Slough Creek & Hellroaring Creek Fly Fishing Pack Trips

Slough Creek begins in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness north of Yellowstone Park, rising from Horseshoe and Pinnacle Mountains near Columbine Pass. Flowing south through Frenchy's Meadow in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, the creek drops over a waterfall and then drifts past the Silvertip Ranch before entering Yellowstone Park. Outside of the Park, you'll find excellent dry fly action for native Yellowstone cutthroats in the 14" to 18" class.

As it enters Yellowstone Park, it flows several miles through Third Meadow with Cutoff Mountain towering above. Due to its remoteness, this section of Slough Creek receives less pressure than the meadows further downstream. On our pack trips, we primarily fish Third Meadow from our nearby backcountry camps. Third Meadow has miles of crystal clear water flowing over amber, brown, and golden olive pebbles with riffles gently gliding into long slow runs bordered by cutoff banks. 

You can walk the meadow's grassy banks spotting Yellowstone cutthroats cruising backwater sloughs, treading shallow riffles slurping PMDs, cruising glassy flats sipping spinners, or holding tight along cut banks and grassy tussocks. These trout, averaging 14" to 18", are vividly colored with ruby red operculums and orange to crimson slashes lining their lower jaws, giving the species their name. Dark black spots speckle their golden olive backs and flanks, which transition to bright yellow bellies. 

Sight-fishing in this gin-clear water to native cutthroats is the name of the game on Slough Creek. Hatches of golden stones, yellow sallies, caddis, PMDs, green and gray drakes offer great match-the-hatch dry fly fishing in July. As the summer progresses and the water lowers, the gullible cutthroats become increasingly difficult to catch, and light tippets down to 6x increase your success. On the rare occasion when dry fly fishing is tough, you can toss leeches to the far bank and strip them back with good results or sight fish with a small nymph hung below a dry fly. Sparse hatches occur in August, but these dry fly loving trout are always looking towards the surface for hoppers, crickets, beetles, and ants. By September, baetis begin to hatch, and anglers should always have cinnamon and black flying ants on hand in the event of one of these hatches, as the fish will eat nothing else. 

Slough Creek provides classic match-the-hatch dry fly opportunities and sight-fishing bliss on one of the West's most famous fisheries. So put it on your wish list and experience this remarkable fishery along with other nearby creeks on a wilderness fly fishing pack trip. 

Buffalo Creek begins near Boulder Pass in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness west of Slough Creek. It rapidly descends off high mountain slopes gaining volume from tributaries before wandering through a couple of extensive meadows north of Yellowstone Park. These meadows host a healthy population of rainbows, cutbows, and cutthroats in the 10" to 16" range with an occasional larger fish landed, especially in nearby Hidden Lake.   Attractor dries, hoppers and beetles are all you'll need most days, but a selection of caddis, Parachute Adams, and Purple Haze dries come in handy. 

The creek picks up steam as it enters the Park and drops over several waterfalls with deep plunge pools full of wild trout. The Park section is defined primarily by fast pocket-water, shallow riffles, and an occasional deep pool before a rapid final descent to its confluence with Slough Creek. A mix of rainbows, cutthroats, and cutbows in the 10" to 14" class gobble dry flies at will. If you enjoy small, secluded trout streams with outstanding dry fly fishing, Buffalo Creek should be on your list.

Note: A cooperative effort by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and National Park Service to remove non-native rainbows and cutbows from the Buffalo Creek drainage is scheduled for 2022 and will occur for up to three years until all fish have been removed by piscicide. After successfully eliminating all trout, catchable Yellowstone cutthroat trout and fingerlings will be reintroduced into the creek and Hidden Lake. The agencies' goal is to restore and preserve native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the drainage, eliminating the source of rainbow trout migrating into Slough Creek and the Lamar River, which threaten to supplant, hybridize and otherwise dilute the native species' genetics. Estimates suggest it will take about five years for the fishery to recover fully. During this time, we will lay over a day when riding between Slough and Hellroaring Creeks on extended pack trips and will avoid Buffalo Creek as a primary destination. 

