To reach this section of the river, though, requires going down a rather steep and hazardous put-in at the dam. CLIENT REPORT | SOUTH FORK OF THE FLATHEAD. Camped out along the South Fork Flathead River. 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. Access to the South Fork is by foot or horseback. We’re here to ensure that you end up in the right place, at the right time, and with all the right information… at no additional cost to you. Pretty much any caddis fly or mayfly imitation in size 10-14 works just fine. The result is that anglers now sometimes struggle to catch fish that are small enough to keep. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. The rest of the hike to Babcock had moderate downfall and wasn't too bad. It is very scenic. IT WAS PERFECT!!!! There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: 1. 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. As the river flows through this gorge, the river becomes extremely narrow with big drops and sharp turns. After traveling more than 40 miles, the South Fork finally leaves the protected wilderness area, and begins to follow the reservoir roads for another 20 miles until spilling into the Hungry Horse Reservoir. 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. The catch is, of course, the best fishing is found well above the Meadow Creek Pack Bridge, as far fewer people fish upstream than at the much more accessible trailhead. Once in the interior, a person can spend months traversing the 2000 miles of trails that criss-cross this vast wilderness area. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. However, the Bob is not like most other wilderness complexes, which you can simply hike across in a day or two. 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. 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. It was amazing what he can do out there…. The distance from the Dam to the trailhead at Meadow Creek Pack Bridge is about 50 miles, which takes about two hours. Trip Report South Fork Flathead River, Bob Marshall Wilderness. The South Fork of the Flathead River is Montana’s crown jewel in terms of remote rivers. Streams. Numerous Class II, III and IV rapids exist in this gorge. From it’s beginning near Danaher Creek, the entire South Fork is floatable except during low water. The bull trout is a threatened species and can reach 40 inches long. Sign in to report inappropriate content. Leave from Benchmark Trailhead to Youngs Creek and Danaher River confluence for 2 nights. The South Fork is formed from the junction of Danaher Creek and Young’s Creek and runs for 45 miles due north, fed by dozens of small tributaries, where it … Home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South Fork of the Flathead, Bob Marshall Wilderness. 1; 2; 3; First Prev 3 of 3 Go to page. Grizzly bears, moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob home. Trip Insurance / Emergency Evacuation Coverage, http://www.yellowdogflyfishing.com/destinations-united-states-montana/south-fork-flathead, Destinations / All Saltwater Destinations, Destinations / All Freshwater Destinations, Destinations / Central America & Caribbean. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the best packraft river in the lower-48. Aug 17, 2018 #31 Salmo_g said: Nice pics Trapper. The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. RATES: General South Fork Flathead trip rates: inquire here or call us at 208-756-3959. Weather is highly changeable, with summer snows not uncommon. To avoid going through this gorge, any floater must be prepared to pack out their gear (you just can’t float out to your car). … The Bob is not a National Park, where a traveler is likely to bump into countless hordes of people wandering its trails. To even contemplate going through this gorge will require a very small, tough raft, whitewater inflatable kayak or hard shell kayak, as any large raft is quite likely to get frequently stuck and require countless portages. 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. Terrestrial patterns, particularly hoppers, also are excellent to use in July and August. For those who seek it, the Bob is a wonderful place to find solitude, especially in the areas away from the better-known areas such as the Chinese Wall. Fly-fishing can also be quite difficult around Meadow Creek Pack Bridge and upstream for a number of miles since the river is cloaked in dense forest. On the South Fork of the Flathead, I am pleased to report, enterprising anglers can find remote campsites, solitude, and scads of native westslope cutthroat. The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. From there, the South Fork trail more or less follows the river throughout its journey in the wilderness area. in Packrafting, Trip Report, Photography, Camping. We just received a great report from our clients on their South Fork of the Flathead adventure. 