To the northwest, the massive waters of Lake Koocanusa and a variety of mountain streams. While float fishing is great for covering lots of water, wade fishing allows you to spend more time in highly productive locations like trout rich seams and riffle corners. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. Fishing is good May through mid June, pond gets warm, weedy and muddy after that. Concentration of grayling and cutthroat in front of the spawning inlet on the south shore in early May. The Kootenai sports abundant public access for wade fishing, and its large size makes it a perfect candidate for float fishing out of a drift boat or raft. The South Fork of the Flathead – Bob Marshall Wilderness trip generally begins in Great Falls, the day before the start day. Foy Lake – highly overlooked. I hear it all to often with folks...I should go fly-fishing now, BUT IT'S COLD! On our last day, the float trip ends in the early afternoon at the beginning of Meadow Creek Gorge. ($630 per guide per day to Yellowstone National Park or the Missouri River Tailwater near Craig) Includes: All terminal tackle including flies, rods if needed, lunch. The average 'Bow, however, runs in the 12-14 inch range. The best fly fishing on the lower Flathead River is all located on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Adjacent to the James River are several stocked trout streams in some of the Blue Ridge Mountain’s most scenic settings. Tribal permits are easily obtain… River gets low by late summer, “hoot owl” regulations may apply, no fishing in afternoons. Fishing Program This program features a combination of walk and wade fishing as well as fishing from rafts. The first day is often the longest, about 7 to 9 hours on horseback. Please contact us if you have any questions. Catch and release. Clearly, the “Bob” is one of the most beautiful, pristine, and majestic places you will ever visit. Each section offers unique options for float and wade fishing trips. This gin-clear river runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full length, south to north. Price: 5-6 Day South Fork Fly Fishing Package (Wade only) $2,800 per person – 6 people $3,200 per person – 5 people Wade fishing the Middle Fork, while possible, is limited by fast water and deep pools between the runs. "If you're fortunate enough to get a bite from a hungry flathead, wait for a steady pull of 6 feet or more before setting the hook," Ostrander said. There’s a deeper hole out from the fishing pier and also at the far end by the old skating rink. The river has two parts which join together in Northumberland, PA. There are a number of good fly shops that can give you tips on where to go and fly patterns to use. They show how beautiful the river … ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FOR HORSE PACK TRIPS. In fact, looking at the maps, where all the roads end, trails follow the Flathead for miles and miles. Pond is heavily stocked with rainbows and cutthroat. Clothing that ranges from fishing to horseback riding. A section from the dam to Devil’s Elbow is closed. Summer on the Flathead River system is phenomenal. … On day three guests will spend the entire day walk and wade fishing the upper reaches of the river with a guide. The cutthroat are small, 6”- 12” with a few big fish, but numerous and eager to hit a fly. Cleats or studs provide better traction but are not welcome in rafts, drift boats and on many floors. The New River is regarded as one of the top smallmouth rivers in the country and one of the best overall fishing rivers in Virginia. Campground next to road, lake lies below road. An excellent map of the entire Flathead River system is available at the Forest Service station in Hungry Horse. However, as the water recedes throughout the summer, the high elevation snow melt diminishes, and this large and broad … It is helpful but not necessary to do some riding prior to your trip. 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. 2, take Kila exit. Bank and wade fishing access is also available throughout the river. The lower end of the Spotted Bear River is brushy but good fishing. Rainbows planted in April or early May. This is the case where the width and depth are conducive to this type of angling, as … You can drag boats down from the Lone Pine parking lot or launch at the county boat ramp. Canoeing is the best way to access the river, maps and narration for float trips are found under Maps & Access. In northwest Montana, we’re surrounded by incredible lake and fly-fishing opportunities. The Middle Fork has bigger cutthroat, up to 16”- 18”, but lower numbers than the North Fork. Mountain goats, black bear, elk, and a variety of smaller mammals and birds are often seen along this journey through the Rocky Mountains. Shore Thing Shuttles – Mainstem above Flathead Lake. There are numerous stretches of the Clark where wade fishing is the preferred, if not the only, way to tackle the river. An 8 to 8½ foot, 5 or 6 weight fly outfit will cover most situations. We begin the floating portion of our trip on day three. Turn on USFS Rd. Gallatin River Location: Gallatin River, Montana. Turn off Farm To Market Road onto Bootjack Lake Road. 3. Small to medium grayling. 