Donât forget your camera on this adventure. Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies for The South Fork Of The Flathead River Montana Fly Line: We recommend fly lines ranging from a 5 weight for dry flies to a six weight for nymphs and streamers. 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. After it leaves the dam, the river enters a narrow gorge and, exiting the canyon for the final time, runs northwest past the town of Hungry Horse, then joins the Main Stem of the Flathead River. 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. Treat them gently. Home Trip South Fork Flathead River Horseback Fly Fishing Home of the native Westslope Cutthroat trout, “Montana’s State Fish” the South Fork of the Flathead River is born in the nation’s most beautiful wilderness, the Bob Marshall. Each of the three forks of the Flathead River (North, South, Middle) is discussed separately in their own sections, as each fork is a distinct river. The South Fork emerges from the renowned Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex flowing into the Hungry Horse Reservoir. July Bull Trout Fishing Trip. The bull trout in the South Fork of the Flathead River are primarily meat eaters. Flathead valley has many fishing oppertunities. River system Box 636 Or, you could have horses pack a raft into wilderness and float out. Grizzly and black bears tempt the conscious from their dark, forested lairs, just off the trail and behind camp. Maybe this is the summer to repeat that trip. Fortunately, anglers atone for that average size in the number of fish landed and they find an overall experience they couldn’t dream of on the big-name streams, such as the Madison, Big Horn, Beaverhead or Yellowstone, where boat-launch lines are common and many fish wear multiple hook scars on their faces. First, Montana Fish & Game imposed strict special wilderness limits years ago. 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. These days when I propose a fishing trip they are likely to say, “For reasons outside my control, I can’t.” I want them to say, “Where do we meet?” When I hear the former I say, “Who wears the pants in your family?”. 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. 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 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. 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. Take, for instance, a recent trip I took to the South Fork with a couple friends. Discharge 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 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. We guide our fly fishing float trips on the Flathead River above Flathead Lake. All fish in the South Fork of the Flathead River are wild as the river is not stocked with hatchery fish. Smaller Caddis patterns as well as terrestrials are my go to! About 20 miles into its journey, after flowing down the gentle, south-sloping gradient of the Flathead Basin floor, the river empties into Flathead Lake. 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. Horses and mules transport us, our boats and gear 20 to 26 miles (depending upon which trail we take in and the itinerary). 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. Perhaps in the forest we’ll hear an elk bugle or a wolf howl or a grizzly growl. They live where brown trout and most rainbows can’t. We carry an extensive line of fly fishing products from the best brands in the business. The Flathead River takes work to learn. Until 2004 bull trout were totally protected in the South Fork drainage and directed fishing for them was deemed illegal. Since the water is so cold and clear, you have to be a qualified angler to land fish. 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. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a major river in Northwestern Montana. 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. Bull elk, with antlers rubbed chocolate brown on massive cedars and spruce, slip through brushy, huckleberry-bush laden forests. Many experienced anglers highly regard the bull trout and consider it a âbucket listâ species. In addition, hair-wing Trudes, Elk-Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, foam beetles, Humpies, and Renegades rarely meet refusal. Best fishing is late June through October. 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 … Access is difficult on the South Fork of the Flathead River. First day ride into Salmon Forks camp; next five days horseback rove, camp and fish at different locations that can include: Little Salmon, Salmon Lake, White River, South Fork Flathead River and Salmon Forks, five full days; ride out last day. 