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Address: PO Box 4940, Whitefish, MT, 59937, USA
Phone: (406) 862-4444, (800) 223-4333
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Overview | Accommodations | Rates | Fishing | How to Get Here | Pack Trips | Hunting | View on Map Secluded Wilderness Adventures
Howdy, friends. If you’ve only dreamed of catching 20 to 30 trout a day on a dry fly, this is your wake-up call. It’s time to discover the South Fork of the Flathead River, probably the finest wild trout fishery in North America. And Spotted Bear Ranch sits right on the bank.
Teeming with rare native Westslope Cutthroat and large Bull Trout, the South Fork flows through the vast and extraordinarily beautiful 1.5 million acre Bob Marshall/Great Bear Wilderness. Inaccessible to most, we’ll put you onto stretches of river only a privileged few have ever fished.
Whether you choose to ride horses into backcountry camps or return to the lodge every night, we can promise you several things - Clean, comfortable accommodations - Friendly, professional guides - Excellent chef prepared meals - Personalized service - As much solitude as you want - And an experience you’ll never forget.
Our fishing adventures are strictly limited to just a few guests at a time.
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME DRY-FLY ACTION
Primitive and cobbled with smooth multi-colored rocks molded from an ancient seabed, the South Fork of the Flathead River is unique among Montana’s World Class fisheries for its rich and rare native trout habitat. Sensational dry fly action. Breathtaking scenery. And, amazingly, its solitude.
You see, this crystal-clear river rises in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness between the Continental Divide and Swan Mountain range, then flows for 50 miles through rugged and roadless terrain.
Accessible only by foot or horseback, the South Fork remains truly wild - a special and unspoiled river. As a result, the fishing can be spectacular. It’s common to catch 20 to 30 hard fighting native Cutthroat a day – plus Montana Grayling and Whitefish. And hardly ever see another fisherman outside you own small group!
DAILY FISHING EXCURSIONS
Choose from 3 to 5 day lodge trips, returning to your private log cabin every night. We’ll get you to places that are otherwise inaccessible and to fish that may never have seen a dry fly.
You’ll be accompanied by an experienced, professional guide (one for every two guests) who is committed to making your excursion successful, enjoyable and memorable.
For a little variety, you can fish some of the nearby lakes for trophy-sized trout or select from several other highly productive streams. We know where the fish are, and we’ll do our best to introduce you.
WILDERNESS HORSE PACK & FLOAT EXPEDITIONS
Perhaps one of the best ways to fully enjoy the beauty and many moods of the South Fork is to journey into its heart. We offer an exclusive 5-day or 6-day pack, float and fly fishing experience that’s absolutely unforgettable. For two days, you’ll ride by horseback up the river into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, camp at strategic points along the way and cast your fly line over virtually virgin water. Then, for three days, you’ll wade and float fish back down the South Fork on water so clear it’s nearly invisible.
You won’t believe your eyes. Imagine towering granite faces of the Continental Divide. Meadows blanketed with brightly colored wildflowers. Grazing elk, deer and mountain goats. And, of course, the spirited 12- to 16-inch cutthroats – one right after another – that can’t wait to nail your Elk Hair Caddis. Don’t leave your camera at home!
FAMILY VACATIONS AND RETREATS
What a great place to bring the family or weary executives. There’s so much to do - Relax, ride horses, hike, float the river, swim or camp. We’ll design a special 5 day get-away-from-it-all vacation or a retreat geared specially to suit the needs of everyone in your group.
Overview | Accommodations | Rates | Fishing | How to Get Here | Pack Trips | Hunting | View on Map Wilderness Luxury
Lodge-based guests relax in the comfort of one of our five rustic two-bedroom cabins. These cabins accommodate up to four adult guests and offer all the modern comforts of home – exceptionally comfortable beds, private bathrooms, carpeted floors, wood-burning fireplaces and daily maid service.
