Glacier Raft Company Blog

Fishing Update

OM — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:44:34 +0000

From Guide Chad Dubose: With most of the Flathead River System blown out, the fishing has been pretty absent. High river levels and a complete lack of visibility has created a lot of time at the vise. Fellow guide Adam Pate and I decided to see what the South Fork had going on since it is dam released. We were treated to a beautiful float but the dam was releasing a lot of water so the fishing was still tough.

Using girdle bugs and a variety of worm patterns seemed to work well. The fish we found were sitting in the slow water and no fish were found or seen in the main current. I imagine most stonefly nymph patterns would work with enough patience and streamers might produce an aggressive cutthroat or a hungry lake trout. When the sun came out some fish started to rise but very infrequently and most were dinks. Small mayfly and midge patterns should show results.

I think the the South Fork is the way to go until we get some drier days and colder nights.

The Blackfeet lakes have been fishing well using scud patterns in a variety of colors under a bobber. Slow stripping seems to work best.

Cheers

Celebrate Wedding and Honeymoon Showcase

OM — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:03:13 +0000

Come see us this Saturday, May 12 at the “Celebrate Wedding and Honeymoon Showcase” at Kalispell Center Mall. Stop by Glacier Outdoor Center’s booth to check out the great deals and prizes we have to offer. This event is a great place to get ideas for your wedding, honeymoon or bachelor/ette party. We have a pavilion and conference center to host your party or rehearsal. Glacier Raft also has fun and adventurous rafting for the whole group. Check out our Sport Rafts and Inflatable Kayaks for your wedding party or guests.

Glacier View Pavilion

Conference Center

Ryan Thompson wins Simms Shoot Out 2012

OM — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:25:01 +0000

At the recent 2012 Simms Ice Out Guide Event, Simms hosted a Shoot Out contest in which filmmakers were challenged to make the best six-minute film in fewer than three days. Our own, Ryan Thompson was selected to participate in the Shoot Out challenge, one of four production companies chosen.

His production company is called Swift Current productions and he and pal George White took second in the opening night ceremonies, with the film, “Lights Out.” But, the crew was able to WIN the People’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice awards were decided via online voting the week following the Ice Out event.Thompson won handily and we couldn’t be more proud!

Check out his video above and also cruise on by the his Swift Current Productions Facebook page and give ‘em a quick like. You’ll be glad you did.

Glacier Outdoor Center Casts into Spring with a Calendar of Events

OM — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:06:13 +0000

Spring is rearing its beautiful head and Glacier Outdoor Center is celebrating! Coming up in June, Glacier Anglers is hosting Festival of the Fly, a series of fishing events including the Fun on the Fly! Youth Fly Fishing Day Camp, the Cast Off 2012 casting competition, and Glacier Anglers Demo Days.

Fun on the Fly! Youth Fishing Day Camp will be on June 9th and June 30th, 2012. From 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. kids are encouraged to come and learn the basics of casting, knots, fly selection and entomology. Equipment will be provided for attendees to use in our private ponds. Discounted rafting will be available for adults for $32 while kids are at the camp. Lunch will be provided and all youth ages 6-16 are welcome!

Cast Off 2012 will be Saturday June 16th, 2012 featuring clinics by certified casting instructors and Glacier Anglers pro staff. Industry experts and product reps will provide product demos and presentations throughout the day. GOC will host casting competitions for all ages and ability levels with great prizes and raffles. Films from the Fly Fishing Film Tour will be showing throughout the day at the Bear’s Den on Glacier Outdoor Center campus.

During Demo Days on June 30 and July 1, attendees can check out the latest boats from Aire and Outcast. Fly fishing rod, reel and line demos will be provided by R.L. Winston, Sage, Redington and Rio & Simms. Oh, and there’s a free BBQ–we’ll be grilling up burgers and dogs!

For more info please contact The Glacier Outdoor Center at (406) 888 5454.

Glacier Outdoor Center and Fly Shop Video

OM — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:55:52 +0000

We have been boasting about our newly remodeled Outdoor Center and Fly Shop all spring, and we hope you’ll come see it soon! Here is a video we put together with our new Fly Shop Manager John Malison and the awesome gear we’ve got!

Be sure to check it out and stop by our shop to see it in person!

Simms Fishing Ice Out

OM — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:12:28 +0000

The Glacier Anglers crew had the pleasure of participating at the Simms Ice Out this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Bozeman Montana. Co-owner Darwon Stoneman, new Fly Shop manager John Malison, marketing team members Sammi Johnson, Hilary Hutcheson and Shane Hutcheson and guides Marc Evans, Ryan Thompson and Connor Scott had a pretty awesome time.

Legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight was the keynote speaker, talking about his experience on the hardwood and on the water. Darwon was able to chat with him afterwards.

Lead Guide Ryan Thompson competed in the Shoot Out film competition and came in 2nd place. Way to go Ryan! He could still win the People’s Choice Awards if you go to this link and choose his film, “Lights Out.” Do it!

Darwon also ran into Senator Tester and talked about opening Going to the Sun Road as early as possible this year.

And don’t forget the fun parts…the crew getting “iced” at Ice Out by Montana Fly Company.

National Park Week

OM — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:14:43 +0000

Glacier National Park started National Park Week the best possible way– with blue skies! Check out the Glacier National Park Webcams to see what you are missing and hopefully motivate you to come join us in Glacier Park. On your way, be sure to stop by the Glacier Outdoor Center to stock up on sunscreen, outdoor gear or just come in to talk “shop” with our new fly shop manager, John.

Here are a few photos from the sunny last weekend in the park.

Casting for Recovery Fundraiser and Fly Fish Film Tour

OM — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:52:50 +0000

This Friday don’t miss the Fly Fishing Film Tour at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish, Montana! Not only will there be great stories told through film, but all proceeds go to Casting for Recovery – Glacier Country, Montana chapter. Casting for Recovery will be holding its 2nd retreat here at the Glacier Outdoor Center in September. This is a great benefit and supports a great cause. Casting for Recovery works to support women whose lives have been affected by cancer by bringing them into a natural setting and teaching them through the sport of fly fishing.

Check out the great article written by the Flathead Beacon about the program.

Last year was a huge success and a lot of fun! Be sure to check out the Fly Fishing Film Tour this Friday and support a great local cause, Casting for Recovery. Check out the Facebook event page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/344334385619026/

See you there!

Current Road Conditions in Glacier National Park

OM — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:22:01 +0000

Glacier National Park is trying its hardest this year to get sections of Going to the Sun Road and other inner park roads open to vehicles and bicyclists.

Park officials announced that Camas Road is open and the Two Medicine Road on the East side is open to Running Eagle Falls.

On the West side, Going to the Sun Road is only open to Lake McDonald Lodge, but you can bike 5.5 miles to Avalanche when construction crews are working and there are not restrictions when construction crews aren’t working.

Be sure to get out and enjoy the park this spring. There is nothing like being in Glacier National Park this time of year when the animals are starting to show their faces and the crowds haven’t yet arrived.

Stop into Glacier Outdoor Center and Glacier Anglers Fly Shop to get your bear spray and fishing gear before you head into the Park.

National Park Week April 21-29

OM — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:21:44 +0000

National Park Week is a great time to get out and enjoy our Parks for free! Glacier National Park, and ALL 397 National Parks in the USA will be offering free admission April 21 – 29. This is a great time to get the family outdoors and enjoy our crown jewel. Glacier National Park is expecting a great turnout so make sure you get out here early and often next week! Here is a fun video the National Park Service made to help you “picture yourself in a National Park.”