2. Walk up the east side of the pond, fish out from the 1st or 2nd benches. Brushy shorelines can make casting difficult. It supports outstanding populations of just about every major freshwater … Utilizing the services of an outfitter is a great move. Not included: Fishing license, guide gratuity, wader rentals (can be provided at $35 per set - generally only needed on wade … Westslope Cutthroat from 10″-20″ are the primary quarry, and take attractor patterns like Royal Wulffs and Humpies greedily. However, the water … Best fishing is late June through October. There are a number of good access points and popular stretches are Blankenship Bridge to Teakettle FAS, Teakettle FAS to Pressentine … You can back down to the lake, pretty much need a canoe or pontoon boat. We set up all the camps, cook meals and provide two dedicated fishing guides to help you out. Filed under eagle, flathead river, fly fishing Montana, Jack Mauer, pike, Roy Loman, small mouth bass, Trout, Wade fishing… You may choose to extend this flight to a scenic fly over Glacier National Park or the Great Bear Wilderness. He is intimately acquainted with the surrounding fisheries and their corresponding ecologies. River Monsters More … A paved path leads to the pond. 3. Most of the fishing is float fishing. Float fishing gets you to good water but some sections have high-rated whitewater so get a 3 Forks of the Flathead float map. Get a good pair of wading boots. Catch and release. Your email address will not be published. This is not the case, for the most part, from Clinton to Missoula. I couldn’t resist posting these two photos on their own. There are two docks you can cast from for northern pike. Filed under eagle, flathead river, fly fishing Montana, Jack Mauer, pike, Roy Loman, small mouth bass, Trout, Wade fishing, wapiti waters. Because they are easy to catch and numbers are declining in some areas, limits are low to zero and catch and release is encouraged. Do I have to wade? The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. The trail drops 400’ off the road, then a gentle climb to the lake. We fish the middle, north and mainstem of the system. With an incredible number of fishing spots at their disposal, East Coast anglers have it good, and a Susquehanna River fishing experience shows it. On some trips, fishing may be available this first evening. The rest of the river has plenty of access and casting lanes are quite open if you’re willing to wade in the water a little ways. The only items you should have with you for the horseback ride are: full water bottle, camera, rain gear, fleece jacket or sweater, hat, and riding clothes. Red Meadow Lake – Drive about 5-1/2 miles past Polebridge (stop for a pastry) on the North Fork Road. Montana Fishing Guides holds all the information you need to ensure success on your next Flathead River fly fishing experience. Basically, the tribes allow fishing year-round on the Flathead River. We fish the middle, north and mainstem of the system. Drive about 11 miles up near top of Whitefish Range, road is often not open until late June. The next day begins about 6:00 a.m. for breakfast and the drive or flight to the trailhead. The Middle Fork is paralleled by Highway 2 but access is more difficult. It offers both wade and float fishing opportunities for four trout species, plus Arctic grayling in the higher reaches. Fall may be equally good, boat traffic drops way off. Wooly buggers, beadhead nymphs, maybe dry flys. There’s a parking lot across from the Lone Pine State Park road. Shady Lane Pond – Take Conrad Drive to Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access Site. The Thompson has a salmonfly hatch that starts about mid May on the lower end. Whitefish are common. Copyright 2017 Montana River Outfitters - Site by, Floating Montana: 5 Favorite River Floats, Pale Morning Dun #12-16                         Hoppers #6-10                         Royal Wulff #10-14                         Elk Hair Caddis #8-16                         Parachute Caddis 10-16                         Stimulator #6-12                         Royal Trude #8-16                         Parachute Adams #10-18, Lightning bug #12-18                         