Hellroaring Creek is the westernmost of the three creeks, also beginning in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness southwest of the Boulder River headwaters. Numerous creeks feed the main branch of Hellroaring Creek, pouring off the Buffalo Plateau, Hummingbird Peak, and Mount Wallace. Meadows in the wilderness north of the Park provide exceptional sight-fishing with dry flies for native Yellowstone cutthroat from 10" to 16", with some larger. PMDs, caddis, drakes, and yellow sallies provide excellent match-the-hatch dry fly fishing, although most of the time, these fish aren't too selective and are happy to suck in your PMX, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, or Royal Wulff. 

Further downstream, the creek enters Yellowstone Park and accelerates towards its confluence with the Yellowstone River in the Black Canyon. This stretch is primarily fast pocket-water with large boulders and deep pools. Finally, the creek flows through a short, granite canyon with deep, hot-tub-like pools that hold Yellowstone cutthroats, cutbows, and an occasional rainbow, averaging 10" to 14" with 15" to 18" fish showing up at times. So, toss on your favorite attractor or hopper and prepare for a fast-paced day of superb dry fly fishing!

Montana Fishing License 

                                                                                                 

There are many elements to be appreciated other than fishing on these memorable wilderness pack trips.  

Take a ride to a breezy ridge where you can glass for grizzly bears strolling adjacent hillsides. Enjoy your lunch on a day hike and nap under the shady limbs of an Englemann spruce. Climb a nearby peak with 360-degree views of snow-capped summits, deep glacial valleys, corniced cirques, and virgin wilderness as far as the eye can see. Ascending, you may come upon bighorn sheep in mountain pastures or observe bull elk with harems in distance sub-alpine basins. While fishing and exploring, it's not uncommon to stumble upon elk sheds among tall streamside grasses, and you may discover bleached skulls and carcasses of elk, bison, bighorn sheep, and other critters. 

Photographers will find infinite opportunities shooting stunning scenery, curious wildlife, vibrant wildflowers, and endless subjects illuminated by the morning and evening light. Rockhounds can search gravel bars for agates, petrified wood, and intricately patterned rocks of countless colors and shades. Bird watchers may spend hours viewing mountain songbirds or Northern Harriers swoosh above meadows and Killdeer prance along graveled shorelines. Or, relax amid verdant meadows adorned with bushels of wildflowers.  

You may observe and enjoy more than your fellow fishing companions!

Yellowstone Park has a limited number of backcountry campsites. These backcountry sites require advanced reservations, so be sure to contact us well in advance. The first and best opportunity to reserve backcountry campsites in the Park is mid-January. Trips outside of the Park do not require campsite reservations, but we highly recommend booking your trip many months in advance. We require a 50% deposit to finalize your reservations. Please read our Terms and Conditions for full policy details. 

We will meet the night before or the morning of your trip to discuss trip logistics and make final preparations. Supplies will be organized and packed onto mules the morning of your trip at the trailhead. You will then saddle up, hit the trail, and enjoy riding through wild country and impressive scenery.   

Arriving in camp, we’ll pitch tents, settle in, and you may enjoy your favorite beverage and delicious appetizers as you unwind around the campfire as dinner is prepared. You may even enjoy some fishing near camp, depending on the length of your ride, timing, and your energy. 

Wake up in the morning and enjoy a cup of cowboy coffee as you watch the sunrise over the ridges. Then, savor a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes, a breakfast scramble, or biscuits and gravy. After breakfast each day, you’ll prepare your day pack, fishing from camp or hiking several miles to your fishing destination. Alternately, you may take a day ride to your fishing destination. You can fish to your heart’s content, observe wildlife, identify wildflowers, take photos, and enjoy all the wilderness splendor has to offer. 

Upon returning to camp, you may take a nap, read a book, scan the surrounding country with your binoculars, clean up with a refreshing dip in a nearby creek, or simply relax around the fire. 

