A river map is available from the Flathead National Forest (Three Forks of the Flathead). 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. Also, all the islands in this stretch make for great spots to pull over for lunch. I am excited to announce that Angling On The Fly will be hosting a float trip in 2011 on one of Montana's premier dry fly fisheries, the South Fork of the Flathead River.The South Fork flows through the Bob Marshall wilderness and is home to incredible numbers of native West Slope Cutthroat that rise to a dry fly with vigor and Bull Trout that reach massive proportions. 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. Dispose of all entrails and uneaten portions far away from where you are camped. There is one rapid section below the dam called Devils Elbow, with two short Class IV rapids. Float times for this section are about 4 hours or so, depending on how frequent your stop. Fishing pressure is very low in the wilderness area compared to virtually any other Montana river. We often see beaver and herons, birds of prey like bald eagles and osprey, and sometimes even bears or moose on the river banks. From the take out point, it is a three-mile walk to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Scenic Float In Glacier National Park - Rafting Flathead River View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. This should lead to significantly better fishing in both the South Fork below the dam and for the Flathead River in the years ahead. Camped out along the South Fork Flathead River. Regardless of where you enter the Bob, the South Fork is a wade fisherman’s dream. It reminded us of floating down the Clackamas river, and we were excited to spend some time on the water in our kayaks. 2018 Packrafting South Fork of the Flathead River - Bob Marshall Wilderness The river starts in Canada and flows along the west edge of Glacier National Park. 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. 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). Hopefully, the catch and release restrictions won’t bother you since you catch and release all fish anyway! Any rafts will need to be brought in either on your back or on horse. The North Fork Flathead River is a wonderful river to float. Their Tube Trips include a deluxe tube rental, a life jacket and a shuttle to and from the Madison River. 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. A Seat with a View on the South Fork Flathead River. COIVD-19:  In light of recent increases in Covid-19 cases in MT and nationwide, and the general uncertainty of the situation, we do not plan to schedule any private trips this summer. The heaviest use in the Bob occurs in the fall, during hunting season. Always The natural elements in the Bob should not be taken lightly. Floating the Flathead River. Nighttime temperatures, even during the short summer months, frequently plummet below freezing. 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. This is one of my favorite ways to spend a day here in Flathead County Montana, but … On a hot summer's day, there's nothing better than sitting in a river with a cold drink while floating past beautiful scenery. The White River trip was supposed to involve floating the White River but the water was so low (July 20 th on a dry year) that we ended up just hiking to the confluence with the Flathead. *Subject to seasonal availability (usually July/Aug only). A Columbia Falls man died late Saturday afternoon after his fishing pontoon boat flipped while floating on the North Fork of the Flathead River near Glacier Rim. That includes … Treat your family to a special day with a fifteen-mile ride down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Up until reaching Meadow Creek Gorge 40 miles later, described later, the river presents no special challenges to a rafter. 9. On a hot summer's day, there's nothing better than sitting in a river with a cold drink while floating past beautiful scenery. The Main Flathead River from Buffalo Bridge to Sloan Bridge is a great overnight canoe (or raft) stretch that has… Difficulty: Easy Missouri River: Holter Dam to Cascade or Ulm The reason for that is two fold. Once in the interior, a person can spend months traversing the 2000 miles of trails that criss-cross this vast wilderness area. We decided to make a trip down the river the next day. Weather is highly changeable, with summer snows not uncommon. South Fork Flathead River upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir. This is in addition to the local wildlife that can make any trip an interesting and memorable experience. The Middle and North Fork of the Flathead are two of Montana’s wildest rivers and form the southern and western boundaries of Glacier National Park. On this wild river adventure trip you will float by towering mountain peaks, run some of the best river rapids in the Glacier National Park area, and enjoy a delicious riverside lunch! Glacier National Park Scenic Float - Middle Fork Flathead River cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Stop at Tamerack Brewery in Lakeside on the way down, and take 35 back on the east side of the lake and stop at Flathead Brewery on the way back. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. The Flathead River offers plenty of fishing, floating and wildlife watching The North Fork of the Flathead River flows along the boundary to Glacier National Park Explore the river area by hiking or horseback riding in the wilderness Fish for rainbow and lake trout as well as cutthroat and whitefish The road also has a reputation of being hard on tires, so make sure you have a good full size spare or two. 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. From there, the South Fork trail more or less follows the river throughout its journey in the wilderness area. Rafters paddle over a rapid on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The tubes have steady Scenic and whitewater raft trips on the Flathead River are an experience that you won’t soon forget. As the river flows through this gorge, the river becomes extremely narrow with big drops and sharp turns. Discover and book Glacier National Park Scenic Float Here are a few tips specifically for this trip: 1. Four days of hiking and four days of rafting make for a truly unique backcountry experience in the wilds of Montana. The best place to exit the river is at mile 61.6, which is marked by a small sign. Fishing & Floating the South Fork Flathead River in Montana Also wash off all pans and utensils thoroughly, and leave them away from camp too. 