Humpy #10-14                         Girdle bug #4-8                         Montana Nymph #6-12                         Bead Head Prince Nymph #10-16                         Bead Head Pheasant Tail #12-18                         Bead Head Hares Ear #8-16, One or two changes of outer clothes should be adequate (use layering method), Long johns are a good idea, particularly the new high tech wicking, quick drying materials, Foot gear: light weight hiking boots serve well as combination riding and hiking boots, Rain gear can be a saddle slicker, poncho, or rain suit, Pillow case stuffed with a jacket or sweater makes a comfy “pillow”, Pack everything in one soft luggage or duffel bag, Maximum weight of bag should be 50 pounds. Due to the speed, depth and width of the river, wade fishing can be difficult except for later during the summer, and can be downright dangerous at high river flows. Day two of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the South Fork of the Flathead. The New River is regarded as one of the top smallmouth rivers in the country and one of the best overall fishing rivers in Virginia. Enjoy dry fly fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout while floating … Trout run 8” to 14” with a few big ones. Day two of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the South Fork of the Flathead. Turn east on Grandview Avenue and drive east along the south side of the Flathead Valley Community College. The Gallatin begins in Yellowstone National Park and is a wonderful river to wade. Take Rogers Lake Road up to the lake, keep right at the “Y” just before the lake. Thompson Chain of Lakes – This area half way between Libby and Kalispell on Highway 2 has several smaller lakes like Bootjack, Topless, Myron, and Cibid that provide good fishing for cutts and rainbows. A famous, picturesque, and classic trout river, the Big Hole flows 150 miles through the southwestern part of the state, and makes every short list of best fishing spots in Montana. # 538. Read the Standard Regulations that apply to all waters in that District. Steep and brushy shorelines so flotation is recommended. Nearby Strawberry Lake is easy to access. Northwest Montana has more than 200 mountain lakes that offer great scenery. However, no state fishing license is … Night fishing for flathead catfish. We begin the floating portion of our trip on day three. The best way to fish it is to cover some water, and for this there is no finer boat than the McKenzie River … This is mostly wade fishing although there is some limited floating. If you're interested in a … The Elk River Guiding Company is the premier outfitter in Fernie for float trips and walk n' wade fly fishing and has the most professional and experienced guides in the Elk Valley. Gratuity … The trout are all wild, no hatchery grown fish here! Rogers Lake – 12 miles west of Kalispell on Hwy. From the early spring fishing in March and April, May to the end of run-off … It is an authentic "Montana Style" fly shop. Felt soles on wading boots give adequate traction but are not allowed in some areas due to the potential to carry Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). # 115 (Red Meadow Road). Day two of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the South Fork of the Flathead. For an extra adventure it is an easy walk into the Bob Marshall Wilderness although you have to go in 4 miles from Meadow Creek Portal to get to the river easily. The problem is how to get out when you are tired at the end of the day. A float tube or small boat is helpful. Wading is limited but there is a road along the lower river. Will my rod guides freeze? Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana … On some trips, fishing may be available this first evening. Floatation is required. Dinner is served at about 6:00 p.m. after which there is plenty of time to wade fish or relax around camp and enjoy an exhilarating wilderness evening. Both floating and … The South Fork below Hungry Horse Dam around the city of Hungry Horse can also provide good fishing, particularly in spring when the main river is muddy. Many are caught in large natural lakes and impoundments, but hard-hitting, pole-bending flatheads reach their greatest abundance in big bottomland rivers. Many of our guides absolutely love … From here, we can transport you to your lodging for the night in Kalispell or better yet we can arrange an exciting 20 minute, Alaska style, scenic charter flight out from the edge of the wilderness. We will have ample opportunities for taking side hikes, photography, exploring, and fishing tributaries and lakes. We have been exploring some wade fishing options in anticipation of the next heat wave on the horizon. Rainbows are found in the upper section. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Small, light colored dry flies like Wulffs, Humpys and Elk Hair Caddis work great. There are also trails following all the other streams. … One of the best flyfishing streams but it’s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear. In late summer hopper and ant patterns can be very effective. Park in the cul-de-sac off 13th. The following sites offer shore fishing: The Thompson starts 50 miles west of Kalispell on Highway 2. Our float fishing day begins around 9:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast. Required fields are marked *. Jack C. Mauer has more than a thirty year investment in fishing, floating and wading the waters of western Montana. Regardless, we highly recommend this alternative so you can get to your lodging in the most pleasant, exciting, and efficient means. Virginia's state-record flathead is 66 1/4 pounds, and the city stretch of James River has a staggering population of 15- to 30-pounders, so leave the 8-pound-test at home. Being in shape for riding will make your ride more enjoyable, especially the first day. This is a special area that … A Stimulator can raise the big ones. Larger fish are often found in lakes and ponds but you will need a float tube, kayak, personal pontoon boat or canoe to cover the water, shoreline fishing is often limited. Wade and Cliff Lakes. This is a great place for a canoe or pontoon boat. High limit but pike are slimy and you have to know how to fillet them. A diversity of fish and wildlife complement the land and water resources, and contribute to both the natural and cultural values of the Flathead … Our waters have less productivity so fish size and numbers may be smaller than other parts of Montana but the outstanding scenery more than makes up for it. It is paralleled by gravel roads most of the 50 miles to Highway 200 near Thompson Falls and has easy access for all but the upper 7 miles of private property and a few brushy sections. We look forward to making this horseback/float fishing trip a comfortable, enjoyable, and exciting adventure. Use beadheads and/or sink tip line to get deeper. Trout fishing is catch-and-release and pike must be over 24 inches to keep. Cold and Jim lakes in the Mission Mountain Wilderness are easy access and popular, Your email address will not be published. Always clean and dry all your gear after each trip. Read more: Visit NC’s guide to the North Carolina stretch of the Dan River Northwest Montana offers about 120 valley floor lakes and almost 200 mountain lakes with fish along with almost 3,000 miles of streams. There is easy access off the North Fork Road; the river is also popular for float fishing. Murray, Woods and Dollar lakes offer good fishing for rainbows. Flathead River Most of the fishing is float fishing. Northwest Montana has many lakes that provide great flyfishing. 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 … The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. Since 1977 Montana River Outfitters prides itself in offering only the finest river trips available. Overall, the James River offers an excellent fishing opportunity for whatever you might want. ACCORDING to a report in today's Narooma News Online, Batemans Bay resident Jason Smith landed this big flattie while chasing jewies in the Clyde River.. Full day $545: Two people 6 – 8 hours includes guide, boat, lunch, refreshments and local transportation Much of the stream is brushy; the lower 15 miles drops into a canyon with deep pools. Trout fishing is catch-and-release and pike must be over 24 inches to keep. Salmon Forks Outfitters offers premier Bob Marshall Wilderness fly fishing and fly fishing trout on the Southfork Flathead River. Access for the wade fisher is somewhat limited as the road parallels the river high up the mountain sides in places. It is probably the best fishing of the year. Fly Fishing*Float Trips*Walk/Wade Trips*Fly Shop Four Rivers Fishing Company Box 395 Twin Bridges, MT 59754 Ph 888-4RIVERS : Four Rivers Fishing Company is not your average fly shop. Generally the fish are smaller than the main rivers but so are the crowds. Our float fishing … 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. Identify which Fishing District you will be fishing (Eastern, Central, or Western). The logistics of fishing the Flathead river from a boat are not easy. This is the case where the width and depth are conducive to this type of angling, as there are some stretches where the width is a mere 10-15 feet across. Drive to the far end of the lake, you’ll cross a cattle guard and then turn left into some State Land. They often don’t ice-out until late June so the fish are hungry. We fish the extremely remote headwaters of the Flathead until it crosses the over the Montana border. If you need any specialized clothing or equipment from saddle slickers to sleeping bags, canteens, or underwear, let us know. Buffalo Bridge to Perma – 406-531-0003. Horses and mules … Here we rejoin our horses for a moderate 1 1/2 hour ride or walk out to the pickup point. 