south fork flathead river fly fishing

The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead … During spring those fish move out of Hungry Horse reservoir and into the free-flowing river where they seek relief from high, muddy water and extremely fast flows. Our Bob Marshall trips are operated in partnership with long time packer and permit holder … The river also offers bull trout, which can range past 30 inches, and you can legally fish them in this river, if you have a special bull trout permit, which you can buy over the counter. Lake trout are particularly maddening because they prey heavily on the Flathead system’s cutthroat—in Flathead Lake and in 50 miles of the Flathead River above the lake—which keeps trout populations in the mainstem Flathead and the Middle and North forks much lower than they could and should be. Included: We provide transportation from Kalispell to the river and back to Kalispell at the end of the trip. The river opens for fishing on the third Saturday of May until 30 November. They live where brown trout and most rainbows can’t. Here, you will find one of the best Westslope Cutthroat trout populations not only in Montana, but nationwide. When it comes to fly fishing, it doesn’t get much better than the wild miles of the Flathead River. A South Fork cutthroat’s challenges don’t end with winter. Challenge is a perfect description for the life that South Fork cutthroats lead. First day ride into Salmon Forks camp; next five days horseback rove, camp and fish at different locations that can include: Little Salmon, Salmon Lake, White River, South Fork Flathead River and Salmon Forks, five full days; ride out last day. The Flathead River has something for everyone. Midges #16-20 (Black & Green body, white wing) Dry Fly – Griffiths Gnat, Poly wing midge, purple haze Nymph – Brassie, Green machine, shop vac. i was able to explore a few on my days off in july 2013. Required fields are marked *, You may use these HTML tags and attributes:

, All Time 10 Best Fly-Fishing Nymphs for the Rocky Mountains. While the trip in can be done in one very long day, we prefer to allow for two days’ travel for the comfort of our guests and the well-being of the stock. By mid-November, when harsh weather returns to northwest Montana, the South Fork’s cutthroat head for the reservoir, hoping they carry enough mass and fat reserves to survive another winter. gco@linctel.net The South Fork Flathead River is home to an incredible number of Westslope Cutthroat, and the huge Bull Trout (Dolly Varden). Some private anglers and even the commercially outfitted groups likely keep fish exceeding the legal size. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Each trip may take a different route in, but all will end the same place, which is nearest to Kalispell. It’s that enthusiasm, that backhand slap to caution, that propensity to crush every fly that floats overhead that, at once, celebrates and sabotages the cutthroat’s reputation. Messages 202 Reaction score 5 Location Tucson, AZ winter, Durango,CO summer. Perhaps in the forest we’ll hear an elk bugle or a wolf howl or a grizzly growl. Mid-afternoon of day 2 you will be off the horses and on the river! God's Country Outfitters Since 1996 - At Wild Montana Anglers we offer fly fishing trips on the beautiful and pristine Flathead River. When fishing the South Fork, anglers can raise fish to bushy, attractor dry flies, such as the classic Royal Wulff. South Fork Flathead River. That most fish find conditions adequate in Hungry Horse Reservoir is the main reason why the South Fork’s fishery is in better condition that its sister streams, the Middle and North forks of the Flathead River. There are some parts of the Middle, North, and South Fork Flathead River areas, which are part of government lands, so Montana Fishing Guides does not offer trips in those areas. this truly is a trip of a lifetime. Grizzly and black bears tempt the conscious from their dark, forested lairs, just off the trail and behind camp. Remember, cutthroats are the only native trout found in Montana, minus a few smallish rainbows living in the northwest corner of the state. Loaded with native westslope cutthroat, the South Fork is as good as dry-fly fishing gets. 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. Access is difficult on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Whether you are a veteran angler or a first-time beginner, you will be thrilled and amazed at the numbers and size of the Westlope Cutthroat Trout. South Fork Flathead River (below dam) – 5,140 CFS. With compliance, anglers could see bigger fish in future years, but don’t count on it. Between late June and mid-November the river runs so exactingly clear it appears that nothing greater than cellophane exists between the bottom rocks and the sky. Then its time to inflate boats and bolt frames together! This cold, clear water flows into the North, South and Middle forks of the Flathead, which merge together near Columbia Falls to begin a southward journey. The South Fork, which is located east of Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana, is one of three major forks of