The east side road (through Martin City) is straighter but gets more traffic. There are a few places you can cast from shore but a canoe or pontoon boat will really help. Please contact us if you have any questions. It is probably the best fishing of the year. # 115 (Red Meadow Road). ... South Fork of the Flathead River. 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. … 2, take Kila exit. From the early spring fishing in March and April, May to the end of run-off … On some trips, fishing may be available this first evening. I hear it all to often with folks...I should go fly-fishing now, BUT IT'S COLD! The Middle Fork has bigger cutthroat, up to 16”- 18”, but lower numbers than the North Fork. You can wade wet in the middle of summer but most of the time you will want hip or chest waders. Do I have to wade? An excellent map of the entire Flathead River system is available at the Forest Service station in Hungry Horse. Take Rogers Lake Road up to the lake, keep right at the “Y” just before the lake. Most fishing on the lower Dan is aimed at migratory fish—walleye, white perch, white bass and striped bass in J. H. Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake), and flathead and blue catfish. Many are caught in large natural lakes and impoundments, but hard-hitting, pole-bending flatheads reach their greatest abundance in big bottomland rivers. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass). It supports outstanding populations of just about every major freshwater … Sometimes it’s nice to leave the boat at home and go for a walk. However, the water … Tribal permits are easily obtain… 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. Red Meadow Lake – Drive about 5-1/2 miles past Polebridge (stop for a pastry) on the North Fork Road. 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. A diversity of fish and wildlife complement the land and water resources, and contribute to both the natural and cultural values of the Flathead … Beadhead nymphs work well, sometimes dry flies in the evening. The Flathead River flows through the broad and beautiful Flathead Valley near Glacier National Park, Whitefish, MT, and Bigfork, MT. There is growing interest in flyfishing for pike and bass. Fishing the South Fork of the Flathead. Night fishing for flathead catfish. Trout run 8” to 14” with a few big ones. We can have it ready for you to purchase or rent when you arrive. We fish the extremely remote headwaters of the Flathead until it crosses the over the Montana border. Required fields are marked *. Wade fishing the Middle Fork, while possible, is limited by fast water and deep pools between … Rogers Lake – 12 miles west of Kalispell on Hwy. They show how beautiful the river is and how calm it … Trout fishing is catch-and-release and pike must be over 24 inches to keep. On day three guests will spend the entire day walk and wade fishing the upper reaches of the river with a guide. Drive ¾ mile, follow signs to Pine Grove Pond Fishing Access Site. As a result, this water is heavily protected and many of the areas are great to fish. Northwest Montana has many lakes that provide great flyfishing. The Flathead Valley has some of the most breathtaking scenery you will ever see. In other words, Fly Fishing*Float/Wade … Salmon Forks Outfitters offers premier Bob Marshall Wilderness fly fishing and fly fishing trout on the Southfork Flathead River. 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. You may choose to extend this flight to a scenic fly over Glacier National Park or the Great Bear Wilderness. Campground next to road, lake lies below road. They often don’t ice-out until late June so the fish are hungry. There are also trails following all the other streams. The longest river on the East Coast, “the Susky” has over 400 miles of fishable water to explore. To the northeast, you’ll quickly come upon the Middle, North and South forks of the Flathead River. Floatation is required. Rob Paxevanos for the Narooma News Online reports Jason got the surprise of his life when what he thought was a shovel nose shark appeared under lights in the form of a giant flathead. Lake gets very warm in summer, fish can be muddy tasting. But you’ll generally need a boat to reach them. Wading is limited but there is a road along the lower river. We have other wilderness and backcountry trips too, so call soon to reserve your dates on these pristine and permit only wilderness waters. Rainbows are found in the upper section. It can be a long, steep climb out to the road. Brushy shorelines can make casting difficult. Access for the wade fisher is somewhat limited as the road parallels the river high up the mountain sides in places. Native westslope cutthroats and Glacier National Park in the background. The best way to fish it is to cover some water, and for this there is no finer boat than the McKenzie River … On the day of the trip please separate everything except the few items you will take with you on horseback. This gin-clear river runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for nearly its full length, south to north. One of the best flyfishing streams but it’s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel roads to Spotted Bear. There are a number of good access points and popular stretches are Blankenship Bridge to Teakettle FAS, Teakettle FAS to Pressentine … 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 … Wade Opportunities Abound The Flathead is famous for float opportunities but wade … Fishing is good May through mid June, pond gets warm, weedy and muddy after that. Shady Lane Pond – Take Conrad Drive to Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access Site. They show how beautiful the river … Where are the fish located in winter? After picking up licenses and last minute items that afternoon, we check into our lodging for the night and transfer gear to the horsepacker. A river map is available from the Flathead National Forest (Three Forks of the Flathead). There are nice cutthroat and grayling in the reeds on the west end and then along the far shore. Wade fishing the Middle Fork, while possible, is limited by fast water and deep pools between the runs. 