Montana Wilderness Lodge

Trip Overview
Nestled on the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Montana Wilderness Lodge has been a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts since its establishment in 1950. In 2024, the historic property found new stewards in Strite and Kaitlyn Daniels, alongside Dan and Tracie Casazza, who thoughtfully renovated the lodge while preserving its authentic mountain character and timeless charm. Today's guests experience the perfect balance of rustic comfort and wilderness immersion in their simple, yet comfortable cabins. While the lodge has evolved over its seven-decade history, its spirit remains true to its original purpose – providing a comfortable escape for adventurers seeking to experience Montana's remote wilderness in the South Fork of the Flathead drainage. 

Lodging Details
Located in Spotted Bear, Montana, the property offers a peaceful retreat in a scenic mountain setting. With a rustic atmosphere, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. Spend your days exploring local trails or simply relaxing in a quiet environment. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals that bring a touch of warmth to your stay. Each cabin is equipped with its own bathroom and shower. Guests can also enjoy spending time around a campfire and playing horseshoes. All electricity in the main lodge building and cabins is produced by a generator. Each night the generator is turned off, and then turned on again each morning. 

Food and Beverages
During your stay, you'll experience the warmth of traditional Montana hospitality in their family-style kitchen, where hearty, home-cooked meals bring guests together at their welcoming dining table. From early morning breakfasts to evening gatherings, you'll never go hungry as their kitchen serves up generous portions of delicious, home-style cooking.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
Non-angling activities are limited in the immediate area except for nearby hikes and scenic driving. 

Internet / Communications
Cellphone reception is not reliable on the property or throughout the area. Wi-Fi is available when the lodge’s generator is running.

How to Get There
The closest commercial airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) which is located just outside of Kalispell. Guests can choose to rent a car, or get shuttled through a 3rd party shuttle service for an additional cost. Drive time is 2 hours 20 minutes. Taking a charter flight from the FCA airport into the Spotted Bear Airstrip is also a possibility. If this option is chosen, the lodge is less than 5 minutes away, so they will just come and pick you up. 

Arrival and Departure Details / Times
Check-in time is 4PM and check-out time is 9AM.

Documents Required
Fishing licenses are available at most area fly shops and sporting goods stores throughout Montana. However, the most convenient way to purchase your fishing licenses is online by visiting the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website. If you are coming in July, a bull trout catch card is required for anglers fishing for bull trout in Montana. You can get a bull trout catch card from any Forest Service Office or the lodge can also provide them when you arrive. These are free of charge. 

Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes. 

Travel Tools
– Airline Ticketing
– Moon Phases
– Rent This Rod
– Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
– Global Rescue Membership

General Information
Discover exceptional Montana fly fishing right from our lodge's doorstep, where adventure meets comfort in a perfect blend. Their strategic location provides direct access to 17 miles of the South Fork of the Flathead River, which they've divided into two distinct float sections to maximize your fishing experience. Each day brings new opportunities as you choose between floating different stretches of the South Fork, or even doing a short horseback ride up a tributary and wade fishing smaller crystal clear waters for eager cutthroat trout. The guides depart directly from the lodge, leading you to productive waters where top-shelf fly fishing awaits. Whether you're casting dry flies from a drift boat or wade fishing, you'll experience some of Montana's finest fishing while returning each evening to the comfort of the wilderness lodge. The South Fork of the Flathead drainage is home to the highest population of bull trout in the state of Montana. Intentional angling for bull trout on the South Fork of the Flathead is allowed by Montana FWP regulations only during the month of July.

Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge.

2026 Rates
4 nights / 3 days = $2,400.00 per person

2026 Dates
June 25 - 29
July 11 - 15
July 19 - 23
August 12 – 16

*Bookings require intact groups of 4 anglers
**Intentional angling for bull trout is allowed by Montana FWP regulations only during July

Included

• (4) nights lodging (4 single occupancy cabins)
• (3) days of guided fishing (2 guides – 2 anglers per guide)
• All meals
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Guide pick up & drop off on each day of fishing
• River shuttle fees for guides’ vehicles (if applicable)
• Rods/reels, flies, and tackle provided by the guides
• Taxes and other usage fees

Excluded

• Airfare
• Airport transportation
• Alcohol (BYO)
• Gratuities for lodge staff
• Gratuities for guides
• Fishing licenses

Terms and Conditions – Cancellations
Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages. A deposit of 50% per person is due within 10 days of booking for all trip packages and reservations, and final payment if due 90 days prior to arrival. All trip cancellations must be received in writing, sent to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, LLC. For all cancellations outside of 90 days of scheduled arrival at the lodge, a full refund or a trip credit will be issued. For cancellations inside of 90 days, deposits and final payments will be forfeited, and no refund or credit will be issued. If a cancelled package is resold by either the lodge or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be issued. In the case of cancellation by the client, both deposit and final payment may be transferred to another guest or angler for those same (original) dates if facilitated and arranged by the client. Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT. 

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrive to the lodge at approximately 4 PM
• Check in / get settled
• Dinner served around 7:30 PM

Days 2 – 4

• Breakfast typically served around 7:30 AM
• On the water from 9 AM – 4 PM (lunch on the water)
• Dinner served around 7:30 PM

 Day 5

• Breakfast
• Depart around 9 AM