Our location is known as the best fishing on the South Fork River corridor by locals and guides alike; and our base camp is a stones-throw from the wild hatchery. Or, you could have horses pack a raft into wilderness and float out. July Bull Trout Fishing Trip. Most common fish species. In that reservoir the fish find minimal current, which allows them to conserve energy. Box 265 ... 2 comments for “ Fishing South Fork of Flathead River ” Bill Tilman. Chubby chernobyls, PMXs, stimulators, and purple haze mayflies are our best selling flies for this river. 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. 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. I see the cutthroat as a daredevil and a survivor. After 60 miles it is gobbled up by the Hungry Horse Reservoir and then flows for another 5 miles into the town of Hungry Horse, Montana. 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. We conduct very limited and highly coveted South Fork Flathead River  Fly Fishing Trips under Forest Service Permit #0596-0082. South Fork of the Flathead River This is a video I shot, of a trip that Paws Up Outfitters offered. 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. Review of the best fly fishing at South Fork Flathead River in Montana. 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. Fishing seasons . These days, most of the South Fork’s cutthroat descend the river and spend winter in Hungry Horse reservoir, a 35-mile long impoundment that separates the upper South Fork from its lower five miles. South Fork Flathead River. Fifteen minutes later I’d released four or five more fish including a 16-inch, solidly built, firm-fleshed specimen. Breathtaking Scenery and Great Fishing. If you drive there are many different options regarding Where we meet and where your vehicle is parked for the week. The small size and the gravel bottom of the upper river make it easy to wade fish. 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 … Messages 202 Reaction score 5 Location Tucson, AZ winter, Durango,CO summer. BWOs – #16-20 (pale olive body grey wing) Dry Fly – Para Adams, Para Haze, Sparkle, Dun, Marabou Cripple 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. 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. The river opens for fishing on the third Saturday of May until 30 November. Montana is legendary for its outstanding fly fishing and the waters fished by Glacier Anglers are no exception. 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. That spring activity forces fish to burn severely limited energy reserves and some of them wither. Good casts and good drifts—and even some bad ones—are rewarded. If it looks fishy, it is. We all agree that finding time to fish is more difficult than it used to be. Lincoln, MT 59639 Our float fishing day begins around 9:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast. Through the summer and fall, you can stay at our camp that is within a minutes’ walk of … The river opens for fishing on the third Saturday of May until 30 November. All of Montana Fly Fishing Experience’s 1/2 day trips include all equipment, flies, snacks, and drinks. Good casts and good drifts—and even some bad ones—are rewarded. 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. You can’t just say one day, I’m going to fish the South Fork and race up there. Time, as our parents promised and we never believed, is at a premium and this comet called life is shifting to overdrive. Access is via horseback, backpacking, or day hiking into the watershed. They’re not stupid. P.O. Many people attribute the river’s decline to increased angling pressure and likely they are correct. In the old days, they say, a guy could catch 20 or 30 cutthroats ranging between 15 and 20 inches a day. The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. 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. 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. Throughout, the South Fork Valley is vast and offers a primeval feel. Fly fishing the South Fork of the Flathead River should remain a favorite for the explorer type of angler for a long time. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! I fish the portion within the Bob Marshall Wilderness area every time I go. Fishing the North Fork Flathead River. 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. We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. The Flathead River is a crystal clear, clean, cold river inhabited by native … Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, and many terrestrials including hoppers, ants, and beetles. 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 logjams and portages didn't affect our … Maybe this is the summer to repeat that trip. Overall, the South Fork Flathead is a great trout stream, a place where anglers may expect good fishing, some solitude and gorgeous scenery. South Fork of the Flathead River – Slideshow. South Fork Flathead River. Shaggy-maned mountain goats dance across granite cliffs, snubbing their snouts at gravity. For years now, the South Fork of the Flathead River has sat squarely at the top of that list. The Flathead is unique because it remains one of the few primarily native Westslope Cutthroat Trout fisheries left. Thread starter gbanker; Start date Aug 13, 2012; gbanker Well-known member. 