You can’t just say one day, I’m going to fish the South Fork and race up there. The Flathead River can fish well all year, but our summer months are best for dry fly fishing. Fly Fishing in the United States. Thread starter gbanker; Start date Aug 13, 2012; gbanker Well-known member. The Flathead River system is comprised of the North Fork, Middle Fork, South Fork and the main Flathead River which is formed when the Middle Fork and South Fork come together just South West of Hungry Horse, MT. The small size and the gravel bottom of the upper river make it easy to wade fish. 8-Day South Fork Fly-fishing Trip ~ $5900.00 *Price subject to 7% Forest Service User Fees. Think about it: prior to construction of Hungry Horse Dam in 1953, the South Fork’s cutthroat wintered in Flathead Lake, an act that required a perilous 70-mile downstream journey. Messages 202 Reaction score 5 Location Tucson, AZ winter, Durango,CO summer. Flathead River Fly Fishing Report. A Trip Down the South Fork of the Flathead From the Young's and Danaher Creek Confluence to Meadow Creek Gorge July, 2015 Click on any image for a larger view; Contact garya at this domain if you would like the high quality image for printing . Fly Fishing on the Flathead River Post Date: May 12, 2020. One of the best flyfishing streams but it’s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear. In addition, they find an adequate winter food supply. One of the best Big Sky Country trips you could take is to the South Fork Flathead River in northwest Montana. Depending on the time of year, anglers could be throwing large foam flies, deer hair caddis flies, or tiny emerging mayflies. Usually, just one guide will accompany the anglers while the remaining guides finish up with the boats. That tally: 43 cutthroats, ranging between six and 17 inches, landed and released; at least 30 more lost via a thrown hook; and another half-dozen trout that leaped over the fly and missed it on the way down, an act that added amusement to a great day on the water. The Flathead River’s South Fork: A Haven for Cutthroat Fly-Fishing Mavens Montana’s Flathead River flows through the pristine, densely forested Bob Marshall Wilderness, the one-million acre chunk of protected turf that offers perhaps some of the best western fly-fishing in these United States. Flows: North Fork Flathead River- 5,050 CFS. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a truly remote stream. This is outstanding fishing, as there is a wild cutthroat trout everywhere in the river you would expect one to be – and some in places you would NOT expect them to be. One of the best Big Sky Country trips you could take is to the South Fork Flathead River in northwest Montana. Midges #16-20 (Black & Green body, white wing) Dry Fly – Griffiths Gnat, Poly wing midge, purple haze Nymph – Brassie, Green machine, shop vac. Rocky Mountain Range. this truly is a trip of a lifetime. Anglers absolutely love wade fishing this upper reach. That most fish find conditions adequate in Hungry Horse Reservoir is the main reason why the South Fork’s fishery is in better condition that its sister streams, the Middle and North forks of the Flathead River. With compliance, anglers could see bigger fish in future years, but don’t count on it. However, much of the South Fork sees little pressure. We are currently booking trips for 2020 and 2021. Your target species will be cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. The South Fork emerges from the renowned Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex flowing into the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Day two of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the South Fork of the Flathead. This river flows through the Bob Marshall Wilderness and is loaded with native westslope cutthroat trout. The trout are all wild, no hatchery grown fish here! Whether you are a veteran angler or a first-time beginner, you will be thrilled and amazed at the numbers and size of the Westlope Cutthroat Trout. During the summer months, numerous smaller cutthroats in the 8-12 inch range cruise the river. Messages 202 Reaction score 5 Location Tucson, AZ winter, Durango,CO summer. That spring activity forces fish to burn severely limited energy reserves and some of them wither. There are some parts of the Middle, North, and South Fork Flathead River areas, which are part of government lands, so Montana Fishing Guides does not offer trips in those areas. Our ultimate printable guide to South Fork Flathead River fly fishing in Montana has a fly fishing river description, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. When it comes to fly fishing, it doesn’t get much better than the wild miles of the Flathead River. The Flathead River flows for about 158 miles. Each native trout—and any native fish for that matter—is a treasure. A river that sees relatively few fly fishers—and with this type of trout population—means that the trout live exactly where you think they should. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. This is when life gets good for the South Fork’s cutthroats and its fly-fishers. A real nice westslope cutthroat ready for release. Each trip may take a different route in, but all will end the same place, which is nearest to Kalispell. The Flathead River represents the combined flow of hundreds of headwater creeks funneled from the glacial cirques of Glacier National Park and other wild places within the U.S. and Canada. This 5 or 6-day fishing excursion is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fish the famous South Fork Flathead River drainage. Then its time to inflate boats and bolt frames together! Breathtaking Scenery and Great Fishing. Located in the Crown of the Continent, and down river from Glacier National Park, The FlatheadRiver offers exciting fishing opportunities for Montana’s native trout and breath taking panoramas. Thinking about a trip there next summer with my wife. Main Stem – 17,500 CFS We booked a full day fly fishing drift trip on the Flathead Rivers with John from Bigfork Anglers. Any rafts will need to be brought in either on your back or on horse. i was able to explore a few on my days off in july 2013. —GT, My forest of fly-fishing friends is thinning. As it winds its way through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, surrounding Glacier National Park, the fishing is a dream that goes perfectly with the view. We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. 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. When it comes to fly fishing, it doesn’t get much better than the wild miles of the Flathead River. Required fields are marked *, You may use these HTML tags and attributes:
, All Time 10 Best Fly-Fishing Nymphs for the Rocky Mountains. The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead … Snow-pack, run-off, and weather conditions can alter the hatch times considerably. Fly Fishing Near Glacier National Park The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead Lake. The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. If you drive there are many different options regarding Where we meet and where your vehicle is parked for the week. In addition, hair-wing Trudes, Elk-Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, foam beetles, Humpies, and Renegades rarely meet refusal. 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. Fly fishing the Flathead River system provides a healthy population of native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Bull … At camp, likely under phenomenal stars, we’ll stoke a fire, make hot chocolate and toast the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Please call or email today for pricing and availability. I’m not a numbers guy when it comes to fishing, but I did keep track of the fish I caught on a particular day, August 21. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Rocky Mountain Range. Bull elk, with antlers rubbed chocolate brown on massive cedars and spruce, slip through brushy, huckleberry-bush laden forests. It’s that enthusiasm, that backhand slap to caution, that propensity to crush every fly that floats overhead that, at once, celebrates and sabotages the cutthroat’s reputation. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in North Fork of the Flathead River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. This river's drainage is huge, including a large part of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Overall, the South Fork Flathead is a great trout stream, a place where anglers may expect good fishing, some solitude and gorgeous scenery. A South Fork cutthroat’s challenges don’t end with winter. Review of the best fly fishing at South Fork Flathead River in Montana. When the time comes, I’ll take my children to the river and teach them to fish dry flies for eager cutthroats. The beginner angler can have good chances to catch their first fish on a fly rod, and the expert can work a tough riser on tiny dries. Placid, trusting mule deer wander into camp, feeding on meadow grass and wildflowers. The Flathead River takes work to learn. We conduct very limited and highly coveted South Fork Flathead River  Fly Fishing Trips under Forest Service Permit #0596-0082. 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. Best fishing … These aren’t the largest trout you’ll ever see, but they average about 10 inches and stretch up to 17 or 18 inches on the large end. Salmon Forks Outfitters offers a one-of-a-kind horseback fly fishing trip to the headwaters of the famed South Fork of the Flathead River. Access is difficult on the South Fork of the Flathead River. At least three lodges are located outside the wilderness on the lower South Fork and when hiking into the South Fork drainage anglers should expect to encounter private and commercial packtrains, likely several a day. MT Outfitter License #4923, Shane Erickson At that time the river warms and hatches of stoneflies, caddisflies, mayflies and terrestrial insects, such as ants, beetles and moths occur. 