Enjoy savory meals prepared in classic cast iron cookware and grilled over the campfire, such as ribeye steaks with roasted potatoes or chicken and rice with salads. After dinner, around the crackling fire, as you sip rye whiskey, dodging the swirling smoke, you’ll share jokes, recall the day’s events, and dream of exciting adventures in the days ahead. 

The pure mountain air magnifies the night sky, its countless stars, and the glowing Milky Way that stretches from horizon to horizon. Nights in the backcountry are a star-gazers delight, and numerous constellations are visible. Lying in your tent in the cool mountain air, a Great Horned Owl may lull you to sleep. If you’re lucky, you may hear the majestic chorus of bugling elk or the deep, eerie drone of a lone wolf howling in the distant darkness. 

On longer, progressive trips, you’ll stay in layover camps for one to three days allowing you to enjoy the fishing and explore the area. We’ll then pack up camp, ride through new country and relocate to another campsite where you can experience fresh scenery and fishing opportunities. We may move camp several times depending on the trip itinerary and duration. If possible, we’ll start the trip at one trailhead, taking a circuitous route out another trailhead on a continuously evolving backcountry adventure.  

Our deluxe backcountry camps feature spacious tents tall enough to stand up in with two guests per tent. You should provide your sleeping bag and a lightweight foam or inflatable sleeping pad. Cots, inflatable mattresses, and pillows are available upon request. Please notify us in advance if you need any of these items. A headlamp and small solar or battery-operated lantern are recommended. 

Our backcountry camps feature high-backed chairs for lounging in camp, private restroom tents, and, in some cases, private hot shower tents. In some camps, tarps or wall tents are provided for shade and shelter from possible storms. 

Camps are fully outfitted with all dinnerware essentials, including plates, bowls, flatware, and mugs for your favorite beverages. Additionally, all cookware is provided with a dedicated cook who will prepare all meals for your group. You’re welcome to bring your favorite camp mug, tumbler, or snacks. 

Depending on your trip, we will do our best to customize your menu; however, some outfitters prefer their menu for various reasons. Should anyone in your party require gluten-free meals or have food allergies, please let us know in advance to plan accordingly. Coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided. You are welcome to bring any special beverages, wine, beer, and spirits with you. 

We do not own a liquor or beer and wine license; therefore, we can’t legally provide alcohol for our guests. However, you may purchase and bring alcohol on the trip with you. Spirits such as bourbon, whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, and vodka, as well as wine, can be taken. Glass bottles are okay; however, it’s preferable to transfer your wine and spirits into lighter, non-breakable containers. Many guests bring boxed wine or transfer wine and spirits into flasks or plastic liquor pouches. Beer is not recommended and only allowed in limited quantities as it is difficult to pack due to weight and volume. Consider packing spirits and wine instead, which provide more bang for your buck. Please consult with us in advance if you wish to take a few beers, and please only pack aluminum cans. Keep your alcohol separate from your camp duffel so we can pack it securely, especially any glass bottles. No ice is available in the backcountry, so plan accordingly. 

Lunches and snacks are provided each day. You should pack one or two 26 to 36-ounce water bottles for water and beverages during your trip. Two bottles are preferred, one for water and another for a hydrating beverage. Powdered drinks such as Tang and lemonade are available, but you can also bring powdered energy drinks such as Gatorade or Crystal Light. Camp drinking water is filtered using professional-grade water filters from mountain streams. During the day, when away from camp, you can refill bottles using water filters provided by guides. Although the water appears very clear and pure, we do not recommend drinking unfiltered water as you risk water-borne illnesses such as giardia. 

