DATES: AUGUST 24 – 28, 2026
TUITION & LODGING: $1,200
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
GROUP SIZE: 8
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 3
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Fly fishing in the backcountry is a great way to experience the varied angling opportunities of Yellowstone National Park. This seminar is for individuals with fly fishing experience, including anglers looking for an opportunity to improve their skills, and for those interested in hiking moderate distances (up to 5 miles round trip) to experience the adventure of fishing Yellowstone’s backcountry.
As a group, we will spend three days fishing within the Northeast Region of the Park, sharing knowledge and experiences and fishing some of the most beautiful trout waters this country has to offer. Together, we will enjoy the wildlife and scenery of Yellowstone National Park as we anticipate a cutthroat or grayling strike.
There will also be discussions on wilderness safety, environmental stewardship, the important role the angler plays in Yellowstone National Park’s fishery conservation efforts, and the history and management of the fisheries in Yellowstone National Park.
This seminar will require moderate physical conditioning, so get started preparing early. Please note that you will need to provide your own rod, reel, flies and other necessary equipment.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program begins with an evening orientation where participants will have the opportunity to get acquainted and learn about the program. During this session, we’ll review the itinerary, introduce key seminar concepts, and provide guidance on what 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 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.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT & PACKING LIST:
Refer to the Lamar-Based Field Seminars – General Information document for the suggested packing list.
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:
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.
Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Lou & Ron Amendola
The Amendola brothers have been fly fishing Yellowstone National Park for over twenty years. Since 2019, they have spent months each summer volunteering, working and fly fishing out of the Lamar Buffalo Ranch. During their time in the Park they have instructed fly fishing seminars, supported the Northern Range Fish Biologist, participated in the Volunteer Fly Fishing Program and fished the waters of the Northeast Region extensively. Ron coaches wrestling and is a retired aerospace project manager while Lou is a retired dentist and dental director. Their desire is to share with others the privilege that is fly fishing Yellowstone National Park.
