Montana Fly Fishing at Its Finest

Amazing solitude. Breathtaking scenery. Sensational dry fly action.

Flowing from deep within the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the South Fork of the Flathead River has been called Montana’s most inaccessible river. It’s beautiful and striking in a thousand different ways. And it’s blessed with something rare – a bounty of native West slope Cutthroat trout. These feisty natives absolutely flip over dry flies. You’ll flip too, over the action-packed fishing and awe inspiring natural wonder in this vast, unspoiled territory. Welcome to Spotted Bear Ranch. The closest you can get to fly fishing heaven (in this world).

There’s no place on earth like it

The farther you get from civilization, the better the fly fishing. Here in this remote corner of Montana, it’s beyond good. Spotted Bear is located in the heart of the Flathead National Forest at the confl uence of two stunning rivers -- the Spotted Bear River and the South Fork of the Flathead. In fact, we are the only lodge located on the banks of the South Fork. Our guides can put you on stretches of this pristine river that only a privileged few have ever cast eyes and fl ies upon.

Relax, Replenish, and Regale.

You’ll sleep well here in your private cabin, and not just from exhaustion. Our rustic two-bedroom cabins, modernized for comfort, have downy beds, wood and/or gas stoves, showers, carpeted floors and daily maid service. Nights are so quiet you can hear a pinecone drop.

The historic Spotted Bear lodge is perched on a bluff overlooking the South Fork. Here, we meet for chef-prepared meals served in our lodge dining room. Aft erwards, Spotted Bear guests oft en relax in our Trophy Room or around our memorable outdoor fi re pit and regale each other with “amazing but true” fishing tales of their day.

It’s not just our fishing that’s off -the-chart legendary. So is our warm Montana hospitality. We’re gregarious by nature, and so are most of our guests. The friendships you strike up here can last for many, many years.

We hope you’ll experience the wonders of Spotted Bear for yourself. Whether you choose to ride horses into back country camps or return to the comfort of the lodge each evening, there are several things we can promise -- clean, comfortable accommodations, friendly professional guides, excellent meals, personalized service, as much solitude as you want and fishing memories you’ll keep for a lifetime.

Lodge Fly Fishing 3 or 5 Day Trips

Although our 3-day and 5-day fl oat/wade fly fishing trips return you to your private cabin and comfortable bed each night, you’ll still find plenty of opportunity for adventure. We’ll get you to places that are otherwise inaccessible and to fish that may have never seen a dry fly.

Each day, you’re accompanied by a professional guide who leads you on river trips where you can fish for our famous native Westslope cutthroat trout or our gigantic bull trout. Our guides know where the fish are and will do their best to introduce you, whether you prefer to hike and wade fish the many tributaries and streams or float/wade the South Fork of the Flathead. The fishing is catch-and-release with barbless hooks.

Wilderness 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. Our wilderness fly fishing trips are for those who want to push themselves further in the pursuit of fishing nirvana. We offer an exclusive 6-day pack and fl oat expedition that is exciting, refreshing and absolutely unforgettable. For two days, you ride horseback up river, camping and casting along the way over virtually virgin water.

The third day is spent wade fishing along the South Fork and its tributaries. Then, you fl oat back down river for three days through some of the fi nest fishing water on earth -- water so clear it’s nearly invisible. And, the most important part? You only need to relax and fish while you enjoy the wilderness and varied wildlife. Our experienced and dedicated guides, wranglers, and packers take care of everything else!

Two Time Recipient of the Orvis Endorsed Expedition of the Year!

Outdoor Adventure to Remember

It’s not all about the fi sh at Spotted Bear, it’s about the fun. Your good time options include scenic fl oats, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, good company, horseshoes, barbecues and campfi res with the fl avor of the Old West. And on top of that, there’s a big sky full of twinkling stars and enough solitude to replenish your soul.

Spotted Bear Ranch is a great destination for a fly fi shing family or a retreat for friends or business associates. We’ll design a special three or fi ve day getaway- from-it-all vacation geared to the needs of everyone in your group. Our fi shing trips are designed for the novice as well as the expert. We also provide private fly fi shing instruction if desired and have an Orvis fly shop stocked with essential gear and fl ies, as well as equipment for rent. If you dream of the day your favorite person to hang with falls in love with fly fi shing, Spotted Bear Ranch is the place.

A Million Acres of Wilderness, Right outside your door

Where is Spotted Bear Anyway?

We’re located about as far off the beaten path as you can get. Spotted Bear Ranch is 60 miles from the nearest highway, deep in the woods of the Flathead National Forest, right next door to the legendary Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas.

Our lodge and cabins are located on a bluff overlooking the South Fork of the Flathead River; truly one of the most pristine, unspoiled rivers in the world.

How do I get There?

Fly into Kalispell’s Glacier International Airport (FCA) via Delta, Northwest, United, or Alaska/Horizon airlines. For ground directions and a map, go to www.spottedbear.com.