We do offer chartered trips. People using pack rafts, dehydrated food and backpacking gear get by with dramatically less. To avoid going through this gorge, any floater must be prepared to pack out their gear (you just cant float out to your car). We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. The experience is authentic wilderness with delicious meals cooked over a fire (most outfitters use propane) - and the team knows the story of the geology, the flora and fauna and the people that lived along these great rivers. A quality tent, rain gear, current map, compass, GPS, first-aid kit, and water filtration system are crucial. Of course, this remote setting has its benefits. That's what I've learned during my forays to northwest Montana's South Fork of the Flathead Rivera wild cutthroat fishery that flows through the largest chunk of designated wilderness in the Lower 48. We do a lot of DIY rafting trips, so our group had high expectations. On the third day of the float, we enter Meadow Creek Gorge and the character of the river changes dramatically. Healthy and nutritious options are always available, and meals always include fruits and vegetables (sourced locally when we can). If they feel inclined to tip packers or wranglers it is a nice gesture but not expected. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. Draining a sizeable portion of Northwest Montana, including parts of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the waters of the Flathead River flow swiftly through some of the most beautiful scenery Montana offers. The last day includes a casual float and fishing from the boat. Day 3-4: The third morning we would head downstream on the river, stopping for some fishing along the way and camping at some beautiful riverside campsites. We do a lot of DIY rafting trips, so our group had high expectations. Any fish you catch while in the wilderness area will have to be eaten there. Our sleep kits consist of a "Therm-a-rest" pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, a pack-able pillow, and a ground cloth. Our South Fork Flathead classic adventure trips are typically WRO adventure-style paddle boating. Fishing pressure is very low in the wilderness area compared to virtually any other Montana river. Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? Your wallet & cash should be placed in a Ziplock bag and taken with you on your trip. It is also nice to have camp shoes to change into. If you are planning to target bull trout, A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession. (What you will eventually pack into your river day bag. Day 7: Depending on the group and water levels we may run the Meadow Creek Gorge on the seventh day and camp below the tight and technical 5 mile rapid section the final night. If you are not interested in that option but still want to walk and wade, you most definitely can bring your fishing stuff! Learn to tie the versatile Hare's Ear with master tier Charlie Craven. With the hood down, the vehicle is a prime target for packrats. Day 2: Finish off the hike or horseback ride to the river put in where we will meet the rafts and the guides. What will I do with items I need accessible during the day or on the boat? Booking fishing-specific trips on the South Fork Flathead ensures that you have a fishing frame and a fishing guide, and will fish most of the day. The South Fork of the Flathead is a freestone stream, vulnerable to the nuances of runoff, and typically unfishable until mid to late June. and spend the night. Your trip leader will put on an orientation at 6 pm at the Rich Ranch, where trip details, last minute questions, and dry bag demonstrations will be given. Quick-dry clothing, layers, and sun protection are the most important things to keep in mind. Just be careful not to spook the fishthe waters of the South Fork of the Flathead River are crystal clear. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. WRO offers even a seasoned river tripper a way to be in a wilderness setting that encourages discovery and interaction as well as makes you feel safe and part of something special. The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's Dr. Ross Boucek explains what pharmaceutical and chemical runoff and pollution could mean for Florida's shallow-saltwater gamefish. 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. The river is navigable for up to 6 miles upstream from its confluence with the South Fork. Means of Introduction: This species has been intentionally stocked as a sport fish in most areas. We recommend the most convenient lodging, which is usually where orientation is held and where group transportation will pick up and drop off guests before and after the trip. You won't see masses of insects like on other Western rivers, but there are enough to trigger fish's appetites. Just got off the South Fork of the Flathead with WRO. This is about 2 miles south of the Trailhead, and requires a short walk to the river. When booking your trip, you will need to know your pack-in preference, and horse reservations need to be arranged ahead of time through WRO. Follow the West Side Road to the trailhead, approximately six miles from Hungry Horse Reservoir's southern shore. Join us for eight wonderful days in the incredible Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. Travel to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) no later than 3 pm one day prior to your trips launch date. Immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty and pristine watersheds of Glacier National Park