The Middle Fork The Middle Fork of the Flathead River originates in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Bull trout. The South Fork of the Flathead begins deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness at the confluence of Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek. BWOs – #16-20 (pale olive body grey wing) Dry Fly – Para Adams, Para Haze, Sparkle, Dun, Marabou Cripple The South Fork is also one of the few places in America to legally target bull trout—these beasts frequently top 30 inches. The Flathead River is made up of three forks, the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork. To reach the trailheads to the Jewell Basin, look for Wounded Buck Road, West Fork Clayton Creek Road, Clayton Creek Road, Graves Creek Road or Wheeler Creek Road. July.1.2015 July.1.2015 DaveC 2 Comments on South Fork Flathead flow guide South Fork Flathead flow guide This was originally posted almost three years ago, but I’m bumping and updating it in light of record-setting low flows which will seriously effect packrafting this summer and fall. 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. Swan, South Fork Flathead, Kootenai, Flathead and Blackfoot) have responded well to more restrictive angling regulations or closures (Tom Weaver, personal communication), and initial conservation efforts in Montana focused on such measures. Fish the pristine South Fork of the Flathead River, a world class dry fly fishery for one of the largest populations of Native Westslop Cutthroat Trout. These 158 miles of flowing water make a happy home for many fish … July 5 and the Flathead River is flowing at 16,000 CFS and the flows are perfect! The North Fork is on the drop, the Middle Fork is on the drop and the South Fork is holding nice and steady. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. Harvest is currently permitted only in Swan Lake. To fish the upper reaches of the South Fork of the Flathead River, youll need to hike or horseback your way in for several days. The rugged area includes the landscapes of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas. It gains volume with the contributions of the White River, Big and Little Salmon creeks, Black Bear Creek, and other small tributaries. wilderness fishing and camping in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. These pools often exceed fifteen feet deep, although the bottom is often seen due to the exceptional clarity of the water. At The Dude Ranch – . LEARN MORE. 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 three forks offer opportunities for day floats from vehicle accessed sites, thrilling white- water stretches, and permitted guided trips for day and overnight experiences. With the Flathead River at your feet and blanket of stars over your head, you’ll begin and end your days to the timeless sounds of the river. The North Fork Flathead River also has numerous deep, clear pools, tucked away among its many twists and turns. It contains the valleys, lakes and streams that make up the headwaters of several rivers including the South Fork of the Flathead River. By Greg Thomas | Published May 13, 2020 | Full size is 400 × 268 pixels West Slop Cutt. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text (About shift-adjusted ratings). The river starts near the center of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. Most trips start from Schafer There are only a few outfitters with permits to float, and we are not one of them. We offer progressive pack trips through this mountainous area that vary in length from 5 to 10 days. Bob Marshall Wilderness and Great Bear Wilderness. Most of the fish on the South Fork fall in the 12- to 16-inch range, 18 inches is a big boy, and you might get really lucky and pierce that glass ceiling of 20 inches—but there aren’t many of those. Float the south fork of the flathead In addition to guided fly fishing, we offer drop float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Click here for prices, or call Pat Clanton at (406) 387-5787. South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing is the best you will find anywhere – period. These holes make wonderful fishing holes for the intrepid angler who can reach them. The South Fork of the Flathead river originates at the confluence of Danaher Meadows and Young’s creek in the Bob, flows north for its first unimpeded 40 miles through the heart of the Bob between the Continental Divide on the east and the Swan Range on the west. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. Unlike the other forks of the Flathead River, the South Fork fishery is not a migratory fishery owing to … River Guide Wilderness River Outfitters offers hiking and rafting wilderness trips on the South Fork and Middle Fork of the the Flathead Rivers. Join us for backcountry elk hunts and venture into the high country for mule deer. It's a … We can also provide Packing Services for your private hunting and fishing needs in these beautiful areas in Northwestern Montana. Misc Info: - The South Fork is now open year round to provide additional angling opportunity and give anglers the chance to help native cutthroat trout by harvesting non-native rainbow trout. Adventure Pack Trips . Enjoy world-class fishing for native cutthroat on the South Fork Flathead River and it’s tributaries on our wilderness packtrips! Midges #16-20 (Black & Green body, white wing) Dry Fly – Griffiths Gnat, Poly wing midge, purple haze Nymph – Brassie, Green machine, shop vac. west slop cutthroat. Treat them gently. To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. The South Fork, which is located east of Flathead Lake and south of Glacier National Park, is one of three major forks of the mainstem Flathead River. 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. Elevations vary from 4000’ to 9000’. It then continues its journey southwest, passing Kerr Dam before eventually emptying into the Clark Fork near Paradise, Montana. Riders are matched as closely as possible to their mounts according to individual skills, size and ability. The South Fork of the Flathead is a spectacular and pristine clear-flowing mountain river with an extremely healthy population of wild west-slope cutthroat in … We pack you, your gear and your float equipment to the confluence of Young’s and Danaher Creeks where the South Fork of the Flathead River begins. Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana into Flathead Lake. Many guests ask if we provide float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead river, we do not. The Flathead River near Glacier Park is a large beautiful western freestone river. Effective January 1,2013, the Upper Snake Region the limit is removed on rainbow trout and hybrid trout in the South Fork Snake River tributaries. 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. Flathead National Forest as well as. After an introduction to safe horsemanship, you will be introduced to your horse for the trip. Flathead River. The first day of your trip you will arrive at the Benchmark trailhead just after daylight, either shuttled by us or driving your own vehicle, depending on your needs. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. Horses and mules transport us, our boats and gear 20 to 26 miles (depending upon which trail we take in and the itinerary). Flathead River Fly Fishing Patterns. Big Salmon Outfitters is pleased to offer the best outfitting trips Montana has to offer, including Elk and Deer Hunts, Fly Fishing Trips,Wilderness Pack Trips, and Rafting Drop Floats to the South Fork of the Flathead River. Some Montana Bull Trout populations (e.g. 65 miles from the origin to Hungry Reservoir and almost all of it flows through remote wilderness. The upper section of the river offers primitive recreation in a wilderness setting. Draining a size-able portion of NW 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 has to offer. 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. ← Best Montana Fly Fishing Trips—South Fork Flathead River. Each native trout—and any native fish for that matter—is a treasure. 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. Flathead River Description. Over 40 miles of the South Fork flow through the wilderness area. Great Northern’s Montana fly fishing trips run late May through October on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. In addition to guided fishing trips, we offer drop & float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. All three forks are designated (either entirely or in part) as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. From the headwaters to Schafer Meadows, a narrow channel and log jams make the river generally unsuitable for floating. We offer hunting trips in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and. Water clarity is about 7-8 feet in the mornings and maybe 4 by the end of … Made up of the North, Middle, and South Forks whose origins are located in some of Montana’s most remote wilderness, the Flathead River starts its journey through the Flathead Valley just a stones throw away from Columbia Falls where our Flyshop, Lary’s Fly and Supply, is located. As it turns to Fall and the air turns crisp, it's officially hunting season. For more information, click here. Middle Fork of the Flathead River - This 5-day river trip is accessible only by air, horse, or foot. All fly fishing trips require the purchase of … South Fork of the Flathead 6-day Come fish untouched water. On A Wilderness Pack Trip – . Our stockis always being complimented on their good nature and gentle manner… USGS 12359800 S F Flathead R ab Twin C nr Hungry Horse MT. This gin-clear river runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full length, south to north. HUNTING TRIPS. 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