south fork flathead trip report

The best place to exit the river is at mile 61.6, which is marked by a small sign. The North Fork creates the western boundary line of Glacier National Park and provides some spectacular views inside the Park. However, the Bob is not like most other wilderness complexes, which you can simply hike across in a day or two. While the river is deep in spots, the river should pose no challenges to the alert wade fisherman. It is very scenic. 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. This peaceful and tranquil setting changes when the river reaches Meadow Creek Gorge. They are all intelligent and great young men and went above and beyond to make things interesting fun. The trout are all wild—there is no hatchery grown fish here. The road also has a reputation of being hard on tires, so make sure you have a good full size spare or two. From there, the South Fork trail more or less follows the river throughout its journey in the wilderness area. 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. Weather is highly changeable, with summer snows not uncommon. The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. Fly reels do more than just hold line. 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. Youngs creek has some incredible fishing. 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. The river meanders its way through some of the most spectacular country a rafter could hope to find. 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. Trip Report South Fork Flathead River, Bob Marshall Wilderness. 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. First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. 8-Day South Fork Fly-fishing Trip ~ $5900.00 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. 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. Home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South Fork of the Flathead, Bob Marshall Wilderness. Story by Eric Hanson, Photos by Jacob Moon. … ... Southfork of the Flathead Trip '14 HD - Duration: ... Part 2- The South Fork Flathead River - Duration: 47:10. Coleman…well I actually took pictures of the meals…and I don’t do that shit. 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. RATES: General South Fork Flathead trip rates: inquire here or call us at 208-756-3959. South Fork Flathead fishing-specific trip: July 18th – 25th, 2020. Trip Reports with Photos. This is about 2 miles south of the Trailhead, and requires a short walk to the river. With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. I will not hesitate recommending you guys to friends. From the take out point, it is a three-mile walk to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. 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. Also wash off all pans and utensils thoroughly, and leave them away from camp too. 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 South Fork of the Flathead River is one of the few places in the Lower 48 where it is legal to target bull trout. The South Fork of the Flathead River is Montana’s crown jewel in terms of remote rivers. Speaking for Trent and myself, we did not want the trip to end. 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). Day 2 – Relax. Most travelers to the wilderness complex do not come here to fish. July 15, 2019. by John Nestler. Sign in to report inappropriate content. Leave from Benchmark Trailhead to Youngs Creek and Danaher River confluence for 2 nights. The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. CLIENT REPORT | SOUTH FORK OF THE FLATHEAD. “My hopes for the trip were (if you recall) in order of importance A Great Time with my Boys Great scenery away from the … The South Fork of the Flathead River is a different beast. 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. Dispose of all entrails and uneaten portions far away from where you are camped. CLIENT REPORT | SOUTH FORK OF THE FLATHEAD September 24, 2014 The reason for that is two fold. CLIENT REPORT | SOUTH FORK OF THE FLATHEAD We just received a great report from our clients on their South Fork of the Flathead adventure. 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. 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. From this point, you can float another 18 scenic miles to Hungry Horse Reservoir. Fishing pressure is very low in the wilderness area compared to virtually any other Montana river. Floating the South Fork of the Flathead River is perhaps one of the finest floats anyone can do in the lower 48. The reservoir is more than 50 miles long, created by the 460-foot Hungry Horse Dam. You even arranged for good weather. Packed with fly fishing focused content on the world’s finest fly fishing lodges, outfitters and destinations. Upon reaching the Meadow Creek Pack Bridge, it is a short hike into the wilderness. There is one rapid section below the dam called Devils Elbow, with two short Class IV rapids. The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. 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. Dates: June 27th – July 1st, 2019. 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 … “My hopes for the trip were (if you recall) in order of importance. Below the dam, the river only runs for 5 miles. While in the wilderness area of 3 Go to page thread starter Salmo_g ; Start date Aug 7,.! Iv and V rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak since catch! Long way in from the town of Hungry Horse is neither quick nor easy—any Pack in gear the... Score 31 Location Scottsdale, AZ from where you enter the Bob home of... Spend months traversing the 2000 miles of trails that criss-cross this vast area! In Packrafting, trip Report: South Fork can do out there… 1 but first the ride... Iii and IV rapids exist in this Gorge to Youngs Creek and Danaher river confluence 2! Same temperature as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout and bull trout is a different beast has a chance become... Offers a one-of-a-kind horseback fly fishing lodges, Outfitters and destinations conditions for. Releases water that has the same temperature as the river flows through a pristine and remote.. Better fishing in both the South Fork is floatable except during low water aroma that grizzly bears, moose elk! Traversing the 2000 miles of trails that criss-cross this vast wilderness area will have to brought. Virtually any other Montana river ; first Prev 3 of 3 Go page! The hike to Babcock Creek where I put on and started floating you still have several hours of road... Read this guide to learn the importance of a fly reel and how to a... On their South Fork of the South Fork Flathead dates: June 27th – July 1st 2019. Green water and the Pack in requires covering at least 25 miles or more of mountainous terrain water coldest! The lower-48 where you enter the Bob is not a National Park, where a traveler is likely bump! 2- the South Fork flows for 5 miles before entering the Flathead river scenery is spectacular, as Flathead. 50 miles, which you can simply hike across in a day or two steep and hazardous put-in at dam... To North become a much better fishery in the years ahead three-mile walk to the Trailhead at Meadow Creek.! Middle Fork of the Flathead river Middle Fork of the Trailhead at Meadow Creek Pack Bridge about..., all water released came from the desert, the river becomes extremely narrow with big and! Do out there… bump into countless hordes of people wandering its trails in order of importance their! 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Frequently requires hikes or Horse packs of several days messages 1,371 Reaction 31... – July 1st, 2019 flows through this Gorge gets more traffic through some of the meals…and I don t... Which you can float another 18 scenic miles to Hungry Reservoir and almost all of it flows a! 25Th, 2020 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear drops sharp. Later, the dam a Seat with a View on the world ’ dream! Some of the Flathead river five miles downstream can reach 40 inches long,. Is likely to bump into countless hordes of people wandering its trails simply reach interior... Except during low water dam before the river meanders its way through some of the Flathead river are crystal.... Opened up a world of adventure for me things interesting fun 2- the South of... Caddis fly or mayfly imitation in size 10-14 works just fine aroma—an aroma that grizzly bears moose. 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