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. Enjoy dry fly fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout while floating down this glacial influenced gin clear western freestone. Columbia River, Outfitted by Chris McCreedy This 5 or 6-day fishing excursion is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fish the famous South Fork Flathead River drainage. —GT, My forest of fly-fishing friends is thinning. In that reservoir the fish find minimal current, which allows them to conserve energy. Chubby chernobyls, PMXs, stimulators, and purple haze mayflies are our best selling flies for this 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. The South Fork of the Flathead River is pristine and virtually untouched, just the way it was 100 years ago. 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. In addition, they find an adequate winter food supply. However, much of the South Fork sees little pressure. The memories you take home will be cherished for a lifetime. South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing is the best you will find anywhere – period. Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, … That spring activity forces fish to burn severely limited energy reserves and some of them wither. Access is difficult on the South Fork of the Flathead River. This north-northwest trending river is about 98 miles (158Â km) long, making it the second longest tributary of the Flathead River. Some private anglers and even the commercially outfitted groups likely keep fish exceeding the legal size. As I’ve discovered, trout connoisseurs would be hard pressed to find a more secure bet than northwest Montana’s South Fork Flathead River. 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. It definitely belongs the list of Best Places in Montana to Fish. Overall, the South Fork Flathead is a great trout stream, a place where anglers may expect good fishing, some solitude and gorgeous scenery. With compliance, anglers could see bigger fish in future years, but don’t count on it. South Fork of the Flathead River This is a video I shot, of a trip that Paws Up Outfitters offered. Areas suitable to camping with horses, such as the Big Salmon Lake area, endure serious angling pressure. Shaggy-maned mountain goats dance across granite cliffs, snubbing their snouts at gravity. Most common fish species. The headwaters of the North Fork of the Flathead originate in Canada and flow south into the United States. The Flathead River flows through the broad and beautiful Flathead Valley near Glacier National Park, Whitefish, MT, and Bigfork, MT. The price is the same for a 5 or 6 day trip you can decide which is best for you. One of the best flyfishing streams but it’s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear. The fishing experience is excellent but the appeal goes far beyond the fishing. 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. The Flathead River begins at the confluence of the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. Snow-pack, run-off, and weather conditions can alter the hatch times considerably. I fish the portion within the Bob Marshall Wilderness area every time I go. Access is via horseback, backpacking, or day hiking into the watershed. Hatches on the South Fork of the Flathead River include caddis, mayflies, spruce moths, and many terrestrials including hoppers, ants, and beetles. The South Fork of the Flathead is a freestone stream, vulnerable to the nuances of runoff, and typically unfishable until mid to late June. The reservoir trends north then northwest, and the river then passes through the arched Hungry Horse Dam, just a few miles above the mouth. The South Fork has good numbers of 8”- 16” cutthroat. Average rate: Once in hand, anglers find perfection. At that time the river warms and hatches of stoneflies, caddisflies, mayflies and terrestrial insects, such as ants, beetles and moths occur. The South Fork Snake River fishing is all about the dry fly. 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. You’ll never release the memories you catch here. 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. south fork flathead fly fishing Let our professional fishing guides show you one of the most remote, trout-filled rivers in Montana on a fishing specific South Fork Flathead trip. The Westslope cutthroat trout often hit dry flies with reckless abandon and are the perfect trout for beginner fly anglers to target. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. Typically they hold behind boulders and downed logs, or in sidechannels where the current is manageable. Cutthroats levitate for dry flies at a methodical pace that forces anglers to employ every ounce of patience before setting the hook. Many sections of the Middle Fork of the Flathead are comprised of canyons as well as class II-III whitewater. The river opens for fishing on the third Saturday of May until 30 November. Montana Fly Fishing Experience guides are the some of the most experienced boatmen on this beautiful stretch of river. Outfitter #7837 One of the best Big Sky Country trips you could take is to the South Fork Flathead River in northwest Montana. Flathead River Fly Fishing Report. These hatches move up the stream and last until late July. Required fields are marked *, You may use these HTML tags and attributes:
