Spotted Bear Ranch, MT
Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge in Whitefish, Montana.
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Spotted Bear Ranch
Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge
Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.
Learn MoreOur rustic Lodge and six private guest cabins provide all the amenities you need, overlooking the Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Flathead River. We are remotely situated at the literal end of the road (dirt, that is, nestled in the midst of a 2+ million acre wilderness complex, that includes the Legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness. Daily floats based out of the lodge will have you hammering on our wild and willing westslope cutthroat.
What Should Customers Bring?
Give us a call and we can tell you what to bring, or send you one of our comprehensive trip planning booklets!
Sample of Typical Itinerary
Our typical trips are three or five days, but we are happy to customize shorter or longer visits! Your morning will begin with hot coffee(or tea), a chef-prepared breakfast, followed by a full-day excursion on one of our local waters with a professional guide. Lunch will be served streamside by your guide. Upon your return from fishing, you'll have a cold beverage and appetizers on the deck overlooking the river, followed by a chef-prepared dinner such as NY strip or smoked duck over a creamy pasta dish. You can shower in the morning or evening in the comfort of your own private cabin. It just has to be while one of our generators is running though, as we are 'off the grid' and sleep to the soothing sounds of the flowing river and rustling trees in the forest!
Species You Fish for by Season
We have one of the only legal seasons in the lower 48 to target the threatened, native bull trout. These behemoths can top out at over 36" and 15 lbs.! Our native, wild and willing westslope cutthroat Trout will readily rise to the surface to engulf your gigantic foam dry fly!
Region/Terrain Where You Fish
The Lodge sits at 3800', and most of the fishing is done at that elevation. Float fish our rugged, remote river comfortably from 14' self-bailing NRS Otter rafts equipped with frames and seats! Or hike our smaller rivers and streams. We utilize Suburbans and trucks to comfortably shuttle you to or from your start or finish fishing zones.
Typical Weather by Season
Days run long in the summer in Northwest Montana. Cool evenings (60's) and warm days (80's) start with beautiful sunrises at 5:00 am and gorgeous sunsets at 10:00 pm!
Date Range
Our season runs from mid-June through the 3rd week of September.
What is Provided to Customer
We provide all waders (if necessary), boots, rods, reels, terminal tackle and flies!
Q. Do you have cell service?
A. NOPE, we are too far into the mountains. We do, however, have a satellite internet connection. So if you HAVE to check in with someone, you can.
On-site Activities
We also offer horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, and biking on forest service roads.
Off-site Activities
The nearest paved road is 55 miles away, so once you get here, it's time to enjoy the rivers and mountains with us!! It is your own private getaway. We limit capacity so it will feel that way.