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. A review of the YNP fishing regulations will conclude the evening.

DAY 2

Today’s fishing will start at the confluence of Hellroaring Creek and the Yellowstone River. Participants will fish the Yellowstone at the confluence and then make their way up Hellroaring back to the trail. The hike is eight miles round trip with a climb out in the last mile and will allow us amazing canyon views.

DAY 3

Today participants will hike to the second meadow and the large cutthroats of Slough Creek. The hike to the second meadow is five miles one way with a good climb in the first mile and offers fantastic fly fishing water. Anglers will fish up river for up to a mile before our return trip to the trailhead.

DAY 4

Today participants will be fishing lake water that includes Grebe and Cascade lakes, perhaps snagging a grayling or two! This hike is an eight mile through hike and what a surprise, the scenery and wildlife are spectacular!

DAY 5

CHECK OUT & DEPARTURE

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and goes through 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 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 5

• Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2,000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
• 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.

• Fishing Gear:
  • Yellowstone fishing permit
  • Fly fishing rod and matched reel, suggest having a rod case for protection, 5 to 6 weight rod
  • extra leaders
  • tippet; 4x and 5x suggested
  • floatant and possibly drying powder
  • forceps
  • nippers
  • indicators
  • Insect protection for those biting critters
  • Flies – the possibilities are endless so bring what you prefer; we recommend these basic flies
    • adams
    • purple haze
    • gray drakes
    • BWO
    • black midge
    • PMD
    • elk hair caddis
    • hoppers
    • black/red ants
    • hairs ear nymph
    • pheasant tail nymph

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.