By air into Schafer meadows or by foot into Granite Creek, these are the only two ways to get into the wilderness where the adventure begins, dependent on water levels and your trip dates.
Few outfitters can offer a life-changing fly fishing experience deep in the legendary Montana backcountry. Glacier Anglers is one of them.
Hidden away in the Great Bear Wilderness and accessible only by plane, foot or horseback, the Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River is one of North America’s most pristine waterways. Glacier Anglers is fortunate to be the exclusive Montana river outfitter permitted to fish its waters.
Sleep under the stars, eat richly, bask in backcountry scenery and spend five unforgettable days catching fish after fish from one of the healthiest populations of native westslope cutthroat trout in the world.
Join us in the Great Bear Wilderness for a Montana fly fishing experience you will treasure for a lifetime.
Venture deep into the pristine Montana backcountry
A truly remote journey
Fish for wild and native westslope cutthroat trout
Dine on delicious food, freshly prepared by your guide
Camp beneath the “big sky country” stars
2025 Dates: June 23 – August 7
For inquiries or to book by phone: 1.406.888.5454
Rates do not include guide gratuity.
Discover Montana's state fish - an exceptional experience awaits anglers of all abilities.
Our proximity to Glacier National Park means you're always nearby your next adventure, whether that’s fishing the Flathead River with Glacier Anglers & Outfitters or hiking Apgar Lookout just within the park gates.
Check into the reservations office to make sure all waivers have been signed and fishing licenses have been purchased. Meet your trip leader and grab your dry bag to pack for tomorrow's launch.
Disclaimer: Itinerary is a sample. Trips may vary depending on river and fishing conditions, campsites and guests’ needs.
Morning
Arrive at Glacier Anglers & Outfitters, located at Paddle Ridge in West Glacier, at 7:30 a.m.
Your guides will load your dry bag onto the transfer shuttle.
Depending on the time of the year, you will either fly-in or hike in.
Afternoon
After lunch, guides will provide a safety orientation before setting off on the river.
Spend the afternoon getting comfortable with the rafts and encountering our native westslope cutthroat trout during a brief float through incredible pools to reach the first campsite.
Evening
Arrive at the campsite with plenty of time to fish from the shore, relax on the beach or chat with new friends as the guides prepare dinner. Guests are welcome to bring cards, games, a book or other small activities to enjoy during downtime.
Drift off to sleep in your sleeping bags under the starry night.
Morning
Guides will have coffee brewing when you wake up and begin cooking a hot breakfast.
After breakfast, you’ll pack up camp.
Embark on the river, casting for trout amid the picturesque wilderness.
Experience the first of many rapids ranging from class II to IV. Some rapids provide opportunities to get out of the raft and fish in the pools below while our guides skillfully navigate the boats through safely.
Afternoon
Pull over for lunch and relax before continuing to fish for bucket list-worthy trout.
After lunch, resume your journey on the river, where you'll have several occasions during your trip to anchor up and entice the trout to your fly.
Our guides have a deep knowledge of the region. We’ll help you pick what flies to use and share techniques to help you get a “fish-on.”
Evening
Once you reach camp, there will be plenty of time to relax, fish from the shore, participate in friendly competitive fly-fishing games or chat with your friends as the guides prepare dinner.
Drift off to sleep to the sounds of the river flowing rhythmically downstream.
Morning
Coffee and breakfast will once again be waiting for you as you wake up.
After breakfast, you’ll pack up camp.
Set off on the river once again. During the peak of the summer, the water is exceptionally clear along stretches of the Flathead, offering glimpses of fish gathering at the bottom of the pools.
Afternoon
Pull over for lunch, prepared by your guides, before continuing downstream.
Most of your day will be spent casting, catching fish, and floating to the next hole until you reach camp.
Evening
Relax and enjoy another delicious guide-prepared dinner by the riverside.
Dessert is always a fan favorite. Our guides’ impressive culinary skills range from creative Dutch oven classics to old family recipes. Save room for something sweet!
Count the stars sprawling across the Montana big sky as you close out another unforgettable day.
Morning
Wake up with nature as the sun warms the dew off the ground.
Guides will have breakfast going and a hot coffee ready for you.
After breakfast, pack up camp and go back out on the river for more fishing.
Westslope cutthroat thrive in our cool snow fed waters. Known as a proverbial “Canary in the Coal Mine,” their population lets us know how healthy our river is.
Afternoon
Arrive to the Spruce Park Series, situated within the Spruce Park Gorge. This legendary section features towering cliffs, numerous waterfalls, and technical drops.
Evening
Arrive to camp and relax while dinner is served.
Sit by the fire and share stories with great company before drifting to sleep, resting well for the last leg of your journey.
Morning
Your last day starts with one more riverside breakfast.
After breakfast, you’ll pack up camp one last time.
Fish until you reach the take-out at Bear Creek or Essex.
Afternoon
Reaching Bear Creek is a momentous occasion as it marks the end of the Great Bear Wilderness.
As the guides haul the gear and rafts up to the shuttle, guests get a chance to revel in the amazing wilderness experience they shared.
Once everything is loaded, you’ll take a 40-minute shuttle ride back to Paddle Ridge.
Select a month below to view availability.
Last updated: December 20, 2024
| Trip Length | Available Departure Dates |
|---|---|
| 5 Day Trips Departs Mondays |
June 23 June 30 July 7 |
Limited spots available. Please call 1.406.888.5454 for more information.
| Trip Length | Available Departure Dates |
|---|---|
| 5 Day Trips Departs Thursdays |
July 10 July 17 July 21 July 24 July 31 August 7 |
Limited spots available. Please call 1.406.888.5454 for more information.
| Dates | Departure Time | Trip Length | River Miles |
| June through September | 8:30 a.m. | 5 days | 18 miles |
June through September |
||
| Departure Time | Trip Length | River Miles |
| 8:30 a.m. | 5 days | 18 miles |
Save time at check in by bringing your pre-signed waiver.
Glacier Anglers & Outfitters Montana Outfitters License:
Hilary Hutcheson, License # 56666
PO Box 210, West Glacier, MT 59936
406.888.5454
Flathead Forest Service Permit
Questions? Contact our Local Experts
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