|
The West Slope Cutthroat, like the eastern Brook Trout, requires exceptionally clear cold water. A testament to this is when our guide drank his water from the river. The West Slope Cuts strike aggressively and are easily taken. They flourish in the South Fork for two reasons, first, much of the water flows through the pristine Bob Marshall Wilderness, and second the trout are protected by special regulations. If you have never battled a native West Slope Cutthroat, these fish will quickly redefine the way you feel about the fighting capabilities of cutthroat trout.
As a bonus, the fly fisherman has a chance to tangle with the endangered Bull Trout. If caught, they must immediately be released. In a pool not more than 300 yards from the campsite, Tom hooked and landed a few "bulls" in the 4-8 lb range and they can reach double digit weight.
The South Fork originates at the confluence of the Young’s and Danaher Creek near the southern end of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. It flows north 50 miles and before entering Hungry Horse Reservoir. The best remote fishing can be had by going in from Holland Lake. In five days I saw two people on horseback and one backpacker.
As we prepared to depart, I thought of Bob Marshall, the conservationist, and the struggles endured to preserve this pristine wilderness. Thank goodness it will be retained for generations to come. Bob Marshall died, in 1939 at the age of 38. On August 16, 1940, agriculture secretary Wallace honored him by designating the 950,000 acres of roadless area in his name.
Information
Anglers heading for the South Fork of the Flathead should get the Forest Visitors map of the Flathead National Forest (Southern half), which is available from Flathead National Forest, 1935 Third Avenue, East-Kalispell Montana, 59901 or phone 406 755-5401. Keep in mind, on the Sough Fork of the Flathead you’ll be in true wilderness. No beds-no heaters-no bathtubs, and sleeping on the ground. With a wilderness stream all to yourself I thinks it is worth it.
|
|
|
South Fork of the Flathead
The Uncrowded River Back in Time
Joe Picirilli
Certain moments in our lives won’t pass out of memory with time. I will always remember a morning this past August as our string of saddle horses left the beautiful, crystal clear, Holland Lake trailhead. There are two ways into Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, by foot and backpack or on horses. Our destination was the South Fork of the Flathead River, a national wild and scenic river, at the confluence of Gordon Creek. This would be home for the next five days.
A 56 mile, in the saddle, round trip across streams, over logs and rocks, up the mountain and down, on my horse "Chinook" was a life experience this senior citizen will never forget. The beautiful vistas, narrow switchbacks where the horse’s hooves are 6 inches from a terminal abyss, are etched forever in my memory.
It took me eight years to say yes to this wilderness trip. My sons Mike and Tom persisted until I couldn’t come up with any new excuses. The party consisted of the three of us and Mike’s friend Jim Brown from Conyers Georgia. The trip in to the campsite took 10 hours. As we arrived at the campsite a local grizzly bear was dining on berries from a near by bush. The bear made a couple of false charges and, upset at disturbing dinner, wandered away.
The River and its Fish
Montana’s rivers offer outstanding fishing for browns and rainbows, but fishing the South Fork of the Flathead for native West Slope Cutthroat is a special experience. It is a fishery essentially not impacted by man.
|
|
|