Grizzly and black bears are common in and around Yellowstone. Although the chances of a bear encounter are low, it is possible, and bears should be respected. We take all necessary precautions to minimize bear encounters and reduce the chances of them entering camp. Each person’s actions play an essential role in keeping a bear-safe camp, and we approach this seriously. Guests must keep camp clean by disposing of trash and food items in the fire or provided containers and storing any food, snacks, beverages, and odorous items in provided bear-proof containers at night. Do not store any of these items, including deodorant and toothpaste, in your tent at night. It is highly recommended that you carry bear spray at all times. Traveling and fishing in bear country has inherent risks, and we cannot guarantee your safety.

Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee -  http://igbconline.org/bear-safety/

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks - https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear

Yellowstone National Park - https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/bearsafety.htm

Glacier National Park - https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/bears.htm

Cell Service & Internet
Cell phone reception is unavailable in most locations due to the remoteness and mountainous topography. Additionally, wireless internet connectivity is not available. Therefore, be sure to notify people of your unavailability and take care of all personal and business tasks beforehand. We carry satellite communicators for emergencies. 

* On trips that end at a different trailhead than where the trip begins, additional shuttle fees may be charged for moving all vehicles and stock trailers due to additional fuel costs, mileage, and paying shuttle drivers. 

** Resupply fees may apply on trips longer than a week to offset additional fuel, mileage, and wrangler fees. Additional wranglers may have to pack food and other supplies in many miles. If you’re lucky, your resupply may include a cooler packed with beer on ice!

Recommended Airports
Once you have confirmed your trip with us, you'll want to make flight reservations as soon as possible. Please consult with us for airport recommendations based on your trip itinerary. We recommend flying into Bozeman, Montana (BZN) before your trip begins. You may also fly into Billings, Montana (BIL). 

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport 
(https://bozemanairport.com) 
Served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United Airlines, and a few smaller carriers. 
 
Billings Airport
(https://www.flybillings.com) 
Served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, and United Airlines, and a few smaller carriers.  

Ground Transportation
Having your own transportation allows more flexibility before and after your trip. Major car rental companies are available at your arrival airport. Rideshares, shuttles, taxis, and other transportation services are also available. Once in Montana, you can purchase alcohol, mixers, bear spray (airlines do not allow bear spray onboard), and any other items you may need for your trip, including your fishing licenses. Guides may pick you up at your accommodations and drive you to and from the trailheads. You may also drive a rental vehicle or arrange for a shuttle or other transportation services. 

Drive times to and from Trailheads
Bozeman – 1 hour to 2 hours, 30 minutes 
Billings – 2 hours, 30 minutes to 3 hours, 30 minutes
*Drive times vary depending on the beginning and ending trailhead locations.

Vehicle Shuttles
If your trip ends at a different trailhead than where it starts, it will be necessary to shuttle vehicles from one trailhead to the other. If you drive and want your vehicle or rental car to be at the ending trailhead, you must pay for the shuttle service. Shuttle fees vary, and we will assist you with arranging a shuttle. Alternately, we may arrange to leave your vehicle in Livingston or another location, and you may ride with your guides. Shuttle fees for guide and outfitter vehicles are included. 

Accommodations
Before your trip, we recommend staying at accommodations in gateway communities. Accommodations in the Park must be made well in advance.

Departure Details
On the final day of your trip, we will arrive at the trailhead in the late afternoon. Please make departing airline reservations for the following day. Guests are responsible for booking and paying for accommodations on their outgoing night after returning from the backcountry. If you do not have a rental car, we recommend booking accommodations with airport shuttle services. If needed, rideshares such as Uber and taxis are available for dinner, getting around town, or to the airport.  

A 50% deposit is required to finalize your reservation and is due within 10 days of booking your trip. We will invoice you by email, and upon receiving your invoice, you can choose to pay using the online ACH payment option. This option is a quick and convenient way to pay your trip deposit and finalize your reservation. 

Payment reminders will be emailed for open invoices with remaining balances due, which can be paid using the ACH option. 

Deposits and final payments can be paid with bank wire transfers, credit cards, or mailing checks payable to Greater Yellowstone Flyfishing Outfitters. A 3.5 % convenience fee is assessed for all credit card transactions. Please contact us if you prefer cash or other payment forms. 