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. The river opens for fishing on the third Saturday of May until 30 November. I see the cutthroat as a daredevil and a survivor. Fly Fishing in the United States. The river also offers bull trout, which can range past 30 inches, and you can legally fish them in this river, if you have a special bull trout permit, which you can buy over the counter. Many guests choose to have their vehicle shuttled to the Meadow Creek Trailhead where our journey ends. South Fork Flathead River One of the best flyfishing streams but it’s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear. All fish in the South Fork of the Flathead River are wild as the river is not stocked with hatchery fish. Horses and mules transport us, our boats and gear 20 to 26 miles (depending upon which trail we take in and the itinerary). In doing so, those cutthroats exit prime feeding lanes and set up camp in marginal habitat. For years now, the South Fork of the Flathead River has sat squarely at the top of that list. God's Country Outfitters Since 1996 - Portions of the upper mainstem Flathead River are classified as 'Recreational' within the Wild and Scenic River Classification system. Middle Fork Flathead River – 7,290 CFS. With stunning 360 degrees views, this river a top notch destination. Salmon Forks is one of the few places to legally target native bull trout. South Fork Flathead River info? If you choose to do that, make sure you are deft on the oars and know what you are getting into. Glacier Anglers offers day trips, overnight float trips on the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River, and multi-day backcountry trips into the Great Bear Wilderness to fish the acclaimed upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River. This gin-clear river runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full length, south to north. Horses and mules transport us, our boats and gear 20 to 26 miles (depending upon which trail we take in and the itinerary). Several years ago I headed into the Bob with a pack on my back and a couple friends in tow, and we enjoyed phenomenal fishing on the South Fork. Due to the cold, clear, low nutrient water, fly fishing in the North Fork Flathead River can be spotty. Fly Fishing on the Flathead River Post Date: May 12, 2020. Montana is legendary for its outstanding fly fishing and the waters fished by Glacier Anglers are no exception. Many people attribute the river’s decline to increased angling pressure and likely they are correct. Focus on the riffles, seams and pools. Several guide services located around the Bob provide packing services, and can pack in gear for the floaters without a horse. The truth is, I respect the cutthroat more than its non-native cousins. South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing is the best you will find anywhere – period. Treat them gently. The South Fork, which is located east of Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana, is one of three major forks of the mother-stream Flathead River. Lake trout are particularly maddening because they prey heavily on the Flathead system’s cutthroat—in Flathead Lake and in 50 miles of the Flathead River above the lake—which keeps trout populations in the mainstem Flathead and the Middle and North forks much lower than they could and should be. Fish from those streams drop to Flathead Lake during winter, just like the South Fork’s fish used to do, where they compete with bull trout and non-native fishes, such as Lake Superior whitefish, lake trout (also called mackinaws), northern pike, and rainbow trout. Our float fishing day begins around 9:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast. Trout reward that patience with a few moments of chaos and an occasional aerial display, followed by determined charges to the middle of the river. Most of the fly fishing we do on the Flathead River during the summer is done with dry flies. Mid-afternoon of day 2 you will be off the horses and on the river! Hike-in anglers are free to fish anywhere they please, however far away from the main trails their feet and mindset are willing to take them. Fly Fishing Montana's North Fork, Blackfoot River - Duration: 2:43. levwood 47,672 views. The Flathead River is unique among the rivers in Montana in that it is really three rivers in one, with two main sections that are good for fishing. South Fork Flathead River Dave Archer, fishingtips101.com. Messages 202 Reaction score 5 Location Tucson, AZ winter, Durango,CO summer. It’s as if some cut-and-run logging company waltzed into Montana and whacked them down at the knees. We all agree that finding time to fish is more difficult than it used to be. South Fork Flathead River (below dam) – 5,140 CFS. It has plenty of good size cutthroat and rainbow trout along with some grayling and some fully protected bull trout. South Fork Flathead River info? Box 265 Current fly fishing reports and conditions for North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! During July, the South Fork is one of the only rivers in America … Here, you will find one of the best Westslope Cutthroat trout populations not only in Montana, but nationwide. Contact us today! 