Our historic main lodge features a fly shop, trophy room with club chairs and sunken conversation area, and dining room.
Wilderness/backcountry accommodations consist of oversized backpacking tents for every two guests, with cots and sleeping pads. Our staff prepares excellent camp meals with picnic lunches on the river.
Our hearty fare is served hot and portions are always generous. Breakfast and supper are served in the main lodge dining room following nightly hors d’oeuvres. Complimentary wine served with dinner.
Overview | Accommodations | Rates | Fishing | How to Get Here | Pack Trips | Hunting | View on Map Rates
2006 FLY FISHING RATES
Montana's Best Kept Secret
GENERAL
• Rate Basis - Per person, shared guide, American plan.
• Minimums - Three days and double occupancy in private cabin.
• What's included? - All guided activities (fishing, horseback riding, hiking, rafting, etc.) meals & lodging.
• What's not included? - Lodging tax, licenses, equipment rental, gratuities & transportation to and from the lodge.
• Guide Supplement - Single or odd numbered guests, $150/day, if space is available.
LODGE-BASED VACATIONS
Mid June through Late September
5 DAY / 6 NIGHT
$2,750
(Sunday p.m. through Saturday a.m.)
3 DAY / 3 NIGHT
$1,750
(Sunday p.m. through Wednesday p.m. -or- Thursday a.m. through Sunday a.m.)
WILDERNESS HORSE PACK & FLOAT EXPEDITIONS
Late June through end of August
*The only two-time recipient of the prestigious Orvis Endorsed Expedition of the Year (2001 and 2004)
5 DAY / 4 NIGHT
$3,800
6 to 8 guests
6 DAY / 5 NIGHT
$4,400
6 to 8 guests
DEPOSIT & CANCELLATION POLICY
• A 50% deposit confirms your reservation.
• Balance Due/Cancellation Deadline - 60 days (90 days for Wilderness Horse Pack & Float Expeditions) prior to start of trip. Cancellations are subject to a $200 handling fee.
• Cancellations due to acts of god or unfavorable conditions (i.e., rain, wind, high water, fires, smoke, etc.) are not refundable. Postponements to the following season and refunds are allowed if Forest Service closes all available fishing areas.
Rates are based on a three-day minimum stay, double-occupancy in cabins and shared guide. There is a supplemental charge for singles and discounted rate for non-fishermen accompanying guided guests. All activities at the lodge are included – guide service, meals, horseback riding, etc. Guests are responsible for – licenses, gratuities, equipment rentals, transportation to and from the lodge, lodging outside of Spotted Bear Ranch, and sleeping bags on Wilderness trips. Our Orvis Fly Shop is stocked with all necessary supplies - equipment, flies, rentals and novelty items.
Overview | Accommodations | Rates | Fishing | How to Get Here | Pack Trips | Hunting | View on Map Dry Fly Fishing Without the Crowds!
Our specialty is dry fly fishing for Montana’s native trout – the Westslope Cutthroat.
The season begins in mid-June and continues through September. Best dry fly action is in July and August.
The South Fork of the Flathead is Unique Among Montana Fly Fishing Rivers.
The South Fork of the Flathead is considered Montana’s premier native trout fishery. Referred to as “Montana’s most pristine and inaccessible river” it’s a favorite among the lucky few who have fished its pristine waters. Originating high in the Bob Marshall Wilderness at the confluence of Youngs and Danaher Creek, the South Fork flows freely for nearly seventy miles before emptying into Hungry Horse Reservoir. Known as one of the last and best strongholds for native Westslope Cutthroat trout, the South Fork offers fantastic dry fly fishing from June through September. Rising 30 to 40 cutts a day on a dry fly is not uncommon! Hard to find and impossible to forget, the South Fork offers the experience of a lifetime to the awaiting angler.
In addition to the South Fork of the Flathead, we fish nearby tributary streams, creeks and mountain lakes. These wild trout are plentiful, hungry and hard fighting. It’s not uncommon to raise 30 to 40 cutts a day! Other fish species native to our watershed are the Endangered Bull Trout (which commonly exceeds 30 inches!) and Mountain Whitefish.
