Current fly fishing conditions are terrible. Save. The weather is also pretty great right now. The South Fork of the Flathead, ... Day two of the wilderness expedition is generally a somewhat shorter ride ending with afternoon wade fishing on the South Fork of the Flathead. Our float fishing day begins around 9:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast. This view, from near Park Headquarters, shows the river as it flows under the West Glacier bridge. Most trip reports revolved around using a bush plane to fly in, but a previous packrafting trip report mentioned a fairly accessible trail to get down to the river. We begin the floating portion of our trip on day three. 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 exits the wilderness near Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Middle Fork of the Flathead River Fly Fishing (Recreation Section) The Middle Fork of the Flathead River originates in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and flows northwesterly to form the southern border of Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. 7/16/17 I know little to nothing about fly fishing so I won't be giving any tips or techniques. What beauty! Several commercial rafting businesses use this section of river. Reviewed July 17, 2019 . Maybe even dangerous? The Middle Fork has bigger cutthroat, up to 16”- 18”, but lower numbers than the North Fork. We hiked 7 miles to the river with wranglers and mules bringing rafts, tents food etc. The Middle Fork offers a unique way to experience the Park’s majestic beauty. AP, Hilary, Chris and Jake were outstanding. There are many access points between these two towns, and the middle portion has very little pressure from fishermen and floaters. The headwaters rise deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, many miles from the nearest road or town. All three forks are designated (either entirely or in part) as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Fatty Factor model says avoid this river today! Middle Fork of Flathead River The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Full view. Float fishing gets you to good water but some sections have high-rated whitewater so get a 3 Forks of the Flathead float map. July 6 Fishing Report. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River lies to the southeast of Glacier National Park, beginning in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Catch and Possession Limits. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in North Fork of the Flathead River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. The Middle Fork Flathead River is a 92-mile (148 km) river in western Montana in the United States, forming the southwestern boundary of Glacier National Park. 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. Middle Fork Flathead River. It does get all of the western freestone insect hatches but slightly muted in numbers. Wow! Enjoy the thrilling whitewater, hike to a mountain lake, fish for native trout, and relax around camp for five glorious days in the Great Bear Wilderness of Montana. It was probably one of the top 5 trips of my life! 76 reviews. As the trail ascends, I begin to see cars winding along Highway 2 as well as a stalled train of endless UPS containers. Its drainage basin lies to the east of the South Fork Flathead River and the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Glacier National Park Scenic Float - Middle Fork Flathead River. The Flathead River finally empties into the Clark Fork River at Paradise. Rates: 1 or 2 people $397.00. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River forms the southwest border of Glacier National Park. Flathead County authorities have removed the body of a Missouri man who drowned on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near Essex. All fly fishing trips require the purchase of a Montana fishing license. Towns along the river include West Glacier, Nyack, Pinnacle, Essex, and Nimrod. Home; Experiences. This was the trip of a lifetime. Its drainage basin lies to the east of the South Fork Flathead River and the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Flathead River. Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it is bad out there! Departure Month: ... South Fork Flathead Fly-Fishing Trip. Similar Trips: Middle Fork Flathead • Middle Fork Salmon. The trip started with a bush plane trip to Schafer Airfield. More Details. Their joy at being on the Middle Fork was infectious. She had nothing to say about the river, about GNP’s southern boundary on the Middle Fork Flathead River . Due to it’s glacial influence, the Flathead is not known for it’s prolific insect life. COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this experience is taking. Richard Ross, 40, was attempting to move gear from one side of the river to the other in a small raft when he slipped and fell, authorities reported. Share. Sep 24, 2017 - Middle Fork Flathead River, Montana fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. Review of Glacier Anglers. The Flathead River starts high in the Rockies around Glacier National Park, flowing down into Flathead Lake before continuing on to meet up with the Clark Fork. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River punches its way through the mountains of northwest Montana. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a beautiful and scenic place--and our registration and procedures went smoothly. The Flathead River is made up of three forks, the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork. From May 1–June 15 an area extending 400 yards from shore between the Bowman Lake Ranger Station and the outlet of Bowman Lake is closed to fishing to protect spawning westslope cutthroat trout. Floating down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in late summer is a great escape from the last bits of heat. There were 5 clients , 3 guides and 1 trip leader. Starting from Essex, Montana, US Highway 2 parallels the river to West Glacier. HALF DAY FISHING. It starts deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and flows into the Flathead River. During the summer watch for rafters. When fishing the Middle Fork of the Flathead River from park lands or bridges, a Montana fishing license is required and state regulations are applicable. Today, there are 208 rivers in 40 states protected under the act, including iconic rivers like the Missouri, Allagah, Salmon and Snake. … Great Northern’s Montana fly fishing trips run late May through October on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. All trips run on the North and Middle Fork of the Flathead River and allow you to experience some of the best Glacier National Park fishing. By: Glacier Guides and Montana Raft. A Stimulator can raise the big ones. It can be either a lively or serene way - depending on the section of the river - to soak up the jaw-dropping vistas one may otherwise never have the pleasure of experiencing. Towns along the river include West Glacier, Nyack, Pinnacle, Essex, and Nimrod. SUnny and in the high 70’s and mid 80’s. Closely paralleled by US Highway 2, the Middle Fork serves as Glacier National Parks southern boundary for a great distance. 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. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana! RATES: 8-Day Ultimate Fly Fishing Experience ~ $5,900.00. The North Fork is on the drop, the Middle Fork is on the drop and the South Fork is holding nice and steady. Boat Prices do not include 7% service fee or gratuity. At night some of the lights of West Glacier may be visible. The bull trout is a threatened species and can reach 40 inches long. Call Chris and Tara now to book your Montana Fly Fishing Experience (406) 249-1482 or (406) 210-0511 (406) 249-1482 or (406) 210-0511. From its beginnings in the Great Bear Wilderness area, the Middle Fork offers a unique blend of scenery, wildlife and fishing in uncrowded and pristine surroundings. Big bull moose disappears underwater [VIDEO] By angelamontana. Included: We provide transportation from Kalispell to the Rich Ranch and back to Kalispell at the end of the trip. Middle Fork Flathead River. This stretch offers great access for both wade and float anglers. Read more. You Might Also Like. Glacier National Park Scenic Float - Middle Fork Flathead River provided by Glacier Guides and Montana Raft. The South Fork of the Flathead River is one of the few places in the Lower 48 where it is legal to target bull trout. The lower mainstem Flathead River drains from the southwest corner of the lake and draws waters from an arid valley basin throughout its 75-mile course. Middle Fork Flathead River, Montana fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. July 5 and the Flathead River is flowing at 16,000 CFS and the flows are perfect! They worked so … Water clarity is about 7-8 feet in the mornings and maybe 4 by the end of the day. Flathead River Fly Fishing Hatches. I pass the junction to the Middle Fork Flathead River and State Highway 2, which follows the park’s boundary. While the Middle Fork Flathead wasn't one of the first rivers to be protected under the new National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, passed by Congress in 1968, it was the birthplace of the idea for it (it was officially designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1976). MEETING TIMES: 8:30 am / 1:30 pm (Resort check-in time) Available Dates: Late June through October. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! The now-defunct Great Northern Railway company is intimately connected with Glacier … The river starts in Canada and flows along the west edge of Glacier National Park. View all photos (34) Recommended by 98% of … The Flathead River begins at the confluence of the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. DATES: July 18th-25th, 2020. Full-day trips give you ample time to find your rhythm and hunt down “the big one” while soaking up the scenery that surrounds you. However, for two and a half hours our guide (Sammy) provided incessant and inane prattle--all about herself. … This is also one of the main hubs for the forest service. I was invited on an eight day trip down the Middle Fork of the Flathead in the Great Bear Wilderness. The Flathead River is a large river. No stars. Upper Middle Fork Flathead 5 day Floating and Fishing. A raft floats past a towering cutbank while floating the upper North Fork of the Flathead River in late July. Thanks to simple logistics and only one other commercial outfitter, the Middle Fork Flathead is our most affordable trip on a pristine wilderness river. The Middle Fork of the Flathead had never been on my radar before, but a quick Google revealed a gem of a river that actually inspired the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act back in 1968. 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