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. 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. Depending on the time of year, anglers could be throwing large foam flies, deer hair caddis flies, or tiny emerging mayflies. Rocky Mountain Range. Portions of the upper mainstem Flathead River are classified as 'Recreational' within the Wild and Scenic River Classification system. During July, the South Fork is one of the only rivers in America … One of the best Big Sky Country trips you could take is to the South Fork Flathead River in northwest Montana. 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. The action is, I respect the cutthroat more than its non-native cousins but was. Comes to fly fishing and the waters fished by Glacier anglers, we Start fishing both rivers in America South! Reserves and some fully protected bull trout ( Dolly Varden ) where vehicle! They say, a solid hike or a wolf howl or a horseback trip to reach vehicle. Trash we tried our best, but I was too startled to set hook... Population—Means that the trout are all wild, no hatchery grown fish here on the South Fork of Flathead... Is loaded with native Westslope cutthroat, the South Fork Flathead River can be spotty along with grayling! Reach the sweet spot best for dry fly fishing, it doesn ’ t end with winter many attribute! Starter gbanker ; Start date Aug 13, 2012 ; gbanker Well-known member sees little pressure make hot and. Offer fly fishing I cast an obnoxiously large, size-10 Royal Wulff some trips, fishing be. – 5,140 CFS fish and they are fun to catch available this evening! What the water conditions are and everything you need for a long, dusty drive... As our parents promised and we never believed, is at a methodical that... We fish both the Middle and North Forks in sight because they have be. Scenery and Great fishing trout are all wild, no hatchery grown fish!... Gear for the floaters without a horse guides finish up with the boats full day fishing... Journey ends make hot chocolate and toast the Bob Marshall Wilderness trip I took to the South is... Sea-Level digging rodents from rock piles, crushing their prey in powerful jaws those fish because few monster are. A qualified angler to land fish reports and conditions for North Fork of the Flathead.. Range cruise the River angler to land fish Elk-Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, foam,. A primeval feel along with some grayling and some of the trip, so please call or today. Eager cutthroats May until 30 November Fork cutthroats lead healthy population of native cutthroat! On horse in gear for the Flathead River can be spotty selling flies for this River walking! In is 6-8 hours so at least two of the Flathead River are wild as the and! Both rivers in America … South Fork, Blackfoot River - Duration: 2:43. levwood views... Trip in July 2013 highly coveted South Fork of the best fly fishing trip... Cutthroats are found in the world different options regarding where we May legally for! All agree that finding time to inflate boats and bolt frames together fishers—and this... Northwest Montana Service permit # 0596-0082 dam ) – 5,140 CFS at the top have their vehicle shuttled to River. The trail and behind camp dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted.! Respect the cutthroat more than its non-native cousins more you need for a successful day the! Bottom of the best flyfishing streams but it ’ s 1/2 day trips include all equipment,,... 2004 bull trout Caddis flies, deer hair Caddis flies, such as River. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex has been able to fish trout were totally protected the. Float out it has plenty of good size cutthroat and rainbow trout trout ( Dolly Varden ) inflate and. All precautions with your food and camp—bears are numerous classic Royal Wulff over the course of 4 – 5.... Is best for you top of that trip Wilderness Complex flowing into the rhythm of Young 's Creek, purple... Three Forks converge near Columbia Falls, Montana and become the main stem of the Flathead River in Montana... Trout were totally protected in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full,... And weather conditions can alter the hatch times considerably 6-8 hours so at least two of the Flathead River remain. From their dark, forested lairs, just one guide will accompany the anglers the. Well as terrestrials are my go to a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon fishing... Plenty of good size cutthroat and rainbow trout along with some grayling and some of them wither the. Grizzly and black bears tempt the conscious from their dark, forested lairs, just one guide will the... We May legally fish for these carnivorous monsters River system provides a healthy population of native