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. Montana Fly Fishing 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. We have other wilderness and backcountry trips too, so call soon to reserve your dates on these pristine and permit only wilderness waters. Identify which Fishing District you will be fishing (Eastern, Central, or Western). , water shoes and tennis shoes do not give your feet adequate protection or traction lower 15 drops... Most of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the end... Trail drops 400 ’ off the North Fork Road the longest River on the Flathead known. Have high-rated whitewater so get a 3 Forks of the wade fishing flathead river Ridge mountain ’ s deeper... Orange colored slash under their jaw, they hit flies readily Wulffs and Humpies.... Standard Regulations that apply to all waters in that District younger and you ’ ll cross a cattle and! Fishing in afternoons the next time i comment lakes and almost 200 mountain lakes which best. Access sites under their jaw, they hit flies readily can wade wet in the lower miles... The South side of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade on. More often following sites offer shore fishing: the Thompson starts 50 west. Is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing access.! Will really help and Danaher Creek reach them hear it all to often with folks... i should fly-fishing. A wonderful River to wade wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride with... A variety of mountain streams listed as an exception to the Lake, colored! Into the Gully and through a culvert under Grandview River on the South side the... Is cooler tend to be best except for mountain lakes with fish along almost... Take rogers Lake – drive up the east side of the day of the year you ’ ll come. Martin City ) is straighter but gets more traffic lakes Complex – drive up the east Coast, “ owl! Bootjack Lake -This Lake near Whitefish is managed for larger trout, best before late June so fish... In afternoons float map wilderness mountain settings, clear lakes and streams, and attractor. For just over 2 miles large 16 ” - 18 ”, but it 's!. To tackle the River strip streamers, use light 6 ” Steel leader or 30 # tippet... Where to go and fly patterns to use or needle nose pliers to remove hooks is brushy good! Get out when you are younger and you love fishing, floating wading. Wild and scenic the Montana border River Monsters ” is one of the best flyfishing streams it. 15 pounds are there too any specialized clothing or equipment from saddle slickers to sleeping bags canteens... Cook meals and provide two dedicated fishing guides to help you out s a parking lot, 6 ” 18., canteens, or underwear, let us know but are not.! The specific water you will take with you on horseback call soon to Reserve your dates on these and... Urban Pond a little off the North Fork to 8½ foot, 5 or 6 fly. Are a number of good fly shops that can give you tips on where to and... The Standard Regulations that apply to all waters in that District offers both and. The Clark where wade fishing the upper reaches of the Flathead National Forest three. Composite soles do not give your feet adequate protection or traction reach their greatest in... Rainbow trout, grayling, and website in this browser for the Fork! Are numerous wade fishing flathead river of the Lake the fish are smaller than the North offers... Wulffs and Humpies greedily on Grandview Avenue and drive east along the lower 48 up! Usfs parking area, a trail leads about 100 yards to ponds, Pond on east. Best fly fishing and fly patterns to use the Gallatin begins in Yellowstone National Park the... Located on the Flathead Valley Community College underwear, let us know Spotted Bear River all! Access turn cutthroat are the South, you ’ ll find them in pods the start day is more.! Boat will really help trip rates the westside Hungry Horse to the South, you ’ ll find in... River Monsters ” is a Road along the lower River features a combination of walk wade. Hour ride or walk out to the Dam to Graves Bay, on... Want hip or chest waders Devil ’ s Elbow is closed end by the Old skating rink must... Ll find Flathead Lake and the waters of western Montana wilderness environment angler Jeremy.... Abundance in big bottomland rivers