry Horse Reservoir dam has isolated the river, preserving westslope cutthroat genetics and bull trout populations. The gorge section of Youngs Creek can be a bit The South Fork only flows for 5 miles below Hungry Horse Dam before the river ends at the confluence of the Flathead River. The fisheries in the Bob Marshall are just as pristine and prolific as they were in the days of the Lewis and Clark expedition and provide an unequaled opportunity to target the native west slope cutthroat trout and the bull trout. any hydros that will kill you) but there are lots of rocks and you will probably Now Taking 2023 Bookings!! All that Headhunters Fly Shop 406-235-3447. Recreational opportunities. Bob Marshall pack trips operated by Flathead NF permit holder Rich McAtee, MT Outfitter #33514. The main Flathead River at Columbia Falls hit 14.5 feet on Tuesday, 1.5 feet above flood stage. June 30-July 6 Im curious if anyone has a report on the status of the lodgepole trail and clearing of that going into upper youngs creek. Dixon Another 20 to the small town of Dixon. As a gateway to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park, Kalispell, GPI, is owned by the Flathead Airport Authority. It's remote. - Dave Reese photo Montana Destinations: Schafer Meadows Fly-In Schafer Meadows is a wilderness holdout By DAVID REESE/Montana LivingThe clang of the mule's bell sounds constantly in the pasture at Schafer Ranger Station. You could make a full day of it in lower water. It flows out of deep wilderness and feeds the largest lake west of the Mississippi. I have a six day solo trip planned from 7/5 thru 7/10 following your exact path. Information. We found some garbage on the river, please do your part to keep the river clean so it doesnt become the next Smith. We also offer fair chase Wilderness Elk & Mule Deer hunts at our remote camp.Your comfort, enjoyment, safety and satisfaction are of the utmost importance to us. There is one dedicated outfitter in the region that is focused specifically on fishing and they run the best guides in the region. If the water is low, it isnt too high consequence (meaning there arent Targeted bull trout fishing. If you don't get out here, you need to have a helmet and be ready for class VI rapids. There is definitely the possibility of the river becoming permitted in the near future, but if pack rafters continue to act as low impact backpackers, there is a chance that the river will continue to be open to anyone who wants to raft it. The highway veers away from the river at this point if youre headed up Marias Pass towards East Glacier. The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. The South Fork of the Flathead, located in the heart of the Bob 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. The focal point of these unique fisheries are the South Fork of the Flathead River and its tributaries. You can easily hike Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. 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. Rain jacket, bear spray and bug spray! There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: 1. NOTE - we recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear for the night before the trip and the night after. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. The North Fork of the Flathead is Class I-II but it has some serious danger for inexperienced floaters. It flows out of deep wilderness and feeds the largest lake west of the Mississippi. The South Fork of the Flathead runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. 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. It is very scenic. first few miles of the South Fork of the Flathead often have log jams. Early-mid July is probably best for flows, mid-late July is best for fishing with a lower risk of fires. Its an important distinction to keep in mind, and one that multiple FS employees have emphasized in conversation. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: I have done it three times now and have had numerous customers do it and listened to their feedback on different routes. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Transportation officials preparing to rebuild Hungry Horse bridge, improve highway through Bad Rock Canyon By Dillon Tabish July 30, 2016 The U.S. Highway 2 bridge over the South Fork Flathead . The first and third times I did it via Youngs Creek Huckleberry Patch and the Elk Horn Grill. If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. Time of year matters for water levels, the I have done all my trips in July and only been Bull trout are frequently caught in excess of 20" and specimens up to 30" are possible. I would call the Seeley Lake Ranger District and get their take. and the canyons make for some great pictures. Dont forget forest rangers are the law back there and they (one in particular) follow it to the letter! Writing, photographing, hunting, fishing and exploring full-time. The FWP biologists have also reported a significant increase in evidence of caught and released fish during their recent South Fork surveys. 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