It depends on the time of year, and on the child. We offer brands like Mountain Hardware, North Face, and Sierra Designs. If you want to fish, a Montana fishing license is mandatory, and can be purchased just before you arrive if it is an in-person purchase. Terrestrial patterns, particularly hoppers, also are excellent to use in July and August. Evacuation plans are in place for each trip in case of an emergency, and a satellite communication device is carried at all times. Your lead guide will give you an overview of the day each morning. As the fishing boats arrive, some of the crew will start getting appetizers ready and finish camp setup. You place worth on the experience in its entiretyfrom blistered feet on the hikes in and out of the wilderness, to passing a flask around the campfire, to the daily duties of filtering water and cleaning the camp dishes. For the Meadow Creek Gorge section, it is intense, exciting whitewater, and depending on the weather, you will probably want to consider having extra layers and splash gear. Give a Gift
Please be mindful of this when making up your gear for the trip. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Be sure to check out the weather section of the packing list for specific seasonal information and average temperatures for your trip, as well as doing your own research a week prior to your trip, checking anticipated weather at Seeley Lake, MT (our put-in) as well as at the Meadow Creek Trail, MT (close to our takeout). This north-northwest trending river is about 98 miles (158 km) long, making it the second longest tributary of the Flathead River. The final night is a celebration of our amazing adventure around a roaring campfire. The nose-diving U.S. economy has persuaded many families in recent years to put costly and exotic vacation plans on hold . It's pristine. Middle Fork Flathead River. This allows us to cover new scenery, rapids, and side adventures each day at a fun, comfortable pace. Awesome trip! With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. After unloading the mules that pack the gear out, we will meet the vehicles and WRO will provide transportation back to Kalispell. Contact us to ask about your child age and river dates. and spend the night. The South Fork of the Flathead River begins deep in the heart of Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, one of the nations largest designated wilderness areas. This section of wilderness is absolutely remote, but with WRO I felt completely safe and in good hands. It's a river offering a return to our fly-fishing infancies when camping and camaraderie, incredible scenery and seclusion, and catching nave trout on bushy dry flies was more paramount than the opportunity for a 20-incher. What happens if someone gets sick or injured? They say anglers used to catch nearly 30 cutthroats a day between 15 and 20 inches. It is helpful but not necessary to do some riding prior to your trip. Rafts typically take one and a half pack animals, two rafts take three pack animals, and max load weight per pack animal is 150lbs. They will need to be made out to the guide or to cash. Either way, its a long way in from any trailhead to reach the river. For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. Several guide services located around the Bob provide packing services, and can pack in gear for the floaters without a horse. What a fabulously memorable trip!!! Will it rain? It gains volume with the contributions of the White River, Big and Little Salmon creeks, Black Bear Creek, and other small tributaries. Unlike other wilderness floats (such as on the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho), the river is not over-run by rafting parties, since the only way to put a raft into the South Fork of the Flathead is by packing it in. Most of our tents are high-quality three-person tents, but we only put two people in each tent. 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. It is one of the three main forks of the Flathead River, a tributary of the Clark Fork River. 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. Spey fishing is a unique way to fish for bull trout in the Flathead. With the hood down, the vehicle is a prime target for packrats. Each day will be different, with varying options for hiking, exploring, swimming, fishing, and great lunch stops. Delta, Alaska/Horizon, United, Allegiant, Frontier and US Airways offer flights into Glacier International Airport (GPI). To reach this section of the river, though, requires going down a rather steep and hazardous put-in at the dam. Rich Osthoff's book Fly Fishing the Rocky Mountain Backcountry has a great chapter in it about the South Fork of the Flathead. Kalispell and Whitefish have limited taxi options like Uber or Lyft, so if you dont have a vehicle, staying in the recommended lodging is especially convenient. We provide transportation back to Kalispell from either the Meadow Creek trailhead after a three mile hike if not running the gorge (1 hour hike, 3 hour drive plus mule packing gear unload), or from the Spotted Bear Bridge takeout (3 hour drive) if rafting the gorge. My husband, two daughters ages 12 & 14 and I recently took a week long trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with the assistance of 406 Wilderness Outfitters. Lakestream in Whitefish and Larrys Fly Shop in Columbia Falls are good local fly shops to go to beforehand, and a few more limited sport stores like Sportsman's Warehouse and Cabellas in Kalispell. We discourage bringing any unnecessary valuables on your trip. The South Fork Flathead is one of our most remote trips, which makes the experience extremely unique and rewarding. If you look at the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website, it will direct you to options for online purchases or in-person vendors around Montana. In the interest of a more genuine wilderness experience, we encourage people to pick their own sleeping sites and set up their tents (or sleep under the stars, weather permitting!). 