Yellowstone River Overnight Trip

From Yellowstone Park to Paradise Valley, the river is characterized by surging rapids and pocket-water interspersed with broad riffles, deep runs, and long flats. The upper section is home to an abundant population of native Yellowstone cutthroats, rainbows, cutbows, and browns, averaging 12" to 16" with trout up to and over 20" a possibility on any given cast. 

Paradise Valley contains countless sweeping bends, riffled corners, grassy banks, long, glossy runs, and deep pools. Cutthroats are numerous in the upper half of the valley and coexist with rainbows, browns, and cutbows averaging 12" to 18".  Larger trout of all species are landed over 20", but the real bruisers are the lunker browns you'll find waiting for a large hopper or sculpin. 

Downstream of Livingston, the river increasingly braids around shifting rocky substrate and pours over shelf-rock drops. Rip-rapped points, broken sandstone cliffs, foam back-eddies, multi-seamed riffles, cottonwood root-balls, deep runs, and hopper-filled hay fields provide bountiful trout habitat and food sources. Cutthroats and cutbows are found in fewer numbers on the lower river, while rainbow trout are prolific, and big browns thrive. Trout average 12" to 18", but larger specimens, mainly browns, often well exceed 20". 

In the spring, hatches of baetis, March Browns, and Mother's Day caddis create superb dry fly opportunities.  As the river recedes from runoff in late June to early July, world-renowned salmonflies and golden stones drop from riverside willows, and trout gorge themselves on these hearty bugs. Large sedges and various caddis, green drakes, PMDs, and yellow sallies have trout looking to the surface in July. As these hatches wane, the fish switch to a diet of hoppers, other terrestrials, and nocturnal stoneflies from August to mid-September. Upon fall's arrival, baetis are the primary hatch, while attractors with droppers continue to work wonders. 

The hundreds of miles of river, breadth of habitat, various seasons, and profuse hatches are a veritable trout Mecca for anglers of all skills and preferences. Anglers match specific hatches as trout feed in foam back eddies and at the heads of riffles or sip bugs off undulating currents along graveled banks. Trudes, PMXs, Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyls, and other attractors fished throughout the season are popular choices, especially with droppers. Nymph fishing is consistent most of the year, and streamers pounded along shoreline structure or swung through tailouts trigger hulking browns.

Not a fisherman? Not a worry! The surrounding natural splendor captivates non-anglers. Sit back, relax, and read a book as you bask in the sun or around the campfire. Photographers will find infinite opportunities shooting stunning scenery, curious wildlife, vibrant wildflowers, and endless subjects illuminated by the morning and evening light. Hike to the top of a riverside bluff to view a panoramic landscape, hunt for arrowheads, or check out ancient teepee rings, remnants of indigenous peoples. Rockhounds can search gravel bars for agates, petrified wood, and intricately patterned rocks of countless colors and shades. Bird watchers relish the riparian habitat replete with Western Meadowlarks, Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Tanagers, Eastern Kingbirds, Cedar Waxwings, warblers, finches, and countless other species. Experienced paddlers can float along in their kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. You may observe and enjoy more than your fellow fishing companions!

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 gear rafts the morning of your trip. Then, while you spend the day fishing and sightseeing, our camp crew rows all gear downstream and assembles camp.  

After a full day of fishing, arrive at camp, settle into your pitched tent, relax and refresh. Our deluxe river camps feature comfortable high-back chairs, spacious tents tall enough to stand up in with two guests per tent, cots, and inflatable mattresses. Extend your day of fishing by wading near camp, or simply enjoy your favorite beverage and delicious appetizers as you unwind around the campfire. Take a dip in the river or enjoy a hot shower in our private shower tent.  Private restroom tents are provided along with a hand-washing station and tarps or a wall tent for shade and shelter from any possible storms.   

Enjoy freshly prepared gourmet meals such as wild king salmon with asparagus and long grain rice or steaks grilled over the fire with baby potatoes and a spring salad mix. After dinner, you'll share stories over cocktails around the fire before retiring to your cozy tent accommodations for the night. You will be amazed by the clarity of the night sky, countless stars, and the brilliance of the Milky Way. 