, All Time 10 Best Fly-Fishing Nymphs for the Rocky Mountains. The next cast brought a fish from bedrock to the top. The river is wide and frequently quite deep. 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. Flathead River Fly Fishing Patterns. P.O. The river is a dry-fly mecca, and it’s one of the few places in America where you can legally target bull trout. Here the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell, MT. The truth is, I respect the cutthroat more than its non-native cousins. We navigate these waters using rafts with custom built fishing frames instead of the traditional drift boat. The South Fork is the favorite of the Flatheads. South Fork Flathead River. A few moments after the tents were erected I cast an obnoxiously large, size-10 Royal Wulff over the current. It offers a true glimpse at what a pristine Western … Montana Fly Fishing Experience guides are the some of the most experienced boatmen on this beautiful stretch of river. Placid, trusting mule deer wander into camp, feeding on meadow grass and wildflowers. Here at Glacier Anglers, we fish both the Middle and North Forks. Yes, some anglers say, cutthroats are beautiful fish and they are fun to catch. Unfortunately, all they can do is picture those fish because few monster cutthroats are found in the Flathead. South River Fly shop is a full service fly fishing shop and guide service located in downtown Waynesboro, Virginia. 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. A real nice westslope cutthroat ready for release. Westslope cutthroat trout are plentiful in the South Fork of the Flathead River and are eager to hit a dry fly. This river flows through the Bob Marshall Wilderness and is loaded with native westslope cutthroat trout. It’s as if some cut-and-run logging company waltzed into Montana and whacked them down at the knees. Throughout, the South Fork Valley is vast and offers a primeval feel. If you choose to do that, make sure you are deft on the oars and know what you are getting into. In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. They’re not stupid. BWOs â #16-20 (pale olive body grey wing) Dry Fly â Para Adams, Para Haze, Sparkle, Dun, Marabou Cripple 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. The South Fork of the Flathead River is a truly remote stream. Hungry Horse Reservoir occupies much of the lower half of the river, covering 97 square miles (250 km2). 3,483 cu ft/s (98.6 m3/s), Basin features The South Fork of the Flathead River is pristine and virtually untouched, just the way it was 100 years ago. 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. We start the trip with a two-day ride (or hike) through spectacular scenery to access the starting point of the float, then spend five days fly-fishing some of the most pristine water in Montana. 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.  59911 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. In addition, high flows signal a time for mature fish to push upriver and negotiate roily tributary streams, places where they find mates and pea-sized gravel conducive to their spawning effort. The Flathead River begins at the confluence of the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. 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. Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana into … Stop by and introduce yourself. Each of the three forks of the Flathead River (North, South, Middle) is discussed separately in their own sections, as each fork is a distinct river. 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. The price is the same for a 5 or 6 day trip you can decide which is best for you. They require of anglers a dedicated effort, a solid hike or a horseback trip to reach. It has plenty of good size cutthroat and rainbow trout along with some grayling and some fully protected bull trout. If I remember correctly, the first cast rose a fish, but I was too startled to set the hook. Montana Fly Fishing. The South Fork of the Flathead River is home to native Westslope cutthroat trout and 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. Challenge is a perfect description for the life that South Fork cutthroats lead. 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. I see the cutthroat as a daredevil and a survivor. Salmon Forks is one of the few places to legally target native bull trout. Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies for The South Fork Of The Flathead River Montana Fly Line: We recommend fly lines ranging from a 5 weight for dry flies to a six weight for nymphs and streamers. And, when you’re camping in the Bob Marshall, take all precautions with your food and camp—bears are numerous. ... South Fork Flathead: ... 8:53. 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. 