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. Fly reels do more than just hold line. About the closest you can get to the river by vehicle is by using the long and curvy West Reservoir Road that crosses the Hungry Horse Dam and meanders around Hungry Horse Reservoir. This cold water pretty much killed off the fishing in the South Fork below the dam during the summer, and greatly affected the aquatic hatches on the main stem of the Flathead as well. And the pack in is neither quick nor easy—any pack in requires covering at least 25 miles or more of mountainous terrain. Sprawling more than 1.5 million acres, the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex (known to locals as “the Bob”), which also includes the Great Bear Wilderness and the Scapegoat Wilderness, is perhaps the wildest location in the lower 48 states. The trail had been cleared to the Jenny Creek / Young's confluence and was in good shape. Great fishing trips don’t just happen. Below the dam, the South Fork flows for 5 miles before entering the Flathead River just downstream from the town of Hungry Horse. The road also has a reputation of being hard on tires, so make sure you have a good full size spare or two. The best place to exit the river is at mile 61.6, which is marked by a small sign. South Fork of the Flathead, Bob Marshall Wilderness. From the take out point, it is a three-mile walk to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. Length: 38 miles. Coleman…well I actually took pictures of the meals…and I don’t do that shit. The North Fork creates the western boundary line of Glacier National Park and provides some spectacular views inside the Park. Trip Reports. This peaceful and tranquil setting changes when the river reaches Meadow Creek Gorge. Take a look below. Thanks again for all your help and efforts, the memories will last a lifetime.”, Yellow Dog lodge Page: http://www.yellowdogflyfishing.com/destinations-united-states-montana/south-fork-flathead. Packrafting opened up a world of adventure for me. Regardless of where you enter the Bob, the South Fork is a wade fisherman’s dream. Youngs creek has some incredible fishing. The Flathead River System offers hundreds of miles of pristine waterways, while Flathead Lake is a scenic and recreational mecca. The cost for riding animals is $300 if going into the Gordon Creek confluence and $325 if going into the Hahn Creek Cabin. Thread starter Salmo_g; Start date Aug 11, 2018; Prev. Only 3 fish of any type (cutthroats, rainbows and grayling all are found in the South Fork) may be taken, none of which may be over 12 inches. Thread starter myt1; Start date Aug 7, 2019; myt1 Well-known member. It's a river offering a return to our fly-fishing infancies when camping and camaraderie, incredible scenery and seclusion, and catching naïve trout on bushy dry flies was more paramount than the opportunity for a 20-incher. The river provides outstanding fishing for native Montana trout in a remote and beautiful setting. The Bob has been on my radar for years, because inside The Bob is one of the greatest multi-day float trips in America: the South Fork of the Flathead River. South Fork Flathead Itinerary Day 1 – Pack Up and Ride. Montana's South Fork of the Flathead River: Information provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: The South Fork Flathead River originates at the confluence of Danaher and Youngs creeks in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area and flows north, unimpeded for over half its length. Special regulations and limits apply when fishing in the wilderness portion of the South Fork. Messages 1,371 Reaction score 31 Location Scottsdale, AZ. South Fork Flathead River. There is one rapid section below the dam called Devils Elbow, with two short Class IV rapids. 65 miles from the origin to Hungry Reservoir and almost all of it flows through remote wilderness. The South Fork of the Flathead River is home to native Westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. However, if you’re not, here’s something else to consider before putting that trout into the frying pan. You haven't lived until … Also wash off all pans and utensils thoroughly, and leave them away from camp too. Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total) Forums are supported by our merchant partners . July 15, 2019. by John Nestler. 8-Day South Fork Fly-fishing Trip ~ $5900.00 South Fork of the Flathead River Long before I had a bucket list and two pack donkeys, I yearned to hike up the South Fork of the Flathead River. The river is a dry-fly mecca, and it’s one of the few places in America where you can legally target bull trout. Hungry Horse Dam was modified in the mid 1990’s to allow it to draw water from any depth of the reservoir. patient, enthusiastic, and he put us on fish. Take a look below. Any rafts will need to be brought in either on your back or on horse. For more information on the South Fork of the Flathead, or other adventures, give us a call here at the Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures office! and a good fishing guide as well. Due to the remote setting and the difficulty and expense of bringing in rafts, the river is relatively free of floaters, allowing for a peaceful, scenic float. For running powerful Class IV and V rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak. The reason for that is two fold. Of course, this remote setting has its benefits. The headwaters of the North Fork of the Flathead originate in Canada and