*Client will be billed all associated costs for returned checks.  The client will have 7 days to reimburse Greater Yellowstone Flyfishing Outfitters for returned check costs and provide an alternative form of payment; otherwise, trip reservations will be canceled, and all deposits and payments will be forfeited.  

Pack Trip Gratuities  
Our guides, wranglers, and camp staff work hard to ensure an enjoyable trip, and we encourage you to tip accordingly. We suggest an appropriate gratuity from $125-$200/day/guide, wrangler, and camp staff. However, an excellent day of fishing, a memorable event, or extra effort on behalf of your crew may deserve more.

Pack Trips require a great deal of planning, logistics, and hard work. Your guides and crew work relentlessly from sunrise to after dark, especially during adverse conditions. Setting up and taking down camp, saddling and packing animals, monitoring stock, cooking, cleaning, and performing necessary tasks are demanding yet essential for a successful and comfortable trip. Our crew performs numerous tasks behind the scenes; successfully executed, you'll never notice, including at least a day before and after each trip. 

Cash gratuities may be given directly to the trip leader at your trip's end and are distributed evenly among the guides, wranglers, and camp staff. Should you wish to give a specific guide, wrangler, or camp staff a bonus gratuity for something special, you may give it to that person directly or to the trip leader with specific instructions. Alternatively, you may present each guide, wrangler, and camp staff gratuities directly rather than pooling them, extending your gratitude upon departure.   

Many variables beyond our control, such as weather, wind, barometric pressure, water temperatures, and fish behavior, influence the fishing, riding, and camping experience. While fishing may highlight the trip, it's only a portion of many experiences to enjoy and appreciate on a Wilderness Fly Fishing Pack Trip. Please align your expectations with the conditions and your abilities. No expectations, no disappointments!

When booking a trip with Greater Yellowstone Flyfishing Outfitters, you enter a professional relationship and agreement. Please read these terms and conditions carefully, as all terms are binding once a trip is booked. Receipt of deposit or final payment confirms that the client(s) has read and accepted the deposit, cancellation, refund, and responsibility clauses.  

The final balance is due 60 days before a scheduled trip starts. All deposits and payments are non-refundable. 

All trip cancellations must be made in writing to Greater Yellowstone Flyfishing Outfitters as soon as possible. Upon cancellation, payments will be forfeited, and no refund will be issued.

Trip deposits and payments may be transferred to another guest for the originally booked dates if the customer provides a suitable replacement. 

Refunds or credits towards a future trip may be made if we rebook the originally booked dates with another party. Credits for future trips must be used within one year of the originally booked date. Credits unused after one year will be forfeited.  

No refunds or credits are issued due to medical, family, or business emergencies, inclement weather, or other unexpected events.

Cancellations by your guide(s), mutual guide/client decision, unsafe weather or water conditions, or state or federal closures may be refunded in full or credit applied towards a future trip. 

In no event will Greater Yellowstone Flyfishing Outfitters issue refunds or credits or be responsible for any cancellation of services due to inclement weather, events of force majeure, acts of God, airline delays or issues, flight cancellations, missed connections or transfers, or any other reason beyond or our control. In case of canceled flights, airline delays or issues, missed connections or transfers, Greater Yellowstone Flyfishing Outfitters is not responsible for alternative travel arrangements, including flights, transfers, other transportation, hotels, meals, and any other expenses incurred.

Rescheduling a trip is the same as canceling and is subject to the same cancellation policies. 

Refunds or credits are not issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Our trips go out in all safe weather and water conditions. Adverse weather, smoky atmospheric conditions, varying water levels, or undesirable fishing conditions are unacceptable reasons to cancel or receive a refund or credit. Besides, some of the best fishing occurs during inclement conditions. Weather in the Rockies is variable; watch the forecast in advance for the area you plan on fishing and pack accordingly. Read our Gear Lists for recommendations on appropriate clothing and gear.   

