DAY 1

WELCOME & ORIENTATION

The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day. Instruction for the evening will include a review of the YNP fishing regulations and an introduction to knot tying.

DAY 2

Participants will spend the morning discussing basic gear, rod set up, fly casting mechanics and then move to nearby water to practice and develop confidence in your cast. After lunch you will continue with more casting practice, instruction on identifying the strike/setting the hook and fishing for Yellowstone Cutthroats. The evening will conclude with a presentation of YNP fishery history, management and the important role the angler plays in the Park’s conservation efforts.

DAY 3

Today you will return to the water and spend the morning reviewing lessons from Day 2, learning how to approach and read the water, mending and the roll cast. The remainder of the day and into the evening will be spent practicing and fishing in the Lamar Valley.

DAY 4

This morning the group will travel for a fun day of fishing at Cascade Lake. Here’s where you could catch some Westslope Cutthroats and Grayling. You will learn some alternative casting and fishing techniques along with a discussion on entomology.

DAY 5

CHECK OUT & DEPARTURE

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Monday, August 17, 2026, and goes through 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2025.

Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 3

• Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
• For more information about our activity levels, please visit our Activity Level webpage here.
• Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
• To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
• All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
• To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:

Suggested Packing List located in General Information document under the ‘Whom to Contact’ tab.

• Hiking List:
  • daypack
  • good hiking boots and socks, consider bringing an extra pair of socks for any hike
  • long sleeve shirt and quick dry pants
  • rain gear
  • brimmed hat
  • extra layers for colder weather
  • sunscreen
  • sunglasses, polarized preferred for seeing into the water
  • mosquito netting and/or repellant
  • reusable water bottle
  • lunch and/or snacks for outings
  • hiking poles available at Ranch
• Fishing Gear:
  • Yellowstone fishing permit
  • fly fishing rod and matched reel, 5 to 6 weight
  • fishing vest or pouch for gear
  • extra leaders, 7.5’ 4x and 5x suggested
  • tippet, 4x and 5x suggested, we prefer fluorocarbon
  • floatant
  • forceps
  • nippers
  • wading shoes and neoprene socks
  • Flies – we will provide three each of these basic flies
    • adams
    • purple haze
    • gray drakes
    • BWO
    • PMD
    • elk hair caddis
    • hoppers
    • black and red ants
• Instructors will carry:
  • first aid kit
  • bear spray
  • radios
  • nets
  • extra flies
  • water filter (on hikes)

RECOMMENDED READINGS

• Sheridan Anderson. The Curtis Creek Manifesto, 1978

Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:

Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3

Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm

If running late for a program, please contact 406-848-9128.

General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.

To review the cancellation policy for this program, please visit our webpage which outlines cancellation policies by program type here.