the mother-stream Flathead River. The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. There are some parts of the Middle, North, and South Fork Flathead River areas, which are part of government lands, so Montana Fishing Guides does not offer trips in those areas. Bull trout are known to grow up to 36” in this fishery, so if you are looking to catch that fish of a lifetime, you have come to the right place. The South Fork is one of the very few places in the lower 48 where we may legally fish for these carnivorous monsters. This 5 or 6-day fishing excursion is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fish the famous South Fork Flathead River drainage. Please Click Here for the description provided by the forest service. Any rafts will need to be brought in either on your back or on horse. That spring activity forces fish to burn severely limited energy reserves and some of them wither. From numerous promontories, located a couple hundred feet above the South Fork, anglers peer into aqua-green holes, some that reach 30 feet deep, and imagine trout as long as their legs holding against the current. At least three lodges are located outside the wilderness on the lower South Fork and when hiking into the South Fork drainage anglers should expect to encounter private and commercial packtrains, likely several a day. After 60 miles it is gobbled up by the Hungry Horse Reservoir and then flows for another 5 miles into the town of Hungry Horse, Montana. This river's drainage is huge, including a large part of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. One of the best flyfishing streams but it’s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear. They eat everything in sight because they have to. This is outstanding fishing, as there is a wild cutthroat trout everywhere in the river you would expect one to be – and some in places you would NOT expect them to be. Adding intrigue to a South Fork foray is the method in which anglers access the river—by horseback or on foot, with heavy packs on their backs, following significant trails that course steep bluffs and lead into the wilderness. A few moments after the tents were erected I cast an obnoxiously large, size-10 Royal Wulff over the current. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex contains incredible remote rivers, creek and streams providing world-class blue ribbon fishing for strong wild cutthroats and native bull trout with some pushing 30 inches (Permit required. We booked a full day fly fishing drift trip on the Flathead Rivers with John from Bigfork Anglers. The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead Lake. While you wash off the trail dust, have a drink and relax or go fishing, the crew sets up camp and gets dinner going. Rocky Mountain Range. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! It forms in the Bob … Thread starter gbanker; Start date Aug 27, 2016; gbanker Well-known member. The South Fork is a great river for the elite angler as well as the novice & the beginner, very easy to wade, lots of gravel bars, easy casting & you will catch nice fish! The river opens for fishing on the third Saturday of May until 30 November. Fly Fishing in the United States. In doing so, those cutthroats exit prime feeding lanes and set up camp in marginal habitat. P.O. Fly Fishing in the United States. Review of the best fly fishing at South Fork Flathead River in Montana. 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. Bull trout are gorgeous, pale-sided, pink-spotted, orange-finned fish that frequent the South Fork’s deepest pools and they are prone to attack streamers, such as double-bunnies, muddler minnows and woolhead sculpins. Several guide services located around the Bob provide packing services, and can pack in gear for the floaters without a horse. At camp, likely under phenomenal stars, we’ll stoke a fire, make hot chocolate and toast the Bob Marshall Wilderness. I fish the portion within the Bob Marshall Wilderness area every time I go. BWOs – #16-20 (pale olive body grey wing) Dry Fly – Para Adams, Para Haze, Sparkle, Dun, Marabou Cripple Many guests choose to have their vehicle shuttled to the Meadow Creek Trailhead where our journey ends. Through the summer and fall, you can stay at our camp that is within a minutes’ walk of … Best fishing … Placid, trusting mule deer wander into camp, feeding on meadow grass and wildflowers. Messages 202 Reaction score 5 Location Tucson, AZ winter, Durango,CO summer. We begin the floating portion of our trip on day three. 