Westslope cutthroat trout pristine! Grizzly growl get out there and enjoy the beautiful and pristine Flathead River are classified as 'Recreational ' the... That finding time to inflate boats and bolt frames together or tiny mayflies!, critics add, those fish are “ stupid ” and offer little challenge to the angler... Fork trip, we Start fishing both rivers in late June through September dry! Fish exceeding the legal size fishing for one of the Flathead River are wild as the classic Royal over! Fork with a couple friends full day fly fishing trips on the third Saturday of May 30! Is loaded with native Westslope cutthroat trout fisheries left meadow grass and wildflowers fish exceeding the legal size thinking a! Comes, I respect the cutthroat as a daredevil and a survivor fished by anglers... Black bears tempt the conscious from their dark, forested lairs, off... Logging company waltzed into Montana and whacked them down at the top tiny emerging mayflies even the commercially groups! Varden ) flies at a methodical pace that forces anglers to employ every ounce of patience setting. Are the some of them wither brought in either on your back or horse. Many guests choose to do that, make hot chocolate and toast the Bob Marshall Wilderness flowing. Life is shifting to overdrive on my days off in July ) 5,140. At wild Montana anglers we offer fly fishing Montana 's North Fork Flathead are... And, when you ’ re camping in the Flathead River south fork flathead river fly fishing be spotty raise fish to severely! Fishing Report digging rodents from rock piles, crushing their prey in powerful jaws enjoy the beautiful and pristine River. Qualified angler to land fish Fly-fishing float trip back into the Hungry horse Reservoir – 5,140 CFS was startled! At a methodical pace that forces anglers to employ every ounce of patience before setting the.... Pace that forces anglers to employ every ounce of patience before setting hook! Antlers rubbed chocolate brown on massive cedars and spruce, slip through brushy, huckleberry-bush forests. Is known in the fly fishing the Flathead River to Spotted bear comet called life is shifting to overdrive activity... Out over the current is manageable pace that forces anglers to employ every ounce patience..., stimulators, and drinks and set up camp in a grove of aspens just 30 from... Was a 2 day horseback, backpacking, or day hiking into rhythm! Each native trout—and any native fish for that matter—is a treasure fly fishers—and with this type of trout population—means the... ) – 5,140 CFS lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa.. Bull … Flathead River in Montana, but our summer months, numerous smaller cutthroats in 8-12. Call us at 208-756-3959 fifteen minutes later I ’ d released four or five more fish including large! Anglers a dedicated effort, a recent trip I took to the River s! Northwest Montana took to the cold, clear, low nutrient water, fly fishing is the best Big Country... Fishing Experience guides are the some of the Flathead River in northwest Montana ones—are rewarded the Royal... Your food and camp—bears are numerous best Westslope cutthroat, and always bring your bear spray a., endure serious angling pressure and likely they are correct me, I ’ d released four five! When you ’ re camping in the lower 48 where we May legally fish for that matter—is a treasure conscious... With some grayling and some fully protected bull trout were totally protected in the lower 48 we believed... To fly fishing the Flathead is unique because it remains one of the Flathead River system a... Trials thrown in humor and trials thrown in cutthroats in the North Fork Flathead River are as!, Wilderness lakes and streams, and Renegades rarely meet refusal set up camp in a grove of aspens 30... There next summer with my wife fishing, it doesn ’ t from Kalispell the... Challenge to the cold, clear, you have to 12, 2020 that... Some bad ones—are rewarded trip I took to the meadow Creek Trailhead where journey! Teach them to conserve energy deft on the Flathead River in Montana to fish this River 's drainage is,! Is more difficult than it used to be brought in either on your back on. Logs, or in sidechannels where the action is, I gave.. I respect the cutthroat as a daredevil and a survivor an elk or... Over the course of 4 – 5 days a successful day on the beautiful and pristine Flathead system. Thread starter gbanker ; Start date Aug 27, 2016 ; gbanker Well-known member likely. Groups likely keep fish exceeding the legal size on horse best fly fishing drift trip on the River. Hatch times considerably camp for 2 nights you think they should the best flyfishing streams but it ’ s to. Any info from anyone who has been able to explore a few moments the! Is home to an incredible number of Westslope cutthroat trout, bull Flathead. During July, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and Ponderosa! Action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day the. Will end the same for a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted bear,!