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. Price: 5-6 Day South Fork Fly Fishing Package (Wade only) $2,800 per person – 6 people $3,200 per person – 5 people Bootjack Lake -This lake near Whitefish is managed for larger trout, 12”- 22”. "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. Wade and Cliff Lakes. Adjacent to the James River … Best fishing is late June through October. You can back down to the lake, pretty much need a canoe or pontoon boat. Your email address will not be published. Middle Fork Flathead River. Salmon Forks Outfitters offers premier Bob Marshall Wilderness fly fishing and fly fishing trout on the Southfork Flathead River. Because they are easy to catch and numbers are declining in some areas, limits are low to zero and catch and release is encouraged. Best fishing is mid-June through October. Summer on the Flathead River system is phenomenal. Native westslope cutthroat are the jewels of the area. Wade and float access is abundant and you can hike a ways to escape pressure found at the access sites. River’s Edge Park Pond – in Columbia Falls, turn off Highway 2 East onto 3rd Ave. East, follow past Perfect Cuts Meats and turn on to 5th St. East. You can drag boats down from the Lone Pine parking lot or launch at the county boat ramp. Both floating and … Here we saddle up and begin our spectacular 1 to 2 day journey into the heart of the wilderness. Since 1977 Montana River Outfitters prides itself in offering only the finest river trips available. Montana is legendary for its outstanding fly fishing and the waters fished by Glacier Anglers are no exception. The rest of your gear will be packed up the afternoon before the trip. Many of our guides absolutely love … What bugs should I use use? Horses and mules … Turn east on Grandview Avenue and drive east along the south side of the Flathead Valley Community College. Day two of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the South Fork of the Flathead. High limit but pike are slimy and you have to know how to fillet them. Our Walk and wade trips are the same price as our float trips in the same drainage whether it is a river, lake or a small mountain stream. Bank and wade fishing access is also available throughout the river. 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. We begin the floating portion of our trip on day three. On our last day, the float trip ends in the early afternoon at the beginning of Meadow Creek Gorge. Lake has grayling and westslope cutthroat. Day two of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the South Fork of the Flathead. Identified by an orange colored slash under their jaw, they hit flies readily. Lupine Lake – A 2.5 mile hike off the Griffin Creek Road out of Marion. Identify which Fishing District you will be fishing (Eastern, Central, or Western). Basically, the tribes allow fishing year-round on the Flathead River. Spring and fall when the water is cooler tend to be best except for mountain lakes which are best mid to late summer. Trout fishing is catch-and-release and pike must be over 24 inches to keep. Deep Pools along the North Fork Flathead River in Montana provide the best fishing location. There is a USFS parking area, a trail leads about 100 yards to the lake. The Middle Fork is paralleled by Highway 2 but access is more difficult. We begin the floating portion of our trip on day three. Animal Planet's “River Monsters” is a weekly cable show featuring British biologist and extreme angler Jeremy Wade. The Thompson has a salmonfly hatch that starts about mid May on the lower end. Clothing that ranges from fishing to horseback riding. Cameron Lee is the licensed permittee for the South Fork of the Flathead float trips. North Fork of the Flathead River, catch and possession limits as well as methods of take are the same as those set by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. × Announcement: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the state of Montana has declared that mask or face covering use is required for ages five and older. This is mostly wade fishing although there is some limited floating. For the spin fisherman, small spoons (hopefully with the barbs … 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. Not included: Fishing license, guide gratuity, wader rentals (can be provided at $35 per set - generally only needed on wade … Drive 1 mile, turn right on Rose Crossing. Fishing regulations on the Upper James. On some trips, fishing may be available this first evening. 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. If you're interested in a … Walk down into the gully and through a culvert under Grandview. Fishing regulations on the Upper James. A float tube or small boat is helpful. This is the case where the width and depth are conducive to this type of angling, as … The trail drops 400’ off the road, then a gentle climb to the lake. Flathead catfish seldom thrive in creeks, ponds and small lakes. There’s a deeper hole out from the fishing pier and also at the far end by the old skating rink. Walk about 100 yards to ponds, pond on the left has the most fish. The cutthroat move around a lot and you’ll find them in pods. 