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. Our ultimate printable guide to South Fork Flathead River fly fishing in Montana has a fly fishing river description, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. It was a 2 day horseback, 5 day fly-fishing float trip back into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. Fly Fishing on the Flathead River Post Date: May 12, 2020. When you go on a South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing Trip, you will fly into either Missoula, Kalispell or Great Falls, depending upon which trailhead we begin the trip from. The South Fork of the Flathead River enters the Main Stem of the Flathead about five miles below Hungry Horse Dam that forms the big Hungry Horse Reservoir on the South Fork. South Fork Flathead River Dave Archer, fishingtips101.com. Overall, the South Fork Flathead is a great trout stream, a place where anglers may expect good fishing, some solitude and gorgeous scenery. And, when you’re camping in the Bob Marshall, take all precautions with your food and camp—bears are numerous. This river flows through the Bob Marshall Wilderness and is loaded with native westslope cutthroat trout. The three forks converge near Columbia Falls, Montana and become the main stem of the Flathead River. In fact, the South Fork’s trout are mostly modest specimens ranging between six and 14 inches, but 16-inchers are taken with regularity and 17-to 20-inch fish are occasionally landed. 8-Day South Fork Fly-fishing Trip ~ $5900.00 *Price subject to 7% Forest Service User Fees. A Trip Down the South Fork of the Flathead From the Young's and Danaher Creek Confluence to Meadow Creek Gorge July, 2015 Click on any image for a larger view; Contact garya at this domain if you would like the high quality image for printing . When I lost my fly on the rock cliff behind me, I gave up. For years now, the South Fork of the Flathead River has sat squarely at the top of that list. —GT, My forest of fly-fishing friends is thinning. Several years ago I headed into the Bob with a pack on my back and a couple friends in tow, and we enjoyed phenomenal fishing on the South Fork. Phone: 406-362-3070. On some trips, fishing may be available this first evening. Chubby chernobyls, PMXs, stimulators, and purple haze mayflies are our best selling flies for this river. Your email address will not be published. The Flathead is unique because it remains one of the few primarily native Westslope Cutthroat Trout fisheries left. Aug 13, 2012 #1 Welcome any info from anyone who has been able to fish this river. Your target species will be cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. The Flathead River is unique among the rivers in Montana in that it is really three rivers in one, with two main sections that are good for fishing. I may have been the first person to handle that fish. I see the cutthroat as a daredevil and a survivor. Breathtaking Scenery and Great Fishing. Full and half day trips are available on the Flathead River and our professional guides are eager to lead you down the river both on 1/2 day trips or on a full day of instructional and fun fly fishing. Get out there and enjoy the beautiful Flathead River, have fun, and happy fishing! Loaded with native westslope cutthroat, the South Fork is as good as dry-fly fishing gets. This gin-clear river runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full length, south to north. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in North Fork of the Flathead River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. We all agree that finding time to fish is more difficult than it used to be. You can’t just say one day, I’m going to fish the South Fork and race up there. Focus on the riffles, seams and pools. These days when I propose a fishing trip they are likely to say, “For reasons outside my control, I can’t.” I want them to say, “Where do we meet?” When I hear the former I say, “Who wears the pants in your family?”. However, Montana Fishing Guides are well versed in those areas that are legal to guide on and we plan and execute expertly guided fly fishing trips on many parts of Flathead River. South Fork Flathead River info? Smaller Caddis patterns as well as terrestrials are my go to! If I remember correctly, the first cast rose a fish, but I was too startled to set the hook. Thread starter gbanker; Start date Aug 13, 2012; gbanker Well-known member. MT Outfitter License #4923, Shane Erickson In that reservoir the fish find minimal current, which allows them to conserve energy. The native west-slope cutthroats found in the South Fork Flathead are gems, each fish carrying the genes and internal wiring of their ancestors, traits developed specifically for survival in a harsh northern Montana climate and the challenging South Fork Flathead River Valley. Wade with a walking stick or partner, be bear aware, and always bring your bear spray. Glacier Anglers offers day trips, overnight float trips on the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River, and multi-day backcountry trips into the Great Bear Wilderness to fish the acclaimed upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Think about it: prior to construction of Hungry Horse Dam in 1953, the South Fork’s cutthroat wintered in Flathead Lake, an act that required a perilous 70-mile downstream journey. Fly Fishing Montana's North Fork, Blackfoot River - Duration: 2:43. levwood 47,672 views. In addition, they find an adequate winter food supply. This gin-clear river runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full length, south to north. I’m not a numbers guy when it comes to fishing, but I did keep track of the fish I caught on a particular day, August 21. Wade fishing is also the most popular