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. Access to the South Fork is by foot or horseback. The scenery is wonderful, the current is steady and float trafficexcept on nice summer weekendsis fairly low. 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. As an alternative, I have been offering consultation sessions on the phone, where we chat about your interests and I follow up with an email of suggestions. 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. Book a float with this company and they’ll take you to the Stillwater River (the exact location depends on the river level). The Whitefish River is a slow moving stream that runs between Whitefish Lake and the Stillwater River, in the Flathead Valley of Northwest Montana. Soak up Serenity with our Scenic Flathead River Rafting Trip! However, the Bob is not like most other wilderness complexes, which you can simply hike across in a day or two. The South Fork only flows for 5 miles below Hungry Horse Dam before the river ends at the confluence of the Flathead River. We often see beaver and herons, birds of prey like bald eagles and osprey, and sometimes even bears or moose on the river banks. However, if you’re not, here’s something else to consider before putting that trout into the frying pan. The fishing in this stretch, however, has a chance to become a much better fishery in the years ahead. As the miles floated by, I couldn’t 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. 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. From the headwaters to Schafer Meadows, a narrow channel and log jams make the river generally unsuitable for floating. Glaciers from the nearby Livingston Range feed side streams that 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 upper section of the river offers primitive recreation in a wilderness setting. 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. River rafting trips on the North Fork of the Flathead are usually available from mid-May to August on the upper reaches of the river and all summer long on the lower. Either way, it’s a long way in from any trailhead to reach the river. The trout are all wild—there is no hatchery grown fish here. We often see beaver and herons, birds of prey like bald eagles and osprey, and sometimes even bears or moose on the river banks. Several guide services located around the Bob provide packing services, and can pack in gear for the floaters without a horse. Get in touch or fill out an OPTIONS form to design your own trip. Hungry Horse Dam was modified in the mid 1990’s to allow it to draw water from any depth of the reservoir. Steele Williams/Flathead Beacon A kayaker paddles down the Swan River on May 28, 2015. Floats on the flathead can be combined with a visit to the nearby National Bison Range, a ranch, a rodeo or the Ninepipes Wildlife Refuge. Rafters paddle over a rapid on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Access to the wilderness complex is excellent, with dozens of trails threading their way from easily accessible trailheads along the perimeter of the wilderness. Special PACKAGES and tours available at reduced rates. +1 (857) 246 9360wenfei.tong@big-sky-safaris.com. Montana’s North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River Overnight Float Trips. Most travelers to the wilderness complex do not come here to fish. The river has fair fishing, at best. The result is that anglers now sometimes struggle to catch fish that are small enough to keep. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River originates in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. 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. A raft floats past a towering cutbank while floating the upper North Fork of the Flathead River in late July. From it’s beginning near Danaher Creek, the entire South Fork is floatable except during low water. Known as Montana’s mightiest river, this upper section of the river is one of the most protected rivers in the United States. Since the fishing pressure is low, the trout aren’t horribly picky about what they will take. Due to the fact that the South Fork of the Flathead River starts deep in the wilderness area and flows for more than 40 miles through the heart of the complex, simply getting to the South Fork is an adventure in itself. Most TRIPS start and end in Missoula, MT. 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. To simply reach the interior of the Bob frequently requires hikes or horse packs of several days. To reach this section of the river, though, requires going down a rather steep and hazardous put-in at the dam. On a hot summer's day, there's nothing better than sitting in a river with a cold drink while floating past beautiful scenery. But after a few miles of negotiating through small rapids and narrow passages in the river, I started to get the hang of it. 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). The water is controlled by the dam, so I think rapids are guaranteed, followed by a refreshing float Come see for yourself why the South Fork of the Flathead is a guide favorite! The only trip that is going ahead it a pack trip into the Bob Marshall on horseback. I learned a lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the area and about packrafting. The Bob is not a National Park, where a traveler is likely to bump into countless hordes of people wandering its trails. The reservoir is more than 50 miles long, created by the 460-foot Hungry Horse Dam. 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. This is about 2 miles south of the Trailhead, and requires a short walk to the river. If true wilderness and the best native Westslope Cutthroat fishing in the “lower 48” interests you, then we have the trip you’re looking for! If you’re new to floating or don’t own any equipment, Bozeman’s Madison River has got you covered. Whitefish are common. The main stem of the Flathead River curves through more than 20 miles of roadless isolation from shortly below Kerr Dam to well south of Ronan. This seems like a hike from Whitefish, but well work the trip. 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. Prior to this modification, all water released came from the bottom of the dam – where the water was coldest. The river meanders its way through some of the most spectacular country a rafter could hope to find. Flathead river Montana - we have flows, shuttles, weather, access and notes for the North Fork, Middle Fork, South Fork and main stem. 