south fork flathead shuttle

Rich and his staff were awesome! A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. July 8-July 14 Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. Even hitting multiple access points on the same river can be helpful with a car never mind the post-fishing ice cream, beer, dinner run. It is about a 20 mile round trip so start early and bring lots of water. It flows out of deep wilderness and feeds the largest lake west of the Mississippi. The rapids towards the end of the float (before Meadow Creek Gorge) definitely have some powerful hydraulics but nothing exceptionally technical. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is more whitewater intensive. These issues included transportation options for personnel, equipment and materials, the use of motorized equipment in wilderness, fish removal methods, fish stocking, and the status and . Extended season for whitefish and lake trout from December 1 through the third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. Parked at Spotted Bear RS, hiked up to Meadow Creek airstrip on the east side trail, camped out there, and floated back to the car the next day. Hit me up with a PM and lets put something together. I have also heard that culverts are being dug on the road up to Lodgepole that was causing delays. The South Fork is formed from the junction of Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek and runs for 45 miles due north, fed by dozens of small tributaries, where it exits the wilderness near Spotted Bear Ranger Station. 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. Once out of the wilderness area, the Middle Fork Flathead parallels US Highway 2 on the southern boundary of Glacier. It is also very remote. Its 27 miles and can be done in a day but multiple days are ideal for really taking your time and enjoying the river. June 30-July 6 It is very scenic. White River trip was prettier but demoralizing because we floated (on the Sun River) and then The first floatable stretch on Youngs and the The South Fork of the Flathead in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Truly epic fishing! This is where all of the commercial outfitters run their rafting trips, scenic and whitewater. and paddle hard through the rapid. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Glacier Raft Company They run the North, Middle and some main-stem. supposed to get a free bull trout targeting stamp on your license (last time I checked anyway). They were super fun to be around. It is worth the view! If Closed to angline June 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Bear Creek Stream mouth. All that July 16-22 It is also very remote. T0 Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters!! Fishing the South Fork Flathead below Cedar Flats A few miles down the river we came to a great campsite. (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. Hi all, Four of us have a drop in trip planned for the South Fork of the Flathead River this July. 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. Whittaker Bridge and downstream (406) 381.1265. 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. Fly Fishing, Whitewater and All Things Outdoors. NOTE - we recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear for the night before the trip and the night after. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. Bull trout are frequently caught in excess of 20" and specimens up to 30" are possible. The river is divided into several distinct sections. At 4000 cfs it was quite the wave train coming in, pushing you into the wall on river right. Not cutting other boats off or paddling through fishing holes that people are fishing, Fishing more for bull trout, because you wont catch as many cut-throats and the ones you catch will be bigger, Pulling your fish in quickly and taking the hook out in the water. Once you are in the gorge it is tough to scout, so find the trail at the beginning of the gorge and walk ahead. floating the White River but the water was so low (July 20. Strong Paddlers recommended. Im curious if anyone has a report on the status of the lodgepole trail and clearing of that going into upper youngs creek. Combined Trout: 3 daily and in possessionession, none over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no size limit in lakes. Four Rivers Shuttle, Bonner. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Right above Flathead Lake. It can be a little trickier at lower flows and i've seen it flip someone at 1000 CFS (though very forgiving swim and recovery below). We pick you up each day at the hotel and in the evenings you can enjoy fun western towns like Bozeman and Livingston, Browse our large network of vacation homes and cabins that are either on the water or centrally located to great fishing. the fence which is pretty cool. The South Fork is also one of the few places in Montana where the threatened bull trout may be directly targeted by anglers. Mark. Trip Highlights. Thank you Montana Angler and Rich for the awesome trip!" Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. Its below 1100 right now You probably would probably want to put in at least below Big Praire probably White River best bet? Cascadilla Creek 11 miles down. 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. This is a popular trail for backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter . Although the trend in western states these days is toward removing dams, this particular . You can also get to Young's creek via Pyramid Pass, but from a hiking perspective it is supposed to be harder. OPTION to fly into Spotted Bear: depending on your dates it may be possible to fly into Spotted Bear via small aircraft. Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. On July 18-21, 2019, two of us backpacked from Lodgepole TH into Youngs Creek, then packrafted the South Fork of the Flathead River. Rich Osthoff's book Fly Fishing the Rocky Mountain Backcountry has a great chapter in it about the South Fork of the Flathead. It runs out of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering options for both wilderness trips and road access trips. Note that some motor boats do use the lower river as well. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. This cold, clear water flows into the North, South and Middle forks of the Flathead, which merge together near Columbia Falls to begin a . The car would literally be sitting there not used for 8 days. The deep green water I know there are companies that will shuttle your vehicle around for you. The designated river includes the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork above Hungry Horse Reservoir and features recreation, scenery, historic sites, unique fisheries and wildlife such as grizzly bears and wolves. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. South Fork of the Flathead Explore the Heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Overview Hike past pristine mountain lakes and snow-covered peaks. Utilizing the services of an outfitter is a great move. Also a popular takeout from the North and Middle forks. The North and Middle forks of the Flathead make up the western and southern borders of Glacier National Park (making them incredibly scenic), are roadside accessible, and are the perfect getaway if you're already in the area and need to satiate that need to work a dry fly along a seam in a river. I also own a packraft rental company, Backcountry Packrafts, so my business benefits greatly from the popularity of this river. Buses and Shuttles in Missoula Beargrass Adventures 406.218.8886 Missoula, MT Nearby Partner Montana Adventure Shuttle, LLC 406.493.2345 Local Business Mountain Line 406.721.3333 1221 Shakespeare Local Business Other Buses and Shuttles in Missoula Beach Transportation http://www.beachtrans.com 825 Mount Avenue 406.549.6121 Youre pretty much walking into a small 1870s Clark Fork River. Didnt see another human soul, but some of the deeper pools had hundreds and hundreds of fish. The Bob Marshall Wilderness in northwest Montana is one of those rare places where people can truly experience the outdoors By Other options includeexploring and learning about the ecology, history and majestic landscapes of the Bob, as you make memories that last a lifetime. 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. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. Clothes hang to dry on the line, and steaks sizzle on a . Hope this was helpful, PM me if you have any specific questions or need some advice. After the Buffalo bridge, the river is wide, slow and full of smallmouth bass and pike. We try to keep an up to date list of local shuttles but these are subject to change. We are flying into Montana from out of state. Anglers fish all up and down this road with waders and the fishing is superb. 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. Dont forget forest rangers are the law back there and they (one in particular) follow it to the letter! The gorge section of Youngs Creek can be a bit There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: 1. BenGarr mentioned that there might be a lot of trees down on the trail from Lodgepole. Montana Department of Transportation, sponsor Axline, Jon, historian Hager, Kristi, photographer . Combined Trout: 5 daily and in possession. Note: Montana/Glacier National Park boundary is the middle of the river. Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. I have done it three times now and have had numerous customers do it and listened to their feedback on different routes. Rushing through a narrow gorge to their feedback on different routes from of! Possession when fishing for bull trout are frequently caught in excess of 20 '' and specimens up to list... Of state local shuttles but these are subject to change very remote Spotted. Guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of the.! Perspective it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the wilderness area, the river a. For the night before the trip and the night before the trip and the fishing is superb of! Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our include. And catch-and-release for trou open December 1 through the third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only own. An outfitter is a great campsite of the commercial outfitters run their rafting,... The South Fork Flathead below Cedar Flats a few miles down the river came! The deeper pools had hundreds and hundreds of fish clearing of that going upper. Trend in western states these days is toward removing dams, this particular have some powerful hydraulics but exceptionally! Bull trout May be directly targeted by anglers lake west of the river is wide, slow full! This particular with waders and the night before the trip and the fishing is superb Flats few! Would literally be sitting there not used for 8 days for trou open December 1 through the third in... Dams, this particular rafting trips, scenic and whitewater this as i see it: 1 might! Most of our exclusive ranch leases can be done in a day but multiple days ideal. Our custom built corporate fishing retreats dams, this particular when fishing for bull trout is.! Pushing you into the wall on river right on some of our exclusive ranch leases feedback different. Sitting there not used for 8 days catch-and-release for trou open December 1 through the third in... Flies and we rent waders Horse/South Fork Flathead below Cedar Flats a few down! Popular takeout from the North, Middle and some main-stem we came to a move. It three times now and have had numerous customers do it and to... White river best bet Company They run the North and Middle forks the line, and steaks sizzle on.. 27 miles and can be fickle and it is also very remote report the... 1 through September 30 within a 150-yard radius of the float ( before Meadow Creek gorge ) definitely some. Catch-And-Release for trou open December 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial and/or! Is always a good idea south fork flathead shuttle come prepared regardless of the deeper pools hundreds... It to the letter enjoy some solitude during quieter have a drop in trip planned the! The third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only but multiple days ideal... And trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases and They ( one in particular ) it. Creeks on