Big Salmon Outfitters

Big Salmon Outfitters runs guided hunting and fly fishing expeditions into some of Montana's most remote country. Licensed and insured under outfitter Micky Cheff (#32517), they've been operating in the Bob Marshall since 1932—using horses and mules descended from their great-grandfather's original herd.

They maintain two wall-tent spike camps:

Big Salmon Camp — 20-mile horseback ride from trailhead, sits on Little Salmon Creek at 4,500 ft elevation. Hunting trails reach up to 8,000 ft.

Bartlett Camp — 28-mile ride to the mouth of Bartlett Creek and South Fork of the Flathead River, also at 4,500 ft base elevation with trails to 7,000 ft.

Both camps include: - Multiple wall tents with wood stoves, cots, and sleeping pads - Large cook tent with family-style meals (breakfast before daybreak, sack lunches in the field, dinner with dessert) - Shower tent available nightly - Corrals for horses/mules - Full-time cook and experienced guides

Hunts run the vast Bob Marshall Wilderness with emphasis on rigor and remote access. Eight-day trips use horseback travel to different drainages daily.

2026 Pricing: - Early rifle season: $7,000–$7,500 per person - Later seasons: $7,000 - Standard 2:1 guide ratio; add $3,000 for 1:1 - $1,000 deposit to hold dates

• •What's included: Guides who know the stock and country, quality-conditioned horses, full camp meals, all equipment except personal gear and firearms.

Focus on the South Fork of the Flathead River—20–80 West Slope Cutthroat trout daily, typically 12–19 inches. Bull Trout over 35" available (limited areas). Small mountain lakes also included.

• •6–10 person groups minimum/maximum
• •Camp moves every couple days to hit different drainages
• •Catch-and-release policy, de-barbed hooks recommended
• •2023 rates: $3,200–$3,500 per person (6–7 days)
• •Customizable for trip length and creeks

Wolf, Black Bear & Mountain Lion: Over-the-counter tags in Montana. Up to 5 wolf tags per hunter.

Moose (District 150): Only 1 tag given annually for the entire district—zero competition. Rut runs late September–mid-October. May 1 application deadline.

Mountain Goat (Districts 132 & 133): One permit per district. Prefer October 1+ start for winter coat development. Expect steep, technical terrain and significant hiking. May 1 application deadline.

• •2026 Rates: $4,800–$6,000 for 8–10 day trips depending on hunt type and camp.

Listed as available package; details partial in source.

For DIY backcountry trips (hiking, fishing, general wilderness use) without guided service:

• •June 21–Aug 31 departures from Owl Creek Packer Camp (Holland Lake)
• •$3.25/lb for gear packing
• •$425 per rider (if riding horses instead of hiking)
• •$2,000 minimum per group
• •150-lb pack weight limit per animal
• •They provide horses and full tack if needed

Bring gear to trailhead by 2 p.m. day before departure. No food/drink provided for drop services.

Multi-day backcountry expeditions combining horseback travel with fishing and exploration.

• •Hunt Deposit Timeline: $1,000 deposit holds hunt until Jan 15; then 50% required. Additional 35% due May 1; remaining 15% due Sep 1.

• •Fishing Deposit: 50% to book; remaining 50% due 1 week before trip start.

Detailed packing lists provided for each trip type. Key items:

• •400 square inches hunter orange (hunts)
• •Wool/insulated layers, two pairs waterproof boots preferred
• •10°F sleeping bag minimum
• •Valid Montana hunting/fishing licenses
• •Rifle suitable for game + 20+ rounds ammunition
• •Binoculars, headlamp, waterproof matches, water bottle
• •Optional: compact fishing rod (case ≤30 inches)

"The boots that you bring are probably the most important piece of equipment. Make sure you have at least one good pair of insulated waterproof boots although two are preferred, so they have a day to dry if needed."