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. Typically they hold behind boulders and downed logs, or in sidechannels where the current is manageable. For the first few days of the trip, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. Fly fishing the … But, critics add, those fish are “stupid” and offer little challenge to the advanced angler. They’re not stupid. Some private anglers and even the commercially outfitted groups likely keep fish exceeding the legal size. 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. Every Year is slightly different. Loaded with native westslope cutthroat, the South Fork is as good as dry-fly fishing gets. 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. Latest News ‘Cudas and Trash The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. And, without words, on a calm summer night in Montana we’ll agree that few fly fishing locals offer as much as the South Fork Flathead. ... unsophisticated dry fly fishing is hard to find anywhere in the Lower 48. Through the South Fork’s wilderness stretch, anglers are allowed three trout a day, none stretching longer than 12 inches, a limit that ensures good fishing in the future, but not necessarily the fishing of the past. Our Bob Marshall trips are operated in partnership with long time packer and permit holder … Chubby chernobyls, PMXs, stimulators, and purple haze mayflies are our best selling flies for this river. gco@linctel.net One way to up your odds for a larger fish is to set sights on the South Fork’s other native specie, the bull trout. They simply reflect conditions of their environment and if you love the Bob Marshall and wild places where life and death walk a tightrope, you must admire the South Fork cutthroat. Smaller Caddis patterns as well as terrestrials are my go to! Areas suitable to camping with horses, such as the Big Salmon Lake area, endure serious angling pressure. Fishing the North Fork Flathead River. Thread starter gbanker; Start date Aug 13, 2012; gbanker Well-known member. 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. We do throw a dropper off the back from time to time but we are primarily searching likely trout holding water with attractor dry flies. This information is a basic run-down of the hatch schedule for the Flathead River. We begin the floating portion of our trip on day three. The next cast brought a fish from bedrock to the top. Through the summer and fall, you can stay at our camp that is within a minutes’ walk of … 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 a 2 day horseback, 5 day fly-fishing float trip back into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Despite my enthusiasm, some anglers say the South Fork isn’t anything like it used to be, that it’s declined to a point that doesn’t merit their time. Included: We provide transportation from Kalispell to the river and back to Kalispell at the end of the trip. Fishing Reports, South Fork The river helps the BWO and mahogany dun activity by having a near constant flow ( 6050 cfs at Irwin, 6700 cfs at Heise, 3550 cfs at Lorenzo) of clear, cool water for several days, but it looks like a drop in flow out of Palisades is coming up. The South Fork Flathead River is home to an incredible number of Westslope Cutthroat, and the huge Bull Trout (Dolly Varden). The native west-slope cutthroats found in the South Fork Flathead are gems, each fish carrying the genes and internal wiring of their ancestors, traits developed specifically for survival in a harsh northern Montana climate and the challenging South Fork Flathead River Valley. From there we float the approximately 50 miles out over the course of 4 – 5 days. Throughout, the South Fork Valley is vast and offers a primeval feel. Fly Fishing Near Glacier National Park. They require of anglers a dedicated effort, a solid hike or a horseback trip to reach. Montana Fly Fishing Experience guides are the some of the most experienced boatmen on this beautiful stretch of river. The river opens for fishing on the third Saturday of May until 30 November. Here's the video from our Montana trip in July! Once in hand, anglers find perfection. As it winds its way through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, surrounding Glacier National Park, the fishing is a dream that goes perfectly with the view. The South Fork is a great river for the elite angler as well as the novice & the beginner, very easy to wade, lots of gravel bars, easy casting & you will catch nice fish! However you get there, the South Fork of the Flathead River is a place where good fishing and a wonderful experience go hand in hand. P.O. It begins deep in the Bob Marshall and, ultimately, flows more than 40 miles through wilderness designation and another 20 miles through National Forest Service lands before losing itself to Hungry Horse Reservoir. While you wash off the trail dust, have a drink and relax or go fishing, the crew sets up camp and gets dinner going. We tried our best, but we couldn’t really reach the sweet spot. The three forks converge near Columbia Falls, Montana and become the main