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. The river is Class II-III with standing river waves and shallow rocky shoals. Absaroka River Adventures, Absarokee. Customisable, personalised nature tours and adventures in Montana including wildlife safaris, birding, hiking, natural history, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, natural hot springs, museums, bakeries, breweries, distilleries. In 1976, US Congress designated 219 miles of the Flathead River as “National Wild and Scenic.” The Flathead River offers more than 275 miles of river rafting ranging from peaceful Class I float trips to Class III+ whitewater adventures on the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead River. 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. Reviews from the Middle Fork of the Flathead River Trip Seth and crew are a classy outfit. Absaroka River Adventures . View fof the mission mountains from a float in the middle of the flathead river. Below the dam, the river only runs for 5 miles. While the river is deep in spots, the river should pose no challenges to the alert wade fisherman. 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. The distance from the Dam to the trailhead at Meadow Creek Pack Bridge is about 50 miles, which takes about two hours. Read this in-depth guide on how to select a fly rod to meet your own specific fishing needs. Grizzly bears, moose, elk and wolves all call the Bob home. Getting ready to float in 2014 There are numerous designated access sites, and it’s pretty easy to navigate. 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. Beginning in some of the largest wilderness areas of the lower 48, the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River offer some uniquely special fly fishing trips near Glacier National Park. North Fork Flathead River is a river in Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, Rocky Mountains, MT. 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. We can pick you up and deliver you back to your hotel, or a local eating spot or drinking hole. Below the dam, the South Fork flows for 5 miles before entering the Flathead River just downstream from the town of Hungry Horse. First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. The river provides outstanding fishing for native Montana trout in a remote and beautiful setting. Nature, Birding and Wildlife Tours in Missoula, Montana with a Biologist Guide. Canoeing the North Fork of the Flathead River September 15, 2017 The headwaters of the Flathead River drain the SE corner of British Columbia in Canada. Our Flathead river rafting scenic tour gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty of Glacier National Park and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Below Meadow Creek Trailhead, the floater who wants to continue down the river to Hungry Horse Reservoir can put in their boat at an unofficial access point called Cedar Flats. Cast for native trout along grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. This peaceful and tranquil setting changes when the river reaches Meadow Creek Gorge. Along the way, it … I have paddled all over the country (the Gran d Canyon, Colorado, Southeast, Cali) and the guides at WRO were not only smooth operators on the Flathead but they were also some of the most considerat e people I … Upon reaching the Meadow Creek Pack Bridge, it is a short hike into the wilderness. The floating season is generally from mid-June through late August. Floating the South Fork of the Flathead River is perhaps one of the finest floats anyone can do in the lower 48. Feel the exhilaration of whitewater rushing through a narrow gorge. Pretty much any caddis fly or mayfly imitation in size 10-14 works just fine. Our Flathead river rafting scenic tour gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty of Glacier National Park and the Middle Fork of the 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. View detailed fishing guide books & river maps for Montana. Small, light colored dry flies And the pack in is neither quick nor easy—any pack in requires covering at least 25 miles or more of mountainous terrain. Flowing for nearly 50 miles through the heart of this rugged and beautiful landscape, the Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River carves its way through the glacial valleys and lush forests of Northwest Montana. In 1976, US Congress designated 219 miles of the Flathead River as “National Wild and Scenic.” The Flathead River offers more than 275 miles of river rafting ranging from peaceful Class I float trips to Class III+ whitewater adventures on the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The cutthroat are small, 6”- 12” with a few big fish, but numerous and eager to hit a fly. Learn more about these fun boats. If a pleasure cruise on calm waters is your cup of tea then this is the trip for you. Wildlife, birding, natural history, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, hiking, local breweries, distilleries, bakeries, Mountain views, birding and nature tours with a biologist guide, View fof the mission mountains from a float in the middle of the flathead river. 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. Any fish you catch while in the wilderness area will have to be eaten there. This has important implications. Numerous Class II, III and IV rapids exist in this gorge. Additionally, from Meadow Creek Pack Bridge (near the wilderness area boundary) down to Spotted Bear footbridge, it is all catch and release and only artificial lures may be used. Long before I had a bucket list and two pack donkeys, I yearned to hike up the South Fork of the Flathead River. For running powerful Class IV and V rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak. Special regulations and limits apply when fishing in the wilderness portion of the South Fork. Just be careful not to spook the fish—the waters of the South Fork of the Flathead River are crystal clear. A floater reels in a 12-inch cutthroat trout from the emerald green water of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in Montana's Great Bear Wilderness Area in 2012. We decided to make a trip down the river the next day. 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