By limiting our services to just a few guests, were able to offer personalized service and a relaxed, homey atmosphere. Our friendly guides are regularly complimented on their patience and teaching ability.
Novice fly fishermen especially enjoy the personalized attention and numerous rising trout, while the more experienced angler enjoys the challenge of sight casting to larger rising trout.
Overview | Accommodations | Rates | Fishing | How to Get Here | Pack Trips | Hunting | View on Map How to Get Here
Our lodge is located approximately 60 miles south of Glacier National Park in the Flathead National Forest of Northwest Montana.
Airport Info - The nearest commercial airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located between Kalispell and Columbia Falls and serviced by Delta, Northwest and Alaska/Horizon. It's approximately a 2 hour drive from the airport, 2½ hours from Kalispell. There's a 3000' grass airstrip four miles from the lodge accessible to small aircraft. Commercial charter flights are available at an extra cost; call for details or visit our website under >Travel.
Traveling from the Kalispell area to Spotted Bear Ranch – It’s approximately a 2½ hour car drive from downtown Kalispell, MT. Drive east on Highway 2 from Kalispell heading towards Glacier National Park. Before you get to the Park, turn South at Hungry Horse/Martin City and drive 55 miles along Hungry Horse Reservoir on an improved, unpaved road. The lodge is 60 miles directly south of the southernmost point of Glacier National Park, approx. 8 miles past the inlet of the reservoir. Detailed driving instructions are provided to our guests. Or, visit our website under >Travel.
Overview | Accommodations | Rates | Fishing | How to Get Here | Pack Trips | Hunting | View on Map Unique Wilderness Horse Pack & Float Expeditons
Wilderness Horse Pack & Float Expeditions are for the more adventurous and hearty outdoorsman and fly fisherman. The unique combination of horseback riding, camping, and float/wade fly fishing make this a trip to remember.
Guests horseback ride into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, North America’s premier Wilderness area, for the first two days, approximately ten miles each day. They arrive at the campsite in time for a few hours of fly fishing before and after dinner. The third day is typically a layover day where guests take advantage of the excellent hike/wade fishing near base camp. The last two or three days are spent floating and wade fishing the South Fork down to the take out point. From the take out, guests walk or ride approx. 45 minutes to the trailhead where they transported back to the lodge to clean up for a Western barbecue dinner or head back to the Flathead Valley area.
The uniqueness, exclusivity and truly fantastic fly fishing easily make this our most popular trip.
Overview | Accommodations | Rates | Fishing | How to Get Here | Pack Trips | Hunting | View on Map Big Game Hunting for Elk, Deer & Black Bear
2006 marks our 14th year of outfitting for some of the finest elk, deer, and black bear hunting in Northwest Montana. We feel we have the best guides in the area, with a consistent record of success and guest satisfaction.
Our season begins in May with a Spring Black Bear Hunt. With a success rate greater than 50% and excellent color-phases--black, brown, chocolate, cinnamon, blonde and white patches—this spot & stalk hunt keeps our guests keep coming back. And Spring is a great time to be at the ranch. As the verdant growth spreads throughout the landscape, it beckons the wildlife. Grizzly bear, mule and whitetail deer, elk and moose all make appearances.
During the months of September and October, we horse pack guests into our backcountry camp in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Our Early Season Wilderness Bugle Elk/Deer Hunt offers the seasoned hunter minimal hunting pressure due to its remote location and the opportunity for larger game. It’s one of the last places in the country where you can rifle hunt bugling elk. Talk about exciting!
We round out our season in November with a Late Season Lodge Deer/Elk Hunt. This hunt also offers limited pressure, with our guests returning to their private cabins nightly. Guests have an excellent opportunity to bag trophy mule or whitetail deer, as well as bull elk.
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