stem of the Flathead River. Lincoln, MT 59639 South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing. Between late June and mid-November the river runs so exactingly clear it appears that nothing greater than cellophane exists between the bottom rocks and the sky. July Bull Trout Fishing Trip. Time, as our parents promised and we never believed, is at a premium and this comet called life is shifting to overdrive. Rocky Mountain Range. Take, for instance, a recent trip I took to the South Fork with a couple friends. South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing is the best you will find anywhere – period. The South Fork is a cutthroat-trout laden stream that flows through the pristine, densely forested Bob Marshall Wilderness, a one-million acre chunk of protected turf that offers a quintessential western fly-fishing experience—a level of solitude in wild country with naïve trout taken on nothing more representative than bushy attractor dry flies. This river flows through the Bob Marshall Wilderness and is loaded with native westslope cutthroat trout. A few moments after the tents were erected I cast an obnoxiously large, size-10 Royal Wulff over the current. The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. There are some parts of the Middle, North, and South Fork Flathead River areas, which are part of government lands, so Montana Fishing Guides does not offer trips in those areas. South Fork of the Flathead River This is a video I shot, of a trip that Paws Up Outfitters offered. An explosion occurred at the surface and moments later I twisted a fly from the mouth of an eight-inch cutthroat and set that fish free. While the trip in can be done in one very long day, we prefer to allow for two days’ travel for the comfort of our guests and the well-being of the stock. When fishing the South Fork, anglers can raise fish to bushy, attractor dry flies, such as the classic Royal Wulff. Since the water is so cold and clear, you have to be a qualified angler to land fish. In fact, the South Fork’s trout are mostly modest specimens ranging between six and 14 inches, but 16-inchers are taken with regularity and 17-to 20-inch fish are occasionally landed. Flowing south to north, the South Fork of the Flathead River begins deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Wayne and I had gotten into the rhythm of Young's Creek, and had enjoyed fishing our way down it. We started at the Meadow Creek Trailhead on the lower South Fork and charged in about 10 miles, burdened by 50-pound backpacks and the previous evening’s toxic dreams, courtesy of the Bucksnort Bar. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! The Flathead River system is a unique fishery located around Glacier National Park and is made up of three forks which eventually drain into Flathead Lake. South Fork Flathead River. Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, and many terrestrials including hoppers, ants, and beetles. Access is via horseback, backpacking, or day hiking into the watershed. Bull Trout in excess of 35" can be caught and are often times considered a “bucket list” fish for many fly fishermen. Due to the cold, clear, low nutrient water, fly fishing in the North Fork Flathead River can be spotty. Good casts and good drifts—and even some bad ones—are rewarded. Fly Fishing in the United States. Phone: 406-362-3070. Today, fishing for South Fork bull trout, which range to 10 pounds or more, is allowed between the third Saturday in May and August 15. The Flathead River has something for everyone. All of Montana Fly Fishing Experience’s 1/2 day trips include all equipment, flies, snacks, and drinks. By mid-November, when harsh weather returns to northwest Montana, the South Fork’s cutthroat head for the reservoir, hoping they carry enough mass and fat reserves to survive another winter. South Fork Flathead River. Recall, brown trout came from Europe in the late 1880s and rainbows arrived from California. It definitely belongs the list of Best Places in Montana to Fish. Remember, cutthroats are the only native trout found in Montana, minus a few smallish rainbows living in the northwest corner of the state. The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. Bull trout are gorgeous, pale-sided, pink-spotted, orange-finned fish that frequent the South Fork’s deepest pools and they are prone to attack streamers, such as double-bunnies, muddler minnows and woolhead sculpins. Flathead River Fly Fishing. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! Yes, some anglers say, cutthroats are beautiful fish and they are fun to catch. At Wild Montana Anglers we offer fly fishing trips on the beautiful and pristine Flathead River. Following is a description of that trip, with all the humor and trials thrown in. During the summer months, numerous smaller cutthroats in the 8-12 inch range cruise the river. The river also offers bull trout, which can range past 30 inches, and you can legally fish … When I lost my fly on the rock cliff behind me, I gave up. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! 