Backcountry float & Walk n' Wade

Licensed under Montana Outfitter #54477

Available Locations: South Fork of the Flathead River

Trip Overview: The South Fork of the Flathead River is one of the most beautiful and ecologically significant rivers in Montana — and one of the last strongholds of pure genetic Westslope Cutthroat Trout in the entire country. Thanks to Hungry Horse Dam blocking Rainbow Trout from entering the system, the South Fork has been spared the hybridization that has compromised Cutthroat populations across much of the West. What you find here are wild, pure, native fish in pristine, untouched water — the kind of fishery that most anglers only read about. This is as close to the Bob Marshall Wilderness as you can fish without getting on a horse or hiking in, and it shows in every cast.

Access: 50 mile drive around Hungry Horse Reservoir to the Spotted Bear River confluence 

Season: Third week in May through end of October

What’s Included: All fishing gear, private raft, licensed & insured Montana guide, lunch, beverages, fishing and casting instruction

What to Bring: Sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing (warm layers, sun protective clothing, etc.), sun glasses, and a valid fishing license

Up to 2 people per boat

You'll start with about a 50 mile drive around Hungry Horse Reservoir until you reach the confluence of the Spotted Bear River and the South Fork of the Flathead. The road in is a winding dirt road that takes a little longer than you might expect — plan accordingly and enjoy the ride, because the scenery on the way in is a preview of what's waiting for you on the water.

The Diamond R Guest Ranch sits right on the Spotted Bear River and serves as our home base — with stunning views, great food on the all-inclusive package, and a setting that reminds you why you came to Montana in the first place. From there we can float two beautiful and distinct stretches of river that fish consistently well from late May all the way through October. The South Fork is crystal clear, cold, and as pristine as it gets — bedrock slots, fast moving runs, and deep pools loaded with native Cutthroat that seem almost eager to come up and eat a dry fly. It's not uncommon to watch a 16 inch Cutthroat rise 10 feet out of a bedrock slot to take a fly on the surface — that's the kind of fishing that happens here on a regular basis.

The South Fork isn't just about the fishing. This is some of the best wildlife viewing in all of Montana. On any given day on the water you might encounter River Otters, Martens, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Black Bears, Moose, Elk, and Whitetail Deer. It's a full wilderness experience from the seat of a raft — and one of the things guests talk about long after the trip is over.