Glacier NP

[Kayser]

Well, it's that time of year again- where people plan big trips to fish places they know nothing about.

Long story short- I'm flying into Spokane mid-August and driving into Glacier with a friend. Yes, we know how far the drive is. The plan is to hike, backpack, and do a bit of fly-fishing. I've heard that the lakes are the main attraction for trout, but I like moving water. Creeks, smaller rivers, etc. Pocket water and dry flies, miles away from anyone.

I'll have bear spray and bug spray. I'm considering taking my wading boots, but there is a 50lb limit to consider in my check bag- basically my packed backpack and other gear stuffed in a duffel, pushed to the weight limit. So, I'll buy the sprays there. I've found wader rentals for $15/day, so that could cover the 1-2 days of river fishing I'd like to do (Middle Fork Flathead). A cheap pair of water shoes from a store somewhere along the way would probably be a good plan for creeks, to save my boots. More internet scouting to come, but not a lot of people want to share a magic spot that's miles away from everyone else- mostly just "this crowded lake is open, this popular river is down".

So has anyone been? Does anyone have any gear, location, or fly suggestions for this? It's probably the only time I'll get to go, so I want to make the most of my fishing time while I can.

Thanks in advance.

[ness]

Never been, but it's on the bucket list. Looking forward to a report.

[BilletHead]

    Kayser,

 Have a good time and good luck. We will be back up that way real soon. Only fished one place relatively close to the park. Grave creek a tributary of the tobacco river. Just North of Fortine on 93 highway. Where we fished we just wet waded. It has a pretty good gradient, fast water and some pretty good sized slippery boulders. Be careful. Here is a link to last years trip to that place. We caught westslope cutthroat and lucked into some juvenile bull trout. If they catch you purposely targeting bulls you can be in trouble. Accidental catch and release is OK. Be sure and read the regulations. Start reading where I posted the bull trout sign,

 

 

[Kayser]

Forgot about this draft... I'm currently sitting in SLC airport, waiting on a new plane for the connecting flight.

That looks exactly like what I've been dreaming of- I'll be checking out that creek for sure.

I've never caught a Westslope, so that's a bonus fish for myself as well. 

Rod and tackle is in the check bag. Wader rentals are $15/day out of West Glacier. I'll grab permits and some hair-wings in the shop whole getting a report on what's hot, or where to go that nobody else is willing to. I'll wet-wade with smaller water, I hope, and just suffer through cold feet. 

Thanks again, and I hope I can report next week. 

[BilletHead]

       Go for it Kayser,

We got back yesterday afternoon. Had a great trip caught fish all over but this time blanked on Grave creek. Could of just been the day or us that day? Still think you should check it out if you are able. I will be working up our trip report in the next few days. Keep us all posted on your fishing especially if you fish in the park. Good luck young man,

BilletHead

[Kayser]

I'm getting BBQ in Kalispell, trying to make a plan while on their WiFi. Also trying to figure out what mines out here are looking for engineers.

It'll take a while to get everything put together, and I doubt it will be quick in coming out. 

[grizwilson]

The guys at Snappy Sports there in Kalispell used to be a good source of info, did not look like much from the road, but had casting ponds and knowledgeable folks, but it has been a while.  

g

[BilletHead]

     Did not see the casting pond Griz but did go into Snappy's. Asked a few questions about and bugged out. Cool little store,

BilletHead