Weather & Water Conditions
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.
Other Contingencies
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.
Trip Insurance
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 arise, and travel insurance is very reasonable. We recommend
Global Rescue Insurance or
Travel Guard Travel Insurance to protect your financial investment, which may cover trip cancellations for any reason. For more information or to purchase trip insurance, visit
Global Rescue or
Travel Guard. To receive complete coverage options and benefits, purchase travel insurance within 15 days of paying your deposit.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
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 trip insurance, please visit
Global Rescue.