Wyoming Wilderness Fly Fishing
Pack Trips

The Crandall Creek watershed flows through the North-Absaroka Wilderness, east of Yellowstone Park and south of Cooke City, Montana. Closed Creek flows along the southern edge of Hurricane Mesa through a deeply cut glacial valley, and further south, Timber Creek plunges through a jagged gorge; together, these two form Crandall Creek. These beautiful mountain streams are home to colorful cutthroats and cutbows swimming in tumbling pocket-water gardens. Crandall Creek descends, carving through a slotted canyon along the southern flanks of Hurricane Mesa, picking up Papoose Creek. Its constricted canyon has deep, jade-colored pools, fantastic dry fly fishing for cutthroats and cutbows from 10” to 16”, and an occasional lunker. 

Hoodoo Creek, an excellent fishery, dumps into Crandall Creek below the canyon. It begins near Hoodoo Peak and is fed by One Hunt Creek, incessantly twisting northeast. Miles of chalky green pools hold dry fly-loving native Yellowstone cutthroats from 12” to 16.” 

The North Fork of Crandall Creek drains the country north of Hurricane Mesa, dumping into Crandall Creek near Hurricane Mesa Ranch. It too has excellent dry fly fishing for cutthroats and cutbows, particularly early in the season. 

The South Fork of the Shoshone drains a substantial swath of the Absaroka Range in the Washakie Wilderness southwest of Cody, Wyoming. It starts high upon alpine tundra plateaus near Shoshone Pass, surging through a tight chasm before settling into peaceful Bliss Creek Meadows. The stream meanders through willows and grassy cutbanks where anglers catch small, stocky brookies. Below the meadows, it cascades through an ancient slide area with house-sized boulders completely covering the river in places. 

Below the slide, the South Fork is a gentle stream flowing through burnt timber and Boehner Meadows, alternating between riffles, runs, and pools. It then slices through another narrow canyon with bouldered pools and pocket-water before the East Fork converges. Native Yellowstone cutthroats co-exist with invasive brookies in the Shoshone and East Fork. Over-populated brookies make for tasty appetizers or dinner fried in a cast-iron skillet over the fire.

The cutthroat population increases below the East Fork as the river braids across gravel bars for a few miles until Silver Creek’s cataracts plunge into the river. The river corridor narrows here as walls from opposing mountains encroach. Towering escarpments pinch the river from Silver Creek to just below Aspen Creek, about 7 miles. The river alternates between brawling whitewater sections with cascading pools and pocket-water to sprawling gravel bars. Access to the river is difficult or impossible in some areas. Grandeur scenery abounds - sheer cliffs, massive talus slopes, monumental peaks, and wondrous waterfalls - some of the most stunning in the entire ecosystem. Dry fly fishing is exceptional for cutthroats from 10” to 18”, as brookies decrease and brown trout from 12” to 16” appear further downstream. 

The South Fork downstream of Aspen Creek braids around extensive gravel bars approaching Cabin Creek Trailhead. Cutthroats and brown trout are the primary species as the river flows through a broad valley to Buffalo Bill Reservoir.  

Native Americans named the Greybull River after an albino bison that once roamed the area. Rising over 12,000 feet from Mount Crosby in a gorgeous alpine basin, the Greybull flows 90 miles to its confluence with the Bighorn River. 

The Greybull watershed boasts one of the most genetically pure strains of Yellowstone cutthroat trout remaining. Averaging 12” to 16”, these native fish feed on various hatches, including golden stones, yellow sallies, caddis, drakes, smaller mayflies, and terrestrials. The cutthroat’s proclivity to surface feed makes the Greybull River a dry fly angler’s paradise.

The headwaters of the Greybull flow below extensive talus slopes rising high above alpine tundra, speckled with wildflowers. The river welcomes Yellow, Steer, and Cow Creeks as Brown Mountain, Yellow Ridge, Pyramid, and Francs Peaks soar overhead. Elk and bighorn sheep graze mountain basins, and grizzlies feast on moths among the talus. The shallow stream flows across broad gravel bars, holding few trout above Cow Creek. 

The Greybull gashes through an ominous canyon, choked with log jams, disappearing under house-sized boulders downstream of Cow Creek. Much of this canyon is inaccessible, but our backcountry Wyoming fly fishing guides know routes to honey holes. Vertical canyon walls squeeze the river through tight slots, under impassible rockslides, and over rock conglomerates embedded with green-colored minerals. Pocket-water, plunge pools, and turquoise runs hold sleek Yellowstone cutthroats. 

Below the canyon, the river sprawls across expansive gravel bars for several miles with willowy cutbanks and shallow graveled runs containing a healthy population of cutthroats. Sagebrush dominates the open hillsides of this broad valley, with a mix of forested and meadowed ridges ascending to high peaks. 

Downstream of Haymaker Creek, the river drops through canyon pocket-water several miles to the Jack Creek Trailhead. This stretch is brimming with buttery cutthroats lying along shallow edges, in mid-river pockets, and dark holes. Aspens replenish hillsides burnt in the 2006 Little Venus Wildfire.  

The Wiggins Fork begins west of the Greybull headwaters near Burwell Pass. Before merging with Emerald Creek, it drops precipitously through a deep mountain valley, home to small Yellowstone cutthroats. 

Emerald Creek crashes down a high mountain canyon from Emerald Lake past the Devil’s Graveyard. Its emerald waters are home to native Yellowstone cutthroats from 12” to 16” and brilliantly colored brook trout. 

Below the Emerald Creek confluence, the Wiggins Forks rushes several miles towards Double Cabin Trailhead. The stream drifts under overhanging willow runs, through shallow pocket-water and riffles, and glides through glossy, cliffed pools. Sight-fishing with dry flies for cutthroats ranging from 12” to 18” is the name of the game.  

From the trailhead to its confluence with the East Fork of the Wind River, the Wiggins Fork flows through willowed bottomlands, braids across broad gravel bars, and tumbles through canyon water with forested ridges and red bluffs rising above.  

Wyoming Fishing License 

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

Take a breathtaking scenic ride to the headwaters of the Greybull and its alpine meadows teeming with wildflowers. Check out an abandoned sheepherder’s cabin where Yellow Creek flows into the Greybull below Yellow Ridge. Climb a nearby ridge with far-reaching views of snow-capped summits, deep glaciated valleys, and virgin wilderness as far as the eye can see. You may spot bighorn sheep in mountain pastures or observe bull elk with harems in distance sub-alpine basins. While fishing and exploring, you may stumble upon elk sheds among tall streamside grasses or discover bleached skulls and carcasses of winter-killed ungulates. 

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.

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

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/

Wyoming Game & Fish Department - https://wgfd.wyo.gov/bear-wise-wyoming

Yellowstone National Park - https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/bearsafety.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 may recommend flying into Cody, Wyoming (COD), Billings, Montana (BIL), or Bozeman, Montana (BZN) before your trip begins.
 
Yellowstone Regional Airport – Cody, Wyoming
(https://flyyra.com) 
Served by United Airlines

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

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport 
(https://bozemanairport.com) 
Served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, 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. 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 ten (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.

Deposits and final payments can be paid using the online ACH option, 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 seven (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!

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.

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.