GLACIER ANGLERS
Fly Fishing

4-7 Day Great Bear Wilderness Fly Fishing

This Trip Has It All! Every once in a while an opportunity comes along that's just too exciting to pass up and we think you'll find this 4 to 7 day trip to be just one of those opportunities. Glacier Anglers (Glacier Raft Company) would like to invite you to join us on our 4-7 Day Great Bear Wilderness Fly Fishing adventure this summer. You won't see another trip in the lower 48 states that compares; this will be the one fishing trip that sticks in your mind for a lifetime.

Day 1:.We access the Great Bear Wilderness and the river at a point where it is navigable via an easy trail. This 2-hour scenic hike takes you through the beautiful Granite Creek valley. If you prefer not to hike in, we can make arrangements to have a horse take you to the river. Once we reach the river, you'll spend the remainder of your trip casting to native Westslope cutthroat trout and rainbow trout and camping along the Upper Middle Fork.

After an exciting day of fishing, as your guide is preparing a hearty gourmet dinner, you will have the opportunity to sit around the campfire and relax and tell a few tales or, if your arm isn't worn out from casting all day, wander down to the bank for a little evening fishing. If the day's events, the wholesome dinner and the relaxing campfire haven't tired you out yet, the soothing murmur of the river flowing by camp will surely lull you to sleep.

Days 2-7: You'll experience great fishing and scenic splendor. You'll experience exciting whitewater and great fishing. The rapids of Three Forks, 25-Mile Creek, Lunch Creek and Spruce Park Gorge make this a real adventure. Trips through June experience exciting whitewater, but if you're looking for some of the best cutthroat fishing in the northwest then it's best to come after the first week of July (this date can vary depending on the previous winter's snowpack) through the end of August.

The Upper Middle Fork has a bounty of native Westslope cutthroat trout as do the high mountain lakes in this area. We incorporate a short 1½ mile hike into one of these mountain-cradled, crystal blue lakes. The native cutthroat in these lakes can get as big as 20 inches and weigh up to 3 lbs. On the river it's not uncommon to pull in many fish over 16 inches; this is the one trip where you will tire from catching so many fish. If you're interested in an exclusive fishing trip, we can customize the trip for your group. We typically like to hold group sizes to around six. For every two customers we have one guide. Our emphasis on this trip is the overall experience--camping, rafting, hiking, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. Our agenda is subject to change due to trail conditions, weather, water levels and group interests. We think this trip combines the best in outdoor excitement and we think you'll enjoy this wilderness adventure.

We do not design these trips to have a rigid structure, but rather try to design them to best suit your needs and desires. Our goal is simple: to give you the best fishing trip possible. With our friendly and knowledgeable guides you will be able to polish your fishing techniques and maybe even learn a few new tricks and still have plenty of time to kick back and relax, read, or take some pictures of the best Montana has to offer. You will return to Glacier Outdoor Center around 4:00 in the afternoon on the last day of your trip.

Note: When planning your trip, keep in mind that this river is Wild and Scenic, and, as the classification of this river implies, it should not be taken lightly. We recommend you be in good physical condition for this trip and be prepared for excitement in this natural setting. Due to the constraints involved with wilderness travel, we ask that you limit your baggage to 40 lbs per person. You must be in good physical condition.

All of our guides will have a good supply of flies, tippet and quality rods and reels. If you use their equipment, it is your responsibility to reimburse them if you break or lose any of their equipment, as most of them provide this service out of their own pocket. If you have your own gear, we recommend you bring it. If you have questions or are looking to add a few items to your collection or just get started, our fly shop staff can assist you.

Fly Fishing : We recommend a 5 weight/9 foot rod or smaller with a weight forward floating line, several leaders (4x or 5x leaders work well), and a good variety of western trout patterns including the Sofa Pillow stone, red and yellow Humpies, Royal Wulff, caddis patterns (especially the Elk Hair), Parachute Adams and Stimulators. Flies can be purchased at Glacier Outdoor Center and the fly shop staff can recommend the hot ones. Although a good portion of the fishing is from a boat, you may want to throw in your waders. If you have questions on what to bring or if you would rather wait to pick up your equipment until you arrive in Montana, we have a full service fly shop to assist you.

General trip information links:
map & directions
general information
packing list