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 overview of equipment preparation for tomorrow’s fishing.

DAY 2

Today you will fish several locations within the Lamar River drainage. The hiking won’t be long or difficult but be ready for walking off trail with uneven ground. During the day we will spend time reviewing several different casting techniques.

DAY 3

We will spend today on the Yellowstone River. The hiking will be relatively flat with a moderate amount of elevation gain/loss and off trail travel over uneven ground. While on the river we will discuss the local entomology along with the river structure. 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 4

This morning the group will travel early for a day of fishing Cascade and/or Griebe Lakes. Here’s where you might bring in a Grayling or two. The hike is flat with little elevation change and, what a surprise, the scenery and wildlife are spectacular! We will spend some time today discussing and practicing different fishing techniques and introduce casting drills for continued improvement.

DAY 5

CHECK OUT & DEPARTURE

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Monday, August 24, 2026, and goes through 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.

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 1,000 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
  • water shoes and neoprene socks ( waders and wading boots are optional)
  • hiking poles available at Ranch
• Fishing Gear:
  • Yellowstone fishing permit
  • Fly fishing rod and matched reel, suggest having a rod case for protection, 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 and possibly drying powder
  • forceps and retractor
  • nippers and retractor
  • indicators (optional)
  • wading shoes and neoprene socks but waders and wading boots are optional
  • Flies – the possibilities are endless so bring what you prefer; we recommend these basic flies, up to size 18, hoppers size 10 and 12
    • adams
    • purple haze
    • gray drakes
    • BWO
    • black midge
    • PMD
    • elk hair caddis
    • hoppers
    • black and red ants
    • hairs ear nymph
    • pheasant tail nymphs
• 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
• Craig Mathews and Clayton Molinero. The Yellowstone Fly-Fishing Guide, 1997

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.