flow south into the United States. Colby…. If you will be riding instead of walking, we will provide you with a horse and all necessary tack and saddle bags for your trip into the South Fork of the Flathead River. First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. The fishing in this stretch, however, has a chance to become a much better fishery in the years ahead. One of the best flyfishing streams but it’s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear. “My hopes for the trip were (if you recall) in order of importance A Great Time with my Boys Great scenery away from the … CLIENT REPORT | SOUTH FORK OF THE FLATHEAD September 24, 2014 ... Southfork of the Flathead Trip '14 HD - Duration: ... Part 2- The South Fork Flathead River - Duration: 47:10. Just be careful not to spook the fish—the waters of the South Fork of the Flathead River are crystal clear. The trout are all wild—there is no hatchery grown fish here. These guys really made the trip FUN. View detailed fishing guide books & river maps for Montana. This is about 2 miles south of the Trailhead, and requires a short walk to the river. Below the dam, the river only runs for 5 miles. A Seat with a View on the South Fork Flathead River. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. The second, and somewhat obvious, reason is that in order to reach the river in the wilderness area requires considerable time and energy, as it lies in a very remote setting by any standard. × Announcement: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the state of Montana has declared that mask or face covering use is required for ages five and older. 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. Day 2 – Relax. This gin-clear river runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full length, south to north. Any fish you catch while in the wilderness area will have to be eaten there. They are all intelligent and great young men and went above and beyond to make things interesting fun. 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. In many areas the North Fork widens up and braids in between Glacier National Park and National Forest Service lands. What I did not count on were the great people…Brooklyn got us started great and was a pleasure…. Access to the wilderness complex is excellent, with dozens of trails threading their way from easily accessible trailheads along the perimeter of the wilderness. 2 thoughts on “ South Fork Flathead flow guide ” Sam Barber July.6.2015 — 13:16 We are planning on taking 3 14′ rafts in, and floating from Gordon creek to Mid creek the 13th – 18th of July. Dates: June 27th – July 1st, 2019. This is in addition to the local wildlife that can make any trip an interesting and memorable experience. Backstory. A diversity of fish and wildlife complement the land and water resources, and contribute to both the natural and cultural values of the Flathead Basin environment. I went in from the Lodgepole TH over Young's Pass and down to Babcock Creek where I put on and started floating. Failure to take these precautions is likely to lead to uninvited and probably unwanted guests with large claws and teeth probing your campsite during the night. The fishing in the South Fork of the Flathead River is, quite simply, excellent above Hungry Horse Reservoir for cutthroat trout, especially the portion of the river that lies in the wilderness area. The 2020 Yellow Dog Flyfishing Travel Guide is here! Several guide services located around the Bob provide packing services, and can pack in gear for the floaters without a horse. So the moral of the story is this: If you cook any fish while camped in the wilderness area, make sure you cook them well away from where you’re camping (like hundreds of yards). And in case you did not hear Scott caught 2 Bulls and Jay caught this monster! The South Fork only flows for 5 miles below Hungry Horse Dam before the river ends at the confluence of the Flathead River. Go. The South Fork is the favorite of the Flatheads. 2. Aug 7, 2019 #1 But first the horseback ride. the South Fork of the Flathead River should remain a favorite for the explorer type of angler for a long time. Either way, it’s a long way in from any trailhead to reach the river. 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. South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing is the best you will find anywhere – period. “My hopes for the trip were (if you recall) in order of importance. Always clean and dry all your gear after each trip. This should lead to significantly better fishing in both the South Fork below the dam and for the Flathead River in the years ahead. And cooking fish, especially over an open fire, produces a powerful aroma—an aroma that grizzly bears just love. 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. And not a single service will be found, so bring whatever you need, as you won’t be able to buy something if you forget it. South Fork Flathead fishing-specific trip: July 18th – 25th, 2020. The heaviest use in the Bob occurs in the fall, during hunting season. Copyright 2002 - 2020 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. 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