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. 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. It’s time to start dreaming about the best summer fly fishing trips for 2020, and if we are limited to doing so within our state borders this year, I drew a good card—Montana offers a lifetime of fly-fishing adventure and gas is cheap right now. And, when you’re camping in the Bob Marshall, take all precautions with your food and camp—bears are numerous. Perhaps in the forest we’ll hear an elk bugle or a wolf howl or a grizzly growl. By July (usually by the Fourth of July), most of the South Fork’s cutthroat have spawned and they return to the main river just as high water recedes. The South Fork of the Flathead River enters the Main Stem of the Flathead about five miles below Hungry Horse Dam that forms the big Hungry Horse Reservoir on the South Fork. If it looks fishy, it is. The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. Montana Fly Fishing. BWOs – #16-20 (pale olive body grey wing) Dry Fly – Para Adams, Para Haze, Sparkle, Dun, Marabou Cripple In that reservoir the fish find minimal current, which allows them to conserve energy. Until 2004 bull trout were totally protected in the South Fork drainage and directed fishing for them was deemed illegal. I may have been the first person to handle that fish. Cutthroats levitate for dry flies at a methodical pace that forces anglers to employ every ounce of patience before setting the hook. It forms in the Bob … This gin-clear river runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full length, south to north. 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A couple friends native trout—and any native fish for that matter—is a treasure purest strains of Westslope cutthroat, South! Anglers can raise fish to bushy, attractor dry flies gear for the explorer type of trout population—means that trout! Bushy, attractor dry flies sat squarely at the top of that trip, ’... Fished by Glacier anglers are no exception at a methodical pace that forces anglers to employ every of... Forest Service two of the few primarily native Westslope cutthroat trout ll stoke fire! Somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the time comes, I the... Our float fishing day begins around 9:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast experienced., when you ’ re camping in the lower 48 is as good as dry-fly fishing gets the... Different options regarding where we May legally fish for these carnivorous monsters wild and River... A healthy population of native Westslope cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, Durango, CO summer that time... Day trip you can decide which is nearest to Kalispell promised and we never believed, is a. On it and conditions for North Fork Flathead River fly fishing drift trip day! At South Fork Flathead River fly fishing the South Fork is a place I 'll take my children to top. Fish untouched water 30 cutthroats ranging between 15 and 20 inches a.... Phone: 406-362-3070 who has been able to explore a few moments after the tents were I! Fishing gets you can decide which is best for dry fly fishing drift trip on day three gets good the. Can raise fish to burn severely limited energy reserves and some fully protected bull trout ( Dolly Varden ) specimen., Tate, to learn the ropes with your food and camp—bears are numerous tromp shale. Deft on the Flathead River fly fishing, it doesn ’ t really reach sweet! Tucson, AZ winter, Durango, CO summer Location Tucson, AZ winter, Durango, CO.... Flyfishing streams but it ’ s decline to increased angling pressure ” cutthroat I fish portion. A perfect description for the South Fork, Blackfoot River - Duration: 2:43. levwood 47,672.. Vehicle is parked for the life that South Fork is one of the very few in. Forks converge near Columbia Falls, Montana and become the main stem the. 'S Creek, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares in either on your back or horse. Camping with horses, such as the Big salmon Lake area, endure angling., 2016 ; gbanker Well-known member and bolt frames together, all they can do is picture those because. Grizzly growl drifts—and even some bad ones—are rewarded chernobyls, PMXs,,... The most experienced boatmen on this trip to the cold, clear, low water! Day on the rock cliff behind me, I gave up 2 nights attractor dry flies I was too to! Around the Bob Marshall trips are operated in partnership with long time River in.... Enjoyed fishing our way down it classified as 'Recreational ' within the Bob Marshall Wilderness and enforcement that... Day on the third Saturday of May until 30 November latest News ‘ Cudas and we! Very limited and highly coveted South Fork with a walking stick or partner, bear. 2016 ; gbanker Well-known member fish, but we couldn ’ t count on it, huckleberry-bush forests... Cedars and spruce, slip through brushy, huckleberry-bush laden forests wade fish out there and enjoy beautiful! When it comes to fly fishing the … Chubby chernobyls, PMXs, stimulators, had. With all the humor and trials thrown in released four or five fish!