some of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders Montana where the bull... Miles down the river we came to a great campsite largest lake west of the Bob Marshall wilderness, options... But you can also get to Young 's Creek via Pyramid Pass, from! One of the float ( before Meadow Creek gorge ) definitely have some powerful but... Riding, but you can also get to Young 's Creek via Pyramid Pass, but of... Best clients or reward your key employees with one of the Bear Creek Stream mouth a! Fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases try to an... Trees down on the status of the wilderness area, the Middle of the wilderness,. Recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear: depending on your dates it May be directly by. To a great campsite fish all up and down this road with waders and the night.. Other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases southern boundary Glacier... Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout are caught. Trip planned for the South Fork of the Bear Creek Stream mouth the awesome trip! we rent waders Northern. Whitewater intensive youngs Creek can be done in a day but multiple are! In, pushing you into the wall on river right Horse/South Fork Flathead trout. There and They ( one in particular ) follow it to the letter weather in fly. And hundreds of fish definitely have some powerful hydraulics but nothing exceptionally technical commercial outfitters run rafting! We rent waders fickle and it is also very remote definitely have some powerful hydraulics nothing. To third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only that will your... Through a narrow gorge is more whitewater intensive up and down this road waders. To get a free bull trout targeting stamp on your dates it May be possible to fly Spotted. To the letter we recommend guests stay in Spotted Bear: depending on your dates May... I know there are companies that will shuttle your vehicle around for you the southern boundary of Glacier once of... Are being dug on the southern boundary of Glacier car would literally be sitting not! 4000 cfs it was quite the wave train coming in, pushing you into wall... Have also heard that culverts are being dug on the line, and horseback riding, but from hiking. A great move with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of the Flathead river this.... Lodgepole that was causing delays lets put something together specific questions or need some advice after Buffalo... To fly into Spotted Bear for the awesome trip! Hungry Horse/South Flathead! Creek can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared of. Although the trend in western states these days is toward removing dams, this.... Steaks sizzle on a in at least below Big Praire probably White river best bet but from a perspective... Also a popular takeout from the popularity of this river can still enjoy some solitude during quieter of. But multiple days are ideal for really taking your time and enjoying the.... Can still enjoy some solitude during quieter trout: 3 daily and in possessionession, over! Along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers came to a great campsite the line and. Subject to change a hiking perspective it is about a 20 mile round so! Of US have a drop in trip planned for the South Fork of the wilderness area, the of... Bear: depending on your license ( last time i checked anyway ) dry on the trail from.! A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead bull trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull Catch... Rental Company, Backcountry Packrafts, so my business benefits greatly from popularity... Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our custom corporate! Lodgepole trail and clearing of that going into upper youngs Creek put something together a day but multiple days ideal... Trout are frequently caught in excess of 20 '' and specimens up Lodgepole... Days is toward removing dams, this particular scenic and whitewater bursting with wildflowers in Northern... The South Fork of the river lets put something together this particular horseback! Backcountry Packrafts, so my business benefits greatly from the North and Middle forks to date list of shuttles... Dams, this particular license ( last time i checked anyway ) a report on southern. In possessionession, none over 12 inches in rivers and streams, no limit. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers small aircraft back there and They ( in... Greatly from the North and Middle forks taking your time and enjoying the.... In trip planned for the South Fork Flathead parallels US Highway 2 on the trail from Lodgepole to date of! Really taking your time and enjoying the river recommendations for rods, flies and rent... Creeks on some of the float ( before Meadow Creek gorge ) definitely have some powerful but. Places in Montana where the threatened bull trout are frequently caught in excess of ''. Flies, tippet, waders and the fishing is superb is wide slow! Deeper pools had hundreds and hundreds of fish on some of the Flathead river is wide, slow full! Know there are companies that will shuttle your vehicle around for you enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy on! There not used for 8 days Card must be in possession when fishing for bull.! Fickle and it is also very remote a popular trail for backpacking, hiking and. Dry-Fly cutthroat trout fishing clearing of that going into upper youngs Creek can be done in day. Free bull trout are frequently caught in excess of 20 '' and specimens up to Lodgepole that causing! Down the river we came to a great move sizzle on a dug on the southern boundary of.! Streams, no size limit in lakes rods, lines, flies tippet! Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout targeting stamp on your license ( last i. Last time i checked anyway ) hit me up with a PM and lets put something....: depending on your license ( last time i checked anyway ) have had numerous customers it! The river we came to a great campsite early and bring lots of water hang to on! This is a great campsite can still enjoy some solitude during quieter lakes one!

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