Wake up in the morning and enjoy a cup of cowboy coffee as you watch the sunrise over the horizon. Then, savor a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes, a breakfast scramble, or healthy wild smoked sockeye salmon lox on a bagel.  After breakfast, we'll pack camp up, and you begin another full day of fishing, fun, and adventure. As part of the experience, many guests enjoy helping pack up camp in the morning or helping set up if arriving in camp early. Our crew will move camp downstream each day for the entirety of your trip.

We are happy to customize your menu in advance of your trip. Should anyone in your party require gluten-free or vegetarian meals, or if anyone has any food allergies, please let us know well 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 clients. 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 on your trip. 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. You can also take beer; however, we have limited space on rafts, so please limit your beer quantity, and please only bring aluminum cans, no glass beer bottles. Keep your alcohol separate from your camp duffel so we can pack it securely, especially any glass bottles.

Each guide boat is equipped with a cooler, lunch, snacks, beverages, and drinking water. Feel free to bring your favorite snacks, beverages, and a water bottle, which can be stored in the boat cooler.  If you have more than a few drinks, please check with your guide about available cooler space, and be prepared to provide a small beverage cooler with ice, if needed. 

Bear Etiquette
Grizzly bears are common in and around Yellowstone. Although grizzlies are rare along the Yellowstone River outside the park, their presence is possible, especially on the upper river closer to Yellowstone. Black bears can be seen along the entirety of the Yellowstone River. The chances of a bear encounter are low; however, it is possible, and bears should be respected.  We take all necessary precautions to minimize bear encounters and to 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 with you at all times when out of the raft and in camp. 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

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

Cell Service & Internet
Due to the remoteness of most of our Overnight River Trip destinations combined with a mountainous topography, cell reception is spotty at best and, in most cases, not available. 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. 

Recommended Airports
Once you have confirmed your trip with us, you'll want to make flight reservations as soon as possible. We recommend that you fly into Helena, Montana (HLN), the day before your trip begins.  You may also fly into Bozeman, Montana (BZN), or Great Falls, Montana (GTF). Schedule flights that arrive in the afternoon, if possible.  
Helena Regional Airport (https://helenaairport.com) is served by Alaska, Delta, and United Airlines. 
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (https://bozemanairport.com) is served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines, plus a few smaller carriers.  
Great Falls International Airport (https://flygtf.com) is served by Alaska, Allegiant, 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. Once in Montana, you can purchase alcohol and mixers, bear spray (airlines do not allow bear spray onboard), and any other items you may need for your trip, including your Montana fishing license. You will then drive to your evening accommodations, have dinner and make last-minute preparations. 

Drive times to and from Wolf Creek/Craig
Helena - 40 minutes
Great Falls - 1 hour
Bozeman - 2 hours
If schedules allow, we may be able to provide transportation for you from Helena or Bozeman.

River Shuttles
If you drive and would like your vehicle or rental car to be at the take-out location, it is your responsibility to pay for the shuttle service. Shuttle fees are approximately $100/vehicle, and we will assist you with arranging a shuttle. Alternately, we may be able to make arrangements to leave your vehicle in Wolf Creek, Craig, or another location, and you will ride with your guides. Shuttle fees for guide and gear vehicles are included. 

Accommodations
On arrival night, we recommend staying in a hotel or other accommodations in or near Wolf Creek or Craig, Montana. If accommodations are not available in these towns, other nearby locations, such as Helena, are good options. 

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

Guide & Camp Crew Gratuities  
Our guides and camp staff work hard to ensure an enjoyable trip, and we encourage you to tip accordingly. We suggest an appropriate gratuity from $150-$200/day/guide and camp staff. However, an excellent day of fishing, a memorable event, or extra effort on behalf of your crew may deserve more. 

Your guides and crew work relentlessly from sunrise to after dark, especially during adverse conditions. Setting up and taking down camp, 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 and camp staff. Should you wish to give a specific guide 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 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 and camping experience. While fishing can highlight the trip, it's only a portion of many experiences to enjoy and appreciate on an Overnight River Trip. Please align your expectations with the conditions and your abilities. No expectations, no disappointments!

Please let us know if you have any suggestions, comments, or concerns regarding your trip. 

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.