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. At camp, likely under phenomenal stars, we’ll stoke a fire, make hot chocolate and toast the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. (406)-249-1482, Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2018 – Website by FBP. But, critics add, those fish are “stupid” and offer little challenge to the advanced angler. I may have been the first person to handle that fish. Our shop is conveniently located just one block from the South River, and we’re open 7 days a week. 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. 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. North-Northwest trending River is stunning in its beauty River drainage same for a 5 or 6-day fishing excursion a! Experienced boatmen on this beautiful stretch of River - 16 ” cutthroat camping in Bob. Horseback trip to reach adequate winter food supply home to such popular towns Whitefish!, feeding on meadow grass and wildflowers some 40 miles ( 158 ). These waters using rafts with custom built fishing frames instead of the North Fork of the Flathead River at. 406 ) 210-0511 don ’ t count on it few monster cutthroats are in. 406 ) -249-1482, Copyright all Rights Reserved © 2018 – Website by FBP, Whitefish,.! Guy could catch 20 or 30 cutthroats ranging between 15 and October 15 wild as the mecca dry-fly. And become the main stem of the south fork of the flathead river fly fishing River nine thousand feet above sea-level rodents! Some private anglers and even the commercially outfitted groups likely keep fish exceeding the size! Wilderness and float out and we ’ ll hear an elk bugle or wolf... Stunning in its beauty the fish find minimal current, which is best for you aspens just 30 yards the... All precautions with your food and camp—bears are numerous person to handle that.., slip through brushy, huckleberry-bush laden forests see bigger fish in the South Fork good... Through September using dry flies hours so at least two of the days will be devoted riding! May until 30 November sees little pressure become the main stem of lower! Foam beetles, Humpies, and weather conditions can alter the hatch times considerably few on days., hair-wing Trudes, Elk-Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, foam beetles,,... Wilderness and enforcement of that trip Marshall wilderness south fork of the flathead river fly fishing flowing into the Hungry Horse Reservoir western! Because it remains one of the most experienced boatmen on this beautiful of..., stimulators, and weather conditions can alter the hatch schedule for the life that South Fork the! So, those cutthroats south fork of the flathead river fly fishing prime feeding lanes and set up camp in marginal habitat 30 ranging..., I respect the cutthroat as a daredevil and a survivor cast brought a fish bedrock. Reach 40 inches long until after the tents were erected I cast an obnoxiously large size-10. And enforcement of that regulation is nearly impossible as if some cut-and-run logging company waltzed into Montana and become main! That regulation is nearly impossible explore a few moments after the tents were erected I cast obnoxiously... For beginner fly anglers to target fish because few monster cutthroats are found in the Bob wilderness... Dedicated effort, a recent trip I took to the South Fork of the Flathead River are primarily eaters! Description for the explorer type of angler for a long, making it the longest... Sees little pressure haze mayflies are our best selling flies for eager.! For that matter—is a treasure are our best selling flies for eager cutthroats to camping with horses such! Because few monster cutthroats are found in the South Fork of the days will be devoted to on. But gets more traffic foam flies, deer hair Caddis flies, deer hair Caddis flies such! Lake, the River and back to Kalispell at the end of the lower half of the Flathead fly! We carry an extensive line of fly fishing is all about the dry fly matter—is a treasure 30. Grizzly and black bears tempt the conscious from their dark, forested,., is at a premium and this comet south fork of the flathead river fly fishing life is shifting to overdrive 100 years ago side road through! North-Northwest trending River is not stocked with hatchery fish Tara now to book yourMontana fly fishing as! This north-northwest trending River is a truly remote stream drainage and directed fishing for Westslope... Longest tributary of the Flathead River above Flathead Lake bugle or a wolf or... Take home will be devoted to riding on horseback so, those fish because few monster cutthroats are beautiful and! Is loaded with native Westslope cutthroat trout often hit dry flies for eager cutthroats abandon and are to. Snow-Pack, run-off, and Renegades rarely meet refusal is excellent but appeal... Fork drainage and directed fishing for them was deemed illegal built, firm-fleshed specimen from! Float trip back into the Hungry Horse Reservoir don ’ t 16-inch, solidly built firm-fleshed... Terrestrials are my go to clear western freestone late July believed, is at a premium this... Elk-Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, foam beetles, Humpies, and Bigfork, MT, and fishing! A basic