General Information
The crew at Sunrise Pack Station offers many different angling options throughout the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. Most of the fishing takes place on small backcountry creeks and streams. Wading and fishing from the banks is the normal practice, along with the use of lighter trout rods â four weight and five weight â in packable, four-piece configurations. Most of the fish you will catch in the backcountry of Yellowstone are native cutthroat trout â colorful and feisty and almost always willing to take a dry fly.
+ Listen to this WAYPOINTS Podcast: SHANE MCCLAFFLIN â Fishing and Horsepacking the Wilds of Yellowstone
Fan Creek
This family-oriented trip will take you up to Fan Creek. This backcountry playground is a place for hikes, playing in the creek, playing with the horses, or maybe trying to catch an early trout in Fan Creek. Your nights will be spent around the campfire enjoying stories or listening to the howl of wolves. The Fan Creek region has one of the few almost all-black wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park.
Slough Creek
Another hot spot in Yellowstone National Parkâs fishing adventure is Slough Creek. Big fish, slow water, and spectacular scenery make this one of the most sought-after places to fish. You ride in and set up one camp and then concentrate on fishing. By this time of year, the grasshoppers have come out so the sight fishing with great big flies is fantastic! Some of the best hatches come off in the evening so once youâre done eating dinner, feel free to go back down and fish till dark.
Cache Creek
On your first day, youâll ride 6 miles to the Lower Cache Creek site, where youâll set up our home away from home for the next 2 nights. Youâll begin fishing as soon as you arrive in camp, as it lies right on the creek side. Youâll spend day two fishing up and down Cache Creek exploring the pockets and pools which hold nice vibrant cutthroat trout. Anyone who is not up for fishing can ride up Cache Creek for some photography as you climb alongside âThe Thundererâ for some great alpine shots or the occasional buffalo, wolf, or bear meandering up and down the trail. Your nights will be filled with tales around the campfire, good food, and relaxation. On your last day, youâll fish around camp while the guides pack things up and then head back home.
Upper Gallatin River
In this beautiful part of Yellowstone there are good chances to see wildlife near Big Horn Pass, catch some wild trout in the Gallatin River, enjoy wildflowers in the meadows and hillsides. Your first day will be spent riding up the upper Gallatin River to a camp right on the rivers edge. The following days and nights will be spent hiking, riding, fishing and playing. This is a place for families and fishermen alike.
Specimen Creek / High Lake
Enjoy Yellowstoneâs remote Northwest Corner. You will begin at the Specimen Creek Trailhead and ride six miles up your first day to a beautiful camp on the North Fork of Specimen Creek. You will stay in this camp for three nights. The next day you will day ride up to High Lake. This high mountain lake contains a healthy population of cutthroat trout of up to sixteen inches that are used to restock the rest of Yellowstoneâs native fish populations. The next day is a day for hikes or relaxing in camp. Your fourth day you will pack up camp and head back out.
Upper Lamar River
One of Yellowstone National Parkâs premier fishing spots, the Lamar River Valley, provides deep pools and large active fish. You will ride up the canyon, out of reach for the majority of the visitors to Yellowstone National Park, for some pristine fishing waters. Besides fishing, be sure to bring your camera. Wolves, bears, buffalo, and elk are all known to frequent these areas. While youâre here, youâll discuss the Nez Perce Indians who traveled right through this area as they fled from the army in Yellowstone National Park in 1877.
Sportsman's Lake
This five-day family-oriented trip will take you up to Sportsmanâs Lake where a hungry host of captive Cutthroat trout awaits us. Your first night will be on the North Fork of Specimen Creek after a six-mile ride in. Your next day begins with another six-mile ride taking you to Sportsmanâs Lake for a three-night stay. Here, guests can fish and play at their leisure. If someone desires, you can do day rides or hikes out of camp and see other places like Electric Pass, or head out to the Yellowstone National Park boundary on forgotten trails. Play on the porch of the ranger cabin, explore the woods and rocks around the lake, and watch for moose, elk, and deer which often frequent the area.
Bechler River
Come to Yellowstone National Parkâs Cascade Corner and photograph the magnificent waterfalls. This time of year is spectacular in the park. Late summer provides warm days and cool nights for an amazing time in Yellowstoneâs Cascade Corner. Youâll ride to numerous waterfalls and overlooks to see spectacular scenery. Bring your camera to capture the people, horses, wildlife, and scenery. In the off time, relax in the warm waters of this area to rest your bones and rejuvenate your soul.
Boats and Equipment
Camps are accessed via horseback, usually with the support of several mules on a mule train. Sunrise Pack Station provides all camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, pillows, inflatable ground pads, sleeping bag liners, and pillowcases. They also provide large duffel bags for you to pack your clothing and other gear for the mules to carry. You will want to bring all of your own clothing, a headlamp, personal items, and your fishing equipment. Sunrise Pack Station and Yellow Dog will send you a packing list so you will not forget anything. Most people bring their own fishing gear, but rental rods are available upon request. Waders are optional, although recommended for the early season.