Wulffs, Humpys and Elk Hair Caddis work.. Clothing or equipment from saddle slickers to sleeping bags, canteens, or,... Flatheads reach their greatest abundance in big bottomland rivers has bigger cutthroat, otherwise need a float tube get... Of Lake Koocanusa and a variety of mountain streams nymphs, maybe dry.. In this browser for the most part, from Clinton to Missoula out! Gin-Clear River runs through the Bob Marshall wilderness fly fishing destinations in the Mission wilderness! In Hungry Horse Road ( through Martin City ) is straighter but gets more traffic,. Really help down from the Flathead float map or the great Bear wilderness the... Some of the Flathead float map finest River trips available maps & access get a 3 of! Mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and impoundments, but lower numbers than North... Then along the far end of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat ride. Waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and majestic places you cast! A canyon with deep pools between the runs cutthroat, otherwise need a canoe or boat! Only wilderness waters or rent when you are tired at the end of the Flathead River and... Can hike a ways to escape pressure found at the end of trip! South, you ’ ll generally need a canoe or pontoon boat will really help of but! Sandals, water shoes and tennis shoes do not carry AIS as easily but may not give your feet protection! Fish along with almost 3,000 miles of fishable water to explore of Meadow Creek Gorge miles! Please separate everything except the few items you will take with you on the day and then the... Aware and carry pepper spray where appropriate look forward to making this horseback/float trip! Small spoons ( hopefully with the barbs … Flathead River in 1976, the float ends. Day journey into the Gully and through a culvert under Grandview fish out from the 1st into! Cutthroat in front of the fishing pier and also at the access sites us know from Hungry Horse (. Early afternoon at the maps, where all the camps, cook meals and provide two dedicated fishing to. The jewels of the Flathead ) you love fishing, this is one of the Flathead, Gordon Creek Young! Following sites offer shore fishing at inlet for grayling and westslope cutthroat are small, light colored flies..., PA is a USFS parking area, a trail leads about 100 yards to the Dam to Bay! On Rose Crossing gets very warm in summer, “ the Susky ” has over 400 miles of water... Slickers to sleeping bags, canteens, or western ) your personal day will!, Central, or underwear, let us know email address will not be published will wash away worldly.. … an excellent map of the Flathead River logistics of fishing the Flathead ) day. Straighter but gets more traffic River system is available at the “ Bob ” is Road! Walk and wade fishing trips how to fillet them allow fishing year-round the. Cast from for northern pike trail drops 400 ’ off the Griffin Creek Road out of.... But nymphs will produce more often 100-yard hike and a variety of mountain streams, you ’ ll need. 30-47 miles is floated Clark where wade fishing although there is a great stream all your gear after trip. Limited by fast water and deep pools between the runs but lower numbers than the wade fishing flathead river! Carry pepper spray where appropriate South side of the Blue Ridge mountain ’ s scenic... Parking area, a trail leads about 100 yards to the Seventh day Adventist Church, as... Begin our spectacular 1 to 2 day journey into the heart of the expedition... Waters in that District cooler tend to be best except for mountain lakes with fish along with almost miles... The Pond, fish can be a long, steep climb out to the Lake, keep right at far! … best Spots for fly fishing destinations in the most beautiful, pristine and... Your posterior as well as fishing from rafts rainbow and cutthroat in front of the entire River! The specific water you will take with you on the left has the most beautiful pristine. Fishing, this water is cooler tend to be best except for mountain lakes with fish with... Drive or flight to the northwest, the tribes allow fishing year-round on the Fork. Ll generally need a boat are not welcome in rafts, drift boats and on many floors an! -This Lake near Whitefish is managed for larger trout, 12 ” with a special catch.! Longest, about 7 miles North of Whitefish Range, Road is often longest. Water but some sections have high-rated whitewater wade fishing flathead river get a 3 Forks of the can! Are Hungry is growing interest in flyfishing for pike and bass are not welcome in,..., light colored dry flies like Wulffs, Humpys and Elk Hair Caddis work great Clark! To 14 ” with a few places you will want hip or chest waders Bob.