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. That night we will camp and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wilderness environment. Basically, the tribes allow fishing year-round on the Flathead River. Fishing Program This program features a combination of walk and wade fishing as well as fishing from rafts. 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. Will my rod guides freeze? About our River Lunches; Blog format on our website. Cold and Jim lakes in the Mission Mountain Wilderness are easy access and popular, Your email address will not be published. The North Fork offers spectacular views of Glacier Park. It is an authentic "Montana Style" fly shop. 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. 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. Drive for about 3 miles to far end of the lake. Read the Standard Regulations that apply to all waters in that District. The cutthroat are small, 6”- 12” with a few big fish, but numerous and eager to hit a fly. The first and second night of the trip, guests are free to walk and wade fish on their own as the guide team sets up camp. While access is generally good along the river, the size of the Flathead River prevents most wade anglers from reaching most of the better fishing holes. Have good forceps or needle nose pliers to remove hooks. To the northwest, the massive waters of Lake Koocanusa and a variety of mountain streams. Get a good pair of wading boots. The river has two parts which join together in Northumberland, PA. Wade fishers are limited to six public access points on the North Fork Road: Canadian … There’s a parking lot across from the Lone Pine State Park road. Native westslope cutthroats and Glacier National Park in the background. Mostly 18”-22” but an occasional whopper. In northwest Montana, we’re surrounded by incredible lake and fly-fishing opportunities. A paved path leads to the pond. Drive to the far end of the lake, you’ll cross a cattle guard and then turn left into some State Land. ... We both assumed we would be fishing that evening for smallmouth, river walleyes, channel catfish and incidental species, so we took medium spinning … Northwest Montana is renowned for cold, clear lakes and streams. This is a great place for a canoe or pontoon boat. Read more: Visit NC’s guide to the North Carolina stretch of the Dan River We set up all the camps, cook meals and provide two dedicated fishing guides to help you out. Turn on USFS Rd. 406-407-1602. Filed under eagle, flathead river, fly fishing Montana, Jack Mauer, pike, Roy Loman, small mouth bass, Trout, Wade fishing… Flathead fishing is neither hard nor expensive, and although these catfish have intricate habits, their most basic need is eating - which they do all summer long. Enjoy dry fly fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout while floating … Can be good for westslope/Yellowstone cutthroat crosses, some large 16”-20” fish. Filed under eagle, flathead river, fly fishing Montana, Jack Mauer, pike, Roy Loman, small mouth bass, Trout, Wade fishing, wapiti waters. On some trips, fishing may be available this first evening. It has brookies and rainbows in the upper end shifting to rainbows and browns in the lower end with some cutthroat and bull trout throughout. Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana … Fishing Licenses are not included in our guide trip rates. Canoeing is the best way to access the river, maps and narration for float trips are found under Maps & Access. Best Spots For Fly Fishing Flathead River In 1976, the 219 miles of the Flathead River was designated as Wild and Scenic. The Flathead River System offers hundreds of miles of pristine waterways, while Flathead Lake is a scenic and recreational mecca. To the south, you’ll find Flathead Lake and the Swan River. 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. We have been exploring some wade fishing options in anticipation of the next heat wave on the horizon. 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. If true wilderness and the best native Westslope Cutthroat fishing in the “lower 48” interests you, then we have the trip you’re looking for! Good numbers of rainbows 12”-22”. Park in the cul-de-sac off 13th. The trout are all wild, no hatchery grown fish here! Pond is heavily stocked with rainbows and cutthroat. Pine Grove Pond – turn north off West Reserve Drive onto Whitefish Stage Road. … 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. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass). However, no state fishing license is … Summer on the Flathead River system is phenomenal. The South Fork of the Flathead is known in the fly fishing world as the mecca for dry-fly cutthroat trout fishing. A 100-yard hike and a float tube will get you on the water for rainbow and cutthroat. 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. 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Basin near Kalispell is popular with a Forest Service map it supports outstanding populations just. But it ’ s a long, dusty 50-mile drive on bumpy gravel to! Take with you on horseback country so be aware and carry pepper spray where appropriate than wade fishing flathead river rivers... Is also popular for float fishing this first evening River Outfitters prides itself offering... Yellowstone National Park in the Middle, North and mainstem of the time you take!