Bechler River Fly Fishing Pack Trip

The entirety of the Falls River watershed in the Park, including the Bechler River and Boundary Creek, was historically fishless. Waterfalls and cascades prevented the upstream migration of native Yellowstone cutthroat. In the early 1900s, cutthroat and rainbow trout were stocked in the basin. Over time, these two species have hybridized, creating cutbows as well. Cutbows have favorable characteristics of both species – a propensity to eat dry flies and the strength for brawling, acrobatic battles.

High-riding, buoyant attractor dries work well in these streams' tumultuous pocket-water and cascading plunge pools. Hatches of drakes, PMDs, Baetis, caddis, and craneflies occur at various times during the season. Golden Stones and Salmonflies hatch in the canyon sections and outside the Park in June and early July, but these hatches occur before our pack trip season. Terrestrials such as hoppers, beetles, and ants work exceptionally well in the slower meadow water.

Lying at the head of the Falls River, Beula Lake’s clear waters are loaded with Yellowstone cutthroats. Its lily pad-lined shores provide excellent dry fly fishing with cinnamon caddis, Callibaetis, damselflies, and terrestrials such as flying ants. When fish aren’t feeding on the surface, anglers have success trailing bead heads or stripping scuds, leeches, and damsel nymphs. This is an excellent place for beginning fly fishers. Dozens of cutthroats averaging 10” to 16” can be landed daily with an occasional 20” cutthroat landed. 

The upper portion of the Falls River from Beula Lake to Rainbow falls mainly contains cutthroats from 8” to 15.” The river moves slowly through the upper meadows, cutting deep cut banked holes lined with deadfall. In between these meadows are stretches of fast, shallow pocket-water broken up with cascading plunge pools.

Below Rainbow Falls, the river enters a lengthy section of meadows replete with deep pools, glossy runs, braided side channels, spring-fed sloughs, and feeder creeks. Cutbanks and downed timber provide structure for cutthroats, rainbows, and cutbows. You’ll search for larger trout, primarily rainbows and cutbows, ranging from 15” to 20”. Trophy-sized trout lurk along cutbanks, at the heads of deep runs, near feeder creeks, and cruise sloughs.  

The river flows rapidly over shallow, slotted bedrock fragmented by cataracts and chutes downstream of these meadows. A sparse population of small to mid-sized cutbows and rainbows hold in the lava slots, pockets, and pools. Careful wading is required due to the lava rock’s slippery nature and abrupt drops into bedrock channels and potholes.  

From Three River Junction to Iris falls, smaller cutthroat trout from 8” to 12” eagerly rise to dry flies, with few larger fish. The upper river flows through a meadow with gliding runs and riffles leading into pools. It transitions into shallow pocket-water, accentuated with runs, downed timber, and cascading shelves. The river’s last-mile above Iris Falls plummets over a series of cataracts, forming Jacuzzi-like pools and turbulent pocket-water. Finally, the Bechler tumbles around Treasure Island, crashing over Iris Falls.   

The plunge pools and fast pocket-water below Iris and Colonnade Falls serve up some of the best fishing in the Bechler Canyon. This section’s rainbows, cutbows, and cutthroats hammer bushy dry flies high-sticked in the river’s rushing currents. Most fish average 10” to 14”, but occasional larger trout rise from the river’s depths. Grab a stout stick from shore or carry a wading staff to help steady yourself against the swift currents. Be cautious of the slick bedrock, which surprises unsuspecting anglers with abruptly slotted channels and pockets. 

The river transitions from brawling canyon water to slowly meandering, spring creek-style water in the Bechler Meadows. Green and brown drakes and PMDs hatch in July though the meadows are often inundated with water until mid-July, and mosquitos can carry you away. The water recedes later in July, and mosquitos dwindle in late summer. Come August, fishing is best with beetle and ant patterns, though small hoppers work on breezy days. September’s mild weather generates various hatches of Baetis species, gray drakes, and craneflies, while terrestrials continue to produce. 

Although you’ll find trout from 10” to 18”, the objective within the meadows is hunting solitary beasts exceeding 24”. This is not a numbers game, nor is it for careless casting. Bring your A-game, plenty of patience, and the right frame of mind. Blind casting is a rarity, usually leading to spooked fish. Instead, wear muted clothing and keep your distance from banks. Carefully avoid being seen by spooky fish treading ultra-clear water in slow-moving, glassy currents. Similar to stalking giant New Zealand brown trout in transparent waters, you’ll cautiously search for trout in the 26” class holding beneath grassy, undercut banks. These are challenging conditions, but if you’re fortunate, you’ll be presented with an opportunity to sight-fish to one of these monsters. An experienced Yellowstone fishing guide will assist you in approaching and presenting your fly to these wary fish. You may match a specific hatch or carefully cast a beetle or ant. Gentle presentations with long leaders tapered down as light as 6x are required. Present the fly delicately, achieving a natural drift without spooking the fish, and you may be rewarded with a fish of a lifetime!   

Smaller trout primarily reside in Boundary Creek from Dunanda Falls to Bechler Meadows. The meadow section of Boundary Creek is essentially a smaller version of the Bechler River. Boundary Creek is a convoluted mess of curving oxbow bends with deep undercut grassy banks lined with willows. Its slow currents gently glide over a graveled and silty bottom, ideal habitat for craneflies and burrowing mayflies such as brown drakes. Rainbows and cutbows from 10” to 18” populate the meadows, though not abundant. Larger fish exceeding 20” and pushing the 24” to 26” class have been known to lurk the lower portions of the stream. As on the Bechler, stealth and gentle presentations with the proper fly can lead to gratifying results.           

          

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

Take a ride to a remote backcountry hot spring for a soothing soak. Hike to Union Falls to experience its incredible beauty, feel the vibrations of falling water pounding the foot of the falls, and enjoy the cooling mist upon your face. Scramble up to Batchelder Column, discover hidden waterfalls, climb a nearby plateau with views of snow-capped summits and virgin wilderness as far as the eye can see. You may see a massive bull moose in the timbered forest while harvesting huckleberries in Bechler Canyon. It’s not uncommon to stumble upon elk sheds among the tall streamside grasses, and you may discover bleached skulls and carcasses of elk, bison, moose, and other critters. 

Photographers will find infinite opportunities shooting stunning scenery, wonderful waterfalls, 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Bear Etiquette
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.

For more information on bear safety and etiquette, visit: 

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

* 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 may recommend flying into Bozeman, Montana (BZN), West Yellowstone, Montana (WYS), Jackson, Wyoming (JAC), or Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA) before your trip begins.
 
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport 
(https://bozemanairport.com) 
Served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United Airlines, and a few smaller carriers. 

West Yellowstone Airport

(http://www.yellowstoneairport.org)

Served by Delta Airlines and United Airlines.  

Served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, United Airlines and Sun Country Airlines.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport
(https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/181/Airport)

Served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, and United Airlines. 

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. On your arrival, 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. 

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 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 at 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.