South Fork of the Flathead Drop Floats

Ride in with us and float out on your own!

We offer Rafting Drop Floats to the upper end of the South Fork of the Flathead River starting June 21st.  These "do it yourself" rafting drop floats in the Bob Marshall Wilderness can put you right in the middle of the best fishing in Montana. In addition to the world class cutthroat trout fishing, the South Fork of the Flathead is also one of the few areas in the lower 48 states where you can legally fish for bull trout.

For the drop floats we usually depart from the Owl Creek Trailhead located next to Holland Lake. We will take you, your boats and gear by horseback into the confluence of Gordon Creek and the South Fork of the Flathead River.  We also offer drop float services down Youngs Creek by way of Youngs Pass and down Jenny Creek for an additional fee. Trips going in over Youngs Pass depart from the Lodgepole Trailhead located northwest of Ovando.

We run a professional operation and will get you to your destination in a timely manner, so you can start your adventure as scheduled. Plan on a 9 hour horseback ride to get to the South Fork, along with a couple 15 minute breaks to stretch your legs as well as a 30 minute lunch break. 

Dates and Rates

 

From Holland Lake Trailhead to Confluence of Gordon Creek and South Fork (July 8 - August 30) 

  • $3.25 per pound of gear
  • $425 per rider
  • $2,000 minimum per group

From Pyramid Trailhead to Confluence of Youngs and Danaher (June 26 - July 8 Only)

  • $3.50 per pound of gear
  • $450 per rider
  • $2,000 minimum per group

See our Dates and Rates for all options and start booking your trip today!

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What to Expect

We ask that you bring all your gear to the trailhead by 2 p.m. the night before your departure day, so we can have everything packed and ready to go in the morning to ensure an early start.  

No food or drinks will be provided for drop services, so please eat breakfast and pack a lunch before you show up on departure day. 

If you will be riding instead of walking, we will provide you with a horse and all necessary tack and saddle bags for your trip into the South Fork of the Flathead River.


The cost for riding animals is $425 if going into the Gordon Creek confluence and $450 if going into the Hahn Creek Cabin.


To simplify pricing we now charge per pound for gear being packed in. The cost is $3.25 per/lb for trips going down Gordon Creek and $3.50 per/lb for trips going down Youngs Creek. As always we do not have any additional fees for packers or wranglers. Please have all loose items packed in duffel bags, boxes, coolers, etc. with no pack in excess of 70lbs and no traditional coolers larger than 70 quarts or extreme coolers(Yeti, RTIC, Grizzly) larger than 65 quart.

No items over 75lbs will be taken except for flexible items such as rafts that can be drapped over a mule.

Deposit Policy:

A deposit of 50% based on the estimate we agree on will book the particular trip you want. When you meet us at the trailhead or our ranch to drop your gear off our packers will weigh all the gear, you will then pay the remaining balance depending on the actual total weight.  Cash, checks or credit cards are accepted form of payment. 


Cancellation Policy: 
Deposits are nonrefundable. This space is held for you, and this means turning others away. Deposits are transferable if you have someone else to take your place. In the event of Forest Fires, USFS closures, or other natural disasters, any remaining deposits may be held for a future reservation within 2 years.






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Big Salmon Outfitters
Licensed and Insured Outfitter 
Micky Cheff #32517
(406) 644-2557

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