An alternative to the originally scheduled trip may be available in extreme or unsafe weather events (heavy rains, dangerous cold/snow, high winds), unfishable or unsafe river conditions, state or federal closures, or other uncontrollable circumstances. It is impossible to predict these conditions, which are beyond our control. We will do our best to work with you on a suitable alternative. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for these reasons.

Hoot Owl Restrictions 
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and Yellowstone National Park occasionally impose Hoot Owl Restrictions. These restrictions may apply when a combination of low water levels, warm water temperatures, and other factors occur for a pre-determined amount of time during summer heat. Once this threshold is met, Hoot Owl Restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 pm to midnight. Restrictions remain in place until water conditions and other variables meet acceptable requirements. Hoot Owl Restrictions may occur when drought or low water years combine with extreme summer heat. Hoot Owl Restrictions may occur from late July to early September.  

We do not cancel trips or offer refunds or credit due to Hoot Owl Restrictions. Clients may meet their guide early morning to maximize their time on the water. Clients who choose not to meet earlier can expect a shorter day. You may also choose to snack, eat lunch at 2 pm, or skip lunch to maximize your available fishing hours. After 2 pm, you may kick back, relax, enjoy the scenery, and may stop to cool off with a refreshing swim. Alternatives may also be available to fish other waters without Hoot Owl Restrictions.   

Even without Hoot Owl Restrictions, we may suggest a self-imposed restriction when waters reach critically high afternoon temperatures. Perhaps not fishing after 3 pm is the best responsible decision for the fishery's health. Besides, being off the water earlier on hot summer days is often preferable.   

COVID-19 
Any client ill with COVID-19 may not participate in a guided trip with GYFO. Clients recently ill or exposed to COVID-19 (10 days or less) must meet all current CDC guidelines and test negative before participating in any trip with GYFO. COVID-19 illness, exposure, or restrictions are unacceptable reasons to cancel or receive a refund or credit. 

Should your guide(s) become ill or exposed to COVID-19 (within 10 days of the start of your trip), they must meet all current CDC requirements and must test negative before guiding any GYFO trip. If your guide(s) does not meet these requirements, we will do our best to find a healthy, alternative guide for your trip. If an alternative guide is not available, GYFO will issue a full refund or credit to be used within one year of the originally scheduled trip. Credits unused after one year of the originally scheduled trip will be forfeited.   

Many of our guides are fully vaccinated. Should you require or prefer a fully vaccinated guide, please be sure to make your request upon booking your trip. Failure to request a vaccinated guide when booking a trip or giving sufficient notice requesting one is unacceptable to cancel a trip or receive a refund or credit.  

GYFO guides follow current COVID-19 requirements issued by the CDC, federal, state, and local authorities. GYFO guides and clients may take precautions such as social distancing, mask-wearing, washing hands, and using hand sanitizer.

Greater Yellowstone Flyfishing Outfitters and its guides reserve the right to change itineraries due to unfavorable conditions or other necessary reasons.

We make no exceptions to our refund and cancellation policies due to our reliance on advanced bookings and operation in good faith. Much time is invested in planning and preparing for your trip, securing permits, guides, and accommodations, and addressing other logistics well in advance. Guides and accommodations have been reserved far in advance and must be paid. 

We realize these trips are expensive, and much is at stake financially. For this reason, we highly recommend that you purchase trip insurance in advance. Unforeseen circumstances may arise, and travel insurance is very reasonable. We recommend Global Rescue or Travel Guard Travel Insurance to protect your financial investment, which may cover trip cancellations for any reason. For more information or to purchase travel insurance, please visit Global Rescue or Travel Guard.

We recommend Global Rescue’s worldwide medical evacuation and extraction services for illness, injuries, natural disasters, COVID-19, and other reasons. Due to the remote nature of many of our trips, potential challenges in receiving immediate professional medical help, and limited cell coverage, we highly recommend purchasing medical evacuation insurance along with your trip insurance. For more information or to purchase Medical Evacuation Insurance, please visit Global Rescue.