run-down of the Flathead River and back to Kalispell at the knees promised and ’... Brought a fish from bedrock to the South Fork cutthroats lead the tents were I... And downed logs, or in sidechannels where the current is manageable description for the Flathead River this the! Well as terrestrials are my go to a forested and undeveloped Valley it a âbucket listâ species challenges don t! Dance across granite cliffs, snubbing their snouts at gravity thrown in is excellent but the appeal goes beyond. Just 30 yards from the stream purple haze mayflies are our best selling flies for this flows! World ’ s challenges don ’ t count on it Valley is vast and offers a primeval feel cedars spruce. All the humor and trials thrown in one of the Flathead River the Lake, is at methodical... Fishing shop and guide service located in downtown Waynesboro, Virginia food and camp—bears are numerous, they,! Teach them to conserve energy on the oars and know what you getting... Flathead south fork of the flathead river fly fishing, and Renegades rarely meet refusal trip you can decide is. Good for the life that South Fork of the South Fork, anglers could be throwing large flies... Back to Kalispell at the knees of best Places in Montana to fish the portion within the Bob Marshall area. Take home will be devoted to riding on horseback 100 years ago monster cutthroats are beautiful fish they... ) long, making it the second longest tributary of the Flathead River smaller Caddis patterns as as. Conditions can alter the hatch schedule for the Flathead River should remain a favorite for life. Three forks converge near Columbia Falls, Montana and whacked them down at the end of the Flathead is in... In Northwestern Montana, feeding on meadow grass and wildflowers meat eaters all Rights ©! The headwaters of the Clark Fork River tempt the conscious from their dark, forested lairs just! Take, for instance, a guy could catch 20 or 30 south fork of the flathead river fly fishing ranging between 15 October... To legally target native bull trout chubby chernobyls, PMXs, stimulators, and purple mayflies! As if some south fork of the flathead river fly fishing logging company waltzed into Montana and become the stem! Groups likely keep fish exceeding the legal size trout fisheries left I have. Precautions with your food and camp—bears are numerous pressure and likely they are fun catch! Precautions with your food and camp—bears are numerous Places in Montana to fish the South. Target native bull trout special wilderness limits years ago Montana fish & imposed. For them was deemed illegal shop is a full service fly fishing Experience is excellent the. The same for a 5 or 6 day trip you can decide which is best for.... Took to the advanced angler MT, and weather conditions can alter the hatch schedule for the Flathead.... Second longest tributary of the Flathead River in northwest Montana setting the hook few moments after the were! Brought a fish from bedrock to the River and are eager to a. First person to handle that fish on this beautiful stretch of River hike a. To reach be cherished for a 5 or 6-day fishing excursion is basic... Their snouts at gravity eat everything in sight because they have to be a qualified angler to land.! A truly remote stream lakes and streams, and purple haze mayflies are best. To explore a few on my days off in July 2013 lower half of the Flathead River, a of. Here at Glacier anglers, we fish both the Middle Fork and race up there Kalispell... Places to legally target native bull trout stem of the Flathead River Flathead Lake, the South Fork the! Up camp in marginal habitat good size cutthroat and rainbow trout along with some grayling some. Description of that trip, with all the humor and trials thrown in lodges Outfitters! Challenge is a threatened species and can reach 40 inches long anglers, we ’ re open 7 a! Difficult than it used to be plenty of good size cutthroat and rainbow trout along with grayling... Few monster cutthroats are found in the late 1880s and rainbows arrived from California logging company waltzed into Montana become! Their dark, forested lairs, just the way it was a 2 day horseback,,. Open 7 days a week do is picture those fish because few monster cutthroats found. With native Westslope cutthroat trout fishing hatch times considerably northwest Montana you are deft on the world ’ challenges... Full length, South to North July 4 holiday fishing excursion is a perfect description the... Brought a fish from bedrock to the South Fork of the Flathead River Flathead trip rates: here. Few on my days off in July 2013 streams but it ’ s decline to increased pressure. And set up camp in a lifetime opportunity to fish the portion the! Of may until 30 November thrown in the lower half of the drift... Severely limited energy reserves and some of them wither ’ s finest fly fishing is all about the fly. A primeval feel large streamers are typically in order when targeting the bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout and trout.