Howdy from the backcountry!
We’re deep into our weeklong journey through the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and spirits are high. The kids have been pushing themselves with long hikes, big casts, and even bigger smiles. Here’s a day-by-day recap of our adventure so far:
July 19:
We hit the trail early and headed into the backcountry, packs heavy but excitement high. It was a long day on foot, but some of the group still found time to wet a line in a nearby pool before dinner. A few brave souls attempted to cook fish over the fire, quickly learning that patience and proper coals are key — a good laugh and a solid backcountry cooking lesson for everyone. By the time the stars came out, the crew was tired but already feeling the magic of the wilderness.
July 20:
We made it to the confluence of the South Fork Flathead and Danaher Creek — and the fishing absolutely lit up. Cutthroat and bull trout were on the move, giving everyone a chance to test their skills against strong, wild fish. The campsite was tucked beneath tall pines with incredible river views, and the energy was high after a long day of catching fish and swapping stories. Quinn had the heartbreak of the day, losing a big fish right at the net, but he took it in stride with a grin. Groups split up to explore both “The Bull Pen,” a dense log jam pressed against a tight bank, and the upper stretches of Young’s Creek, where fish were stacked up in soft seams.
July 21:
Layover day at the confluence meant a full day dedicated to fishing and exploring. One group left early for a second Bull Pen run and returned victorious, landing five bull trout before lunch. Meanwhile, Henry and I hiked up Young’s Creek, spotting a black bear grazing in a meadow along the way — a thrilling (but safe) sight. Others worked their way up Danaher Creek, where the cutthroat fishing was on fire, with multiple anglers landing double-digit numbers of fish on dry flies. That evening, we circled the fire and traded stories of the day’s best eats and biggest misses.
July 22:
We packed up and pushed to Big Prairie, one of the most iconic spots in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Along the way, we crossed meadows filled with wildflowers and found plenty more eager cutthroat rising in the pocket water. The hike itself was a highlight, with the trail weaving through huge stands of old-growth timber and opening up to jaw-dropping views of the valley. The group handled the miles like pros, and we rolled into camp tired but smiling, ready for another evening of casting before dinner.
July 23:
Our crew moved down to the White River, where we were greeted with Tang, cookies, and a quick historical tour from the friendly rangers stationed there. Liam had the wildlife sighting of the day, spotting a grizzly bear feeding along a far hillside — thankfully from a safe distance! The White River itself was stunning, with turquoise pools and sweeping bends full of trout. A few campers stayed close to camp, soaking in the scenery, while others explored a side channel that produced several chunky cutthroat on hoppers.
July 24:
We had a layover day at the White River, giving everyone a chance to rest — or keep chasing fish. Henry had a close call with a bull trout, hooking into it briefly before it threw the fly in a big headshake. Adrian’s group went full-on adventure mode, trekking six miles upriver and then bushwhacking straight up a steep slope to reconnect with the trail — a move that cost us two rods to tree branches but earned serious bragging rights. Back at camp, others fished closer to home, picking off cutthroat in the soft edges until sunset. Morale stayed high despite the broken gear, and the evening was capped off with some spirited campfire games.
July 25:
We continued down to Salmon Forks, where Liam orchestrated the now-famous “Friday Fish and Cheese Fry.” Camp smelled like heaven as fresh fish hit the skillet, and everyone agreed it was one of the best backcountry meals of the trip. Some of us hiked up to Salmon Lake, finding small but aggressive cutthroat willing to crush attractor dries, while Adrian’s group headed off on yet another bull trout mission. Though the bulls proved elusive, the hike took them through some of the prettiest country we’ve seen so far — tall canyon walls and hidden waterfalls everywhere.
July 26:
We made our final big move to Black Bear Cabin, one of the most picturesque stops of the trip. The canyon section we passed through was jaw-droppingly scenic, with deep emerald pools and soaring rock walls towering above us. We wrapped up the day with swims in the river, laughs echoing off the canyon walls, and a final round of evening fishing. Several nice cutthroat came to hand, and as the sun dipped behind the cliffs, the group reflected on just how special this week had been.
It’s been a wild, beautiful week full of fishing, friendships, and unforgettable moments. We’ll be back out soon — a little dustier, a little stronger, and full of stories to share.
Tight lines,
The Bob Marshall Crew