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. Find out why the Chippewa River is the best lazy river for tubing in Michigan with Chippewa River Outfitters. This day bag is 9 inches in diameter and 20 inches tall. 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. This allows us to cover new scenery, rapids, and side adventures each day at a fun, comfortable pace. If staying in Kalispell the night your trip takes off, we recommend making your reservations at the Red Lion Hotel (1-800-547-8010) or Travelodge (1-406-755-6123) in Kalispell. Yes, there are usually outdoor stores located fairly close to all the hotels we recommend or on the way to the river. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. Why do you recommend synthetics instead of cotton? The South Fork of the Flathead River is Montanas crown jewel in terms of remote rivers. Check out the full of story of Sage Indendi Johnson's journey from a path towards professional basketball to guiding in Alaska. I can honestly say, this was the most memorable and seamless of all trips thanks to the unique and family- friendly service the Cheffs provide. Terrestrials include grasshoppers, flying ants, and beetles. We will make lunch for the trail, and after a short drive to the trailhead in the morning we will be on our way. Our fishing-specific trips are most likely more time focused on the water, but we encourage our fishers to also enjoy the cool side hikes that the Bob Marshall has to offer. Rich Ranch 2023 406 Wilderness Outfitters The scenery is spectacular, as the river flows through a pristine and remote wilderness. 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 . By law, all bull trout must be immediately released. This is because if they break, it is very disruptive to the mules, and can cause a whole mule crash. Day 1: We will make packed lunches at the Rich Ranch. These guys have it nailed. The rest of your gear will be packed up the afternoon before the trip. Can I stay at a different hotel than your recommended options before the trip? Do we have to share a tent with someone else? However, if you want to match the South Fork's hatches, expect to see a smattering of Pale Morning Duns, caddis, and stoneflies. We will pack your gear and your float equipment and can also pack you in if you aren't up for the long hike into the South Fork of the Flathead River. Backpacking gear is needed for the angler without a horse to fish the South Fork above the Hungry Horse Reservoir, as the only access to the river is by trail. Your wallet & cash should be placed in a Ziplock bag and taken with you on your trip. Site identification number Each site in the USGS data base has a unique 8- to 15-digit identification number. The drive back to Kalispell is about 3 hours. Our experienced packers will weigh and pack your gear so that you can have an early start the next morning. With near freezing water no longer flowing through the river during the middle of the summer, insect hatches have improved significantly on both the South Fork and the main stem of the Flathead River. In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider. 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.). You won't see masses of insects like on other Western rivers, but there are enough to trigger fish's appetites. From the take out point, it is a three-mile walk to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. WRO operates under National Park Service contract in Glacier Bay. All Rights Reserved. If you are interested in a drop trip for camping or backpacking, the cost would be doubled for pickup and return. The initial climb is moderately steep, making this route more suited for horses, but once through the pass, the trip to the river is scenic and enjoyable. Copyright 2002 - 2022 Big Sky Fishing.Com, Introduction to the South Fork Flathead River, Photographs of the South Fork Flathead River, How to Choose the Best Inflatable Boat for Your Needs, How to Protect Your Phone While Fishing or Floating, Big Prairie Ranger Station Pack Bridge: 92, Black Bear Ranger Station Pack Bridge: 69.5, Takeout to avoid Meadow Creek Gorge: 61.6, Log Landing (take out point before Reservoir): 40. Hopefully, the catch and release restrictions wont bother you since you catch and release all fish anyway! It's remote. We do not provide soda or alcohol, except for one night which is a fiesta night in which we provide drinks. If you look at the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website, it will direct you to options for online purchases or in-person vendors around Montana. This is truly one of North America's great camp-float adventures. I highly recommend them! Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is an equal opportunity provider. If our office staff is notified of an emergency they will let our crew know, but it is definitely not immediate as we are typically traveling in remote wilderness areas. Lazy J Bar O Outfitters, Big Timber, MT 59011, United States. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. East of Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork Flathead River lies the drainage basin of the Middle Fork River. They will not pamper you but will instead tease out your best self to feel as if you belong in the wilderness. We discourage bringing any unnecessary valuables on your trip. From its beginning near Danaher Creek, the entire South Fork is floatable except during low water. Some clients choose to walk and some may choose to ride. Weather can be variable in the Montana wilderness, so be sure to have warm layers for around camp. 