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.  

4 or More                                $1,595/person             $2,295/person             $2,995/person             $3,695/person

2 Guests Only                         $2,395/person             $3,595/person             $4,795/person             $5,995/person

Rates based on 2 anglers/boat, double occupancy. 

For odd numbers, 3, 5, 7, etc. - add $300/day/single angler supplement.

Guests are responsible for their first and last night's accommodations and meals.   

Your non-refundable 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 sent by email for open invoices with remaining balances due, which can be paid using the ACH option. 

Additionally, deposits and final payments can be paid with bank wire transfers, credit cards, or mailing checks payable to Greater Yellowstone Flyfishing Outfitters. A 3% convenience fee is assessed for all credit card transactions. Please contact us if you prefer cash or other payment forms. 

·      ACH Online Payments – U.S. financial institutions and bank accounts only

·      Personal & Business Checks* - U.S. financial institutions and bank accounts only

·      Electronic Wire Payments - wiring fees are the responsibility of the client

·      Credit Cards – 3% Convenience Fee applied

·      Cash

·      International Payments can be made via wire or with a credit card.

Cash gratuities can be given directly to the trip leader at the end of your trip 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 can give it to that person directly or to the trip leader with specific instructions. Alternately, you may present each guide and camp staff gratuities directly, rather than pooling them, extending your gratitude upon departure.   

Overnight River Trips require a great deal of planning, logistics, and hard work. Your camp crew works tirelessly from sunrise to after dark. Setting up and taking down camp, packing rafts, rowing between camps, cooking, cleaning, and performing the necessary tasks is 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. 

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 be a highlight of the trip, there are numerous ways to enjoy your Overnight River Trip. Please align your expectations with the conditions and your abilities. No expectations, no disappointments!

If you have any concerns or are disappointed in your trip in any way, please let us know. 

We realize these trips are expensive, and much is at stake financially for our client(s), guides, and business. For this reason, we highly recommend that you purchase trip insurance in advance. Unforeseen circumstances arise, and travel insurance is very reasonable should you have to cancel your trip for any reason. We recommend Travel Guard Travel Insurance and Global Rescue Insurance to protect your financial investment, which may cover trip cancellations for any reason. For more information or to purchase trip insurance, visit https://mvp.travelguard.com/ or www.globalrescue.com

We recommend Global Rescue's worldwide medical evacuation and extraction services if you become ill or injured during your trip or due to natural disaster, COVID-19, and other reasons. Due to the remote nature of many of our trips, potential challenges receiving immediate professional medical help, and limited cell coverage, we highly recommend purchasing medical evacuation insurance along with your trip insurance. We generally carry satellite communicators on our overnight trips; however, reception is not always possible.