and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River with an experienced guide. March 29, 2021 By Ben Romans. We often have dinner together, and you will spend this first night at the Rich Ranch lodging. Up until reaching Meadow Creek Gorge 40 miles later, described later, the river presents no special challenges to a rafter. Flathead Rivers Alliance (FRA) announces 2023 River Ambassador and River Recreation/Citizen Scientist volunteer program trainings ahead of float season to enhance river safety, stewardship and . If I did not book the fishing-specific trip, can I still fish? From the Rich Ranch, well get an early start for our drive to the Pyramid or Holland Lake trailhead. We have experience working with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, etc. Flathead River 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. Carry mottled sculpins, Muddler Minnows, woolhead sculpins, Double Bunnies, rubber-leg Woolly Buggers, Zonkers, and Clouser Minnows. On our adventure South Fork trips, we use a mix of paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks; some people can try different boat options. Rain is always possible, but trips earlier in the season are more likely to see precipitation and/or cooler temperatures than mid to late summer trips. Our max load per pack animal is 150 pounds. Comfort is essential to having fun! 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. Explore Scenic Floats Multi-Day Rafting Trips Set off on the ultimate whitewater experience down the Middle Fork or North Fork of the Flathead River. I highly recommend them! Other than the Meadow Creek Gorge area, a wade fisherman can access virtually any segment of this river, spending weeks if not months exploring every pool, run and riffle. It is also one of the wildest, beginning in the Great Bear Wilderness just south of Glacier National Park. One day of the South Forks whitewater is enough adrenaline for the whole trip! Phones can be placed in a ziploc bag or water proof case and put in your day bag if you would like to have it accessible for taking pictures during the day. East of Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork Flathead River lies the drainage basin of the Middle Fork River. These guys have it nailed. Learn to tie the RS2 with master tier Charlie Craven. How big are the waterproof bags and how much stuff can they hold? 1 of 2. See more reasons why were ranked so high on Trip Advisor . Check out the full of story of Sage Indendi Johnson's journey from a path towards professional basketball to guiding in Alaska. If staging in Kalispell after your trip, we recommend making your reservations at the Red Lion Hotel (1-800-547-8010) or Travelodge (1-406-755-6123) in Kalispell. How will they locate us? A great section can be fly fished above and below Tin Shanty Road bridge. It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. Westslope cutthroats are blue-collar fish that work hard for their living. The reason for that is two fold. In addition to the large waterproof bag issued for packing clothing and camp items, everyone is also issued a smaller day bag to carry items you will need access to while on the river (sunscreen, camera, extra layer, rain gear, etc.). And the pack in is neither quick nor easyany pack in requires covering at least 25 miles or more of mountainous terrain. I hope that years down the road, after she's chased rainbows and browns on the big-name streams, she'll take her family to the South Fork where they'll have the chance to fish for wild cutthroats and camp in a phenomenal wilderness. RM 83-82: White . If you are bringing a large, expensive camera, we recommend you bring a hard waterproof case in which to store it and accessories. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. This day bag is 9 inches in diameter and 20 inches tall. 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. Is there somewhere to purchase last-minute items before the trip? We have loved all the guides, and all the trips. We offer brands like Mountain Hardware, North Face, and Sierra Designs. Learn to tie the Sparkle Caddis Pupa with master tier Charlie Craven. Applications are free from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell or online. Call 1.406.888.5454 to Book. Quick-dry clothing, layers, and sun protection are the most important things to keep in mind. Give a Gift The river also runs through a deep, nearly impassable gorge for several miles (called Meadow Creek Gorge) just upstream of the pack bridge, thus forcing anglers to go further upstream to fish. WRO operates under special use permits on the Salmon-Challis and Flathead National Forests. Rain is always possible, but trips earlier in the season are more likely to see precipitation and/or cooler temperatures than mid to late summer trips. It is a Class III+ river, with steeper gradient upstream, expect narrow channels, shallow gravel bars and logjam potential. Be aware of your black and grizzly bear neighbors when camping. If you need help finding an outfitter to pack you out at the end of your float, we can help provide recommendations, depending on your take out point. Awesome trip! Most people credit the river's decline to increased pressure, and they are probably correct. | You should arrive in Kalispell the day before your trip is scheduled to begin by 3 pm. The Middle Fork has an average gradient of about 35 feet per mile, which translates to punchy Class III-IV rapids on earlier trips and boulder garden rapids during lower flows. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 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