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. Pretty much any caddis fly or mayfly imitation in size 10-14 works just fine. For more information, please go to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. June 30- July 5th: Spend Fourth of July with WRO! Summer also registers a fair amount of backpacking and horse packing visitors, although a person is unlikely to see more than a couple parties of people once away form the popular day hiking trails on the edge of the wilderness area. The result is that anglers now sometimes struggle to catch fish that are small enough to keep. Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions Inc is licensed and insured in the State of Idaho under license number 441. Please be sure that hooks are single-hooked and barbless. River in Flathead NF, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Rocky Mountains in Hungry Horse, MT. There is a take out just before the Meadow Creek Gorge with good access and plenty of room to load gear onto horses or mules. Can WRO accommodate dietary restrictions/ allergies? It is about a two hour drive to the Rich Ranch. Day 8: We will arrive at Mid-Creek takeout and there will be a three mile hike to the Meadow Creek trailhead, which takes about an hour. The drop float trip prices are one-way. It appeared in the June-July 2010 issue of Fly Fisherman. Several other trails that follow both sides of the river and connect to additional access points intersect at this location. In the interest of a more genuine wilderness experience, we encourage people to pick their own sleeping sites and set up their tents (or sleep under the stars, weather permitting!). We are consistently told by guests that we out-do their expectations when it comes to our foods quality that we can accomplish in the wilderness. Most travelers to the wilderness complex do not come here to fish. We have experience working with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, etc. WRO guides bring a spare rod, a handful of popular flies, and leader and tippet, but we recommend guests bring their own 5 weight rod (cutthroat) and 6-8 weight rod (targeting bull trout), as well as their own fishing accessories and flies. Call 1.406.888.5454 to Book. Black River. And it runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. Your personal day gear will be packed in saddle bags or a small dry pack. Something went wrong. We usually start floating when the sun hits the water each day and arrive in camp late afternoon. Storms can also roll in unexpectedly, and its best to be prepared for anything. On the other hand, braving this season has its advantages. The distance from the Dam to the trailhead at Meadow Creek Pack Bridge is about 50 miles, which takes about two hours. They also keep you warmer when wet. A Seat with a View on the South Fork Flathead River. We are consistently told by guests that we out-do their expectations when it comes to our foods quality that we can accomplish in the wilderness. We often have dinner together, and you will spend this first night at the Rich Ranch lodging. Yellowstone, Lahantan and perhaps other subspecies have been stocked in Arizona (Minckley 1973). Site name This is the official name of the site in the database. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Up until reaching Meadow Creek Gorge 40 miles later, described later, the river presents no special challenges to a rafter. Unless you want to carry a raft out of the wilderness, make arrangements in advance to pick up your gear on a predetermined date. The reason for that is two fold. Please contact our office ahead of time to arrange logistics if you need to be picked up. This is a 2 day ride to the South Fork. Catching a South Fork bull trout will be a lasting memory for any fisherman. We will have lunch on the trail that is pre-packed in the morning, and camp on the trail the first night after around 16 miles. Feel the exhilaration of puckering whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. Mid summer sunny days can also reach the upper 90s! Our fishing-specific trips are most likely more time focused on the water, but we encourage our fishers to also enjoy the cool side hikes that the Bob Marshall has to offer. With these trips being in the middle of the summer, the temperatures are very pleasant and walk-and-wade fishing from the bank and on side streams can be done without waders. Please do not make tip checks out to Wilderness River Outfitters. We try to arrive back to Kalispell late afternoon on the last day of your trip if running the gorge, but will typically arrive closer to early evening if hiking out, as you are dealing with additional logistic factors. Other trout species on the Flathead have possession limitations (Cutthroat: <3/ day <12 inches, other trout: 5/day total and only 1/day over 14 inches), but you will typically not keep fish on multi-day trips. The South Fork Flathead is catch and release only for bull trout, and a Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for Bull Trout. If it is a non-fishing adventure style trip, we will be paddling the entire trip. Will it be cold? Lunches are a combination of tasty salads, sandwiches, fruits, and assorted snacks. The North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork have different origins and personalities, each a different river until they merge to form the main stem of the Flathead River. What will temperatures and weather be like? Access to the wilderness complex is excellent, with dozens of trails threading their way from easily accessible trailheads along the perimeter of the wilderness. Our time with WRO on the South Fork of the Flathead was beyond amazing. River is the largest tributary to the upper South Fork. Prior to this modification, all water released came from the bottom of the dam where the water was coldest. WRO operates under National Park Service contract in Glacier Bay. 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. 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