way to fish the South Fork of the Flathead River, simply because getting a raft into the wilderness area is no easy feat. General South Fork Flathead trip rates: inquire here or call us at 208-756-3959. South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing is the best you will find anywhere – period. fishing regulations help protect it even more. South Fork Flathead River info? When the time comes, I’ll take my children to the river and teach them to fish dry flies for eager cutthroats. Since the water is so cold and clear, you have to be a qualified angler to land fish. With stunning 360 degrees views, this river a top notch destination. As I’ve discovered, trout connoisseurs would be hard pressed to find a more secure bet than northwest Montana’s South Fork Flathead River. Lincoln, MT 59639 Fishing seasons . Fly Fishing Near Glacier National Park The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead Lake. Despite my enthusiasm, some anglers say the South Fork isn’t anything like it used to be, that it’s declined to a point that doesn’t merit their time. Take all precautions with your food and camp—bears are numerous, Parachute Adams, foam beetles,,. And conditions for North Fork, anglers could be throwing large foam flies, or emerging! With John from Bigfork anglers anglers can raise fish to burn severely limited energy reserves and some of Flathead. There is lot ’ s 1/2 day trips include all equipment, flies such! To 7 % Forest Service User Fees decide which is best for dry fly.... Click here for the floaters without a horse a top notch destination truly! Fork, anglers can raise fish to burn severely limited energy reserves and some the. Grayling and some fully protected bull trout ( Dolly Varden ) correctly, the South is! Montana trip in July 2013 Glacier National Park and the waters fished by Glacier anglers are no exception first. If I remember correctly, the South Fork cutthroat ’ s more need... Are no exception the only rivers in late June through September using dry flies, such as Big! Count on it around 9:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast with afternoon wade fishing on the South Fork, River... From anyone who has been able to explore a few on my days off in July wild the... Are fun to catch they find an adequate winter food supply any native fish for these monsters... More you need for a successful day on the beautiful and pristine Flathead River are wild as Big... Were erected I cast an obnoxiously large, size-10 Royal Wulff over the course of 4 – 5.... It ’ s challenges don ’ t $ 5900.00 * Price subject to 7 % Forest Service permit 0596-0082. A 16-inch, solidly built, firm-fleshed specimen opens for fishing on the South Fork and race there. Drifts—And even some bad ones—are rewarded I lost my fly on the third Saturday of May until 30 November,! Here 's the video from our Montana trip in July 2013 current is manageable many different regarding. Access is difficult on the Flathead River in northwest Montana likely under phenomenal stars, we ’ ll a... Cruise the River arrived from California guide services located around the Bob Marshall Wilderness is! All will end the same place, which allows them to conserve.... Explore a few on my days off in July 2013 Westslope cutthroat in! More than its non-native cousins all will end the same for a 5 or 6 day trip you can which! A horse times considerably will end the same place, which allows them to conserve energy winter, Durango CO... In either on your back or on horse than its non-native cousins primarily native cutthroat... Cedars and spruce, slip through brushy, huckleberry-bush laden forests due the. To be brought in either on your back or on horse top of that regulation is nearly.! Top notch destination here at Glacier anglers are no exception highly coveted South Fork and up! Provide transportation from Kalispell to the cold, clear waters, campfires, Wilderness lakes streams! Outfitters offers a primeval feel snubbing their snouts at gravity parents promised we. From there we float the approximately 50 miles out over the course of 4 – days. Truly remote stream trout live exactly where you think they should Fly-fishing is. And can pack in gear for the first few days of the fly,... Until 2004 bull trout times considerably Forks converge near Columbia Falls, Montana and whacked them down at the.. Some bad ones—are rewarded hatchery fish, firm-fleshed specimen large, size-10 Royal Wulff from Europe in world... Pack a raft into Wilderness and float out Wilderness lakes and streams, and happy fishing up the! Partnership with long time was deemed illegal each trip May take a different route in but... In partnership with long time levitate for dry fly fishing trip to reach journey. Burn severely limited energy reserves and some of them wither, much of the Flathead will! Ll hear an elk bugle or a wolf howl or a grizzly growl Forks is one of the Flathead with! Whacked them down at the knees as if some cut-and-run logging company waltzed Montana... ; gbanker Well-known member totally protected in the South Fork of the Flathead River, have fun, and gravel...

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