Yellowstone Backcountry Fishing Trips

Lodging Details
Sunrise Pack Station operates a low-impact, tent-based camp, due to National Park Service regulations and a “Leave No Trace” backcountry ethics. They provide warm zero-degree rated sleeping bags and a full-length pillow atop a ThermaRest sleeping pad for your sleeping comfort. Cots are available upon request. You will be housed in the Johnson Outdoors company’s latest design for four-man backpacking tents. The tent is called the Timberline SQ Outfitter 4, holding two people and gear with plenty of room. There is a sun shower for guests situated in a private area, away from streams to prevent soap from contaminating the waters of our favorite national park. At every camp, there is also a latrine where guests may refresh themselves and use sanitary wipes in a secluded area. 

Because they camp in bear country, Sunrise Pack Station uses a variety of safe practices to keep bear interactions limited to viewing these amazing animals from a safe, respectful distance. They place the sleeping area 100 yards away from the cooking area, as recommended by experts. All food and scented materials stay in the cooking area, where they are hung from a “bear pole” high in the air to keep scents and bear attractants out of the animals’ reach and to keep bears away from the guests. Bears do not like large horse herds or groups of humans, so bear problems are rare. The hanging of the food and a well-maintained camp help avoid drawing in any bear passing by.

Food and Beverages
Each day meals are prepared in the covered “kitchen” area of the camp and eaten as a group either at the large table or around the campfire. The menu will likely include tasty appetizers, steaks, salmon, an assortment of vegetables, and scrumptious desserts. Dinner is cooked in the core camp area, where the bear pole and food are kept, and tables, chairs, table cloths, and dishes are set up. The camp cook prepares his meals in a clean outdoor kitchen and he has been trained in food service and cleanliness. Once meals have been prepared and consumed the guides wash the dishes and discard leftover food in a separate garbage sack to help avoid bear problems.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
Wildlife viewing in the Park is unbelievable. Elk, deer, moose, bear, wolf, coyote, birds, and eagles all call Yellowstone National Park home. Hiking around camp, short day rides, and relaxing are all available for non-anglers. The staff at Sunrise Pack Station is extremely knowledgeable about the Park’s history, ecosystem, and the surrounding area; they can entertain anyone!

Internet / Communications
There is no internet access while in camp and cell phone service is spotty while in the park. Be sure to check with your service provider prior to your trip regarding specific coverage in the area.

How To Get There
Anglers will want to fly into Bozeman, Montana (BZN), Billings, Montana (BIL), Jackson, Wyoming (JAC), or Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA), depending on which trip you are participating in.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times
Once the itinerary for the trip is planned, Yellow Dog will arrange for a meeting place and time with Sunrise Pack Station staff. All trailheads are within the boundaries of the Park.

Documents Required
Yellowstone National Park fishing licenses are available at all area fly shops and sporting goods stores, as well as at the Park entrance gates. You will need to present a valid driver’s license (or other ID) in order to purchase your fishing license.

Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes. 

Travel Tools
– Airline Ticketing
– Moon Phases
– Rent This Rod
– Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
– Global Rescue Membership

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 – four weight and five weight – in packable, four-piece configurations. Most of the fish you will catch in the backcountry of Yellowstone are native cutthroat trout – colorful and feisty and almost always willing to take a dry fly.

+ Listen to this WAYPOINTS Podcast: SHANE MCCLAFFLIN – Fishing and Horsepacking the Wilds of Yellowstone

Upper Gallatin River
Yellowstone's Northwest Corner is the overlooked wild place of the National Park. We will ride in about 7 miles and stay on the Upper Gallatin River or over on Fan Creek. In this area there are opportunities to fish, hike, explore, and relax. The fish in the rivers and streams range from 10 - 16 inches. For the wildlife lover, this wild country has moose, wolves, bears, porcupines, beaver, mule deer, and more. Take the time to hike up the trail for more magnificent views or go for a short day ride.

Slough Creek
Another hot spot in Yellowstone National Park’s fishing adventure is Slough Creek. Big fish, slow waters, and spectacular scenery make this one of the most sought after places to fish. We ride in and set up one camp and then concentrate on fishing. By this time of year the grasshoppers have come out and the fish feed on them heavily so the fly fishing is sight fishing with great big flies, the fly fisherman’s dream. Some of the best hatches come off in the evening so, once you’re done eating dinner, feel free to go back down and fish till dark.

Cache Creek
On our first day we'll ride 11 miles to the Upper Cache Creek site, where we'll set up our home away from home for the duration of the trip. We'll begin fishing as soon as we arrive in camp, as it lies right on the creek side. We'll 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 we climb alongside the Thunderer for some great alpine shots or the occasional buffalo, wolf, or bear meandering up and down the trail. Our nights will be filled with tales around the campfire, good food, and relaxation.

Northwest Corner
This 4-day family friendly trip will take us near the headwaters of the Gallatin River. The river was named by Lewis and Clark on their trek searching for a water passage to the West Coast. We will ride up the Gallatin River about 7 miles from the trailhead and set up our camp right near the river. We'll stay here three nights and choose from a variety of things to do during our four days. Opportunities to ride, hike, fish, photograph, and explore will abound.

Specimen Creek / High Lake
This 4-day family-oriented trip will take us up to Fan Creek. This backcountry playground is a place for hikes, playing in the creek, playing with the horses, or fishing for trout in Fan Creek. The fishing here is active and the trout range from 3 to 12 inches. 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.

Fan Creek
Yellowstone's Northwest Corner is the overlooked wild place of the National Park. We will ride in about 7 miles and stay on the r on Fan Creek. In this area there are opportunities to fish, hike, explore, and relax. The fish in the rivers and streams range from 10 - 16 inches. For the wildlife lover, this wild country has moose, wolves, bears, porcupines, beaver, mule deer and more. Take the time to hike up the trail for more magnificent views, or go for a short day ride.

Lamar River
One of Yellowstone National Park’s 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 you’re here, you’ll 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
Ride with us into Sportsman’s Lake, a beautiful high country lake nestled at the base of Electric Peak. This trip will feature the less traveled northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park. The wildlife are more active and the scenery breathtaking. Bring your camera! Up here we have seen moose grazing with our horses, elk crossing the creek below camp and wolves trotting down the trail. There is also a great population of cutthroat trout in the lake, trails in the woods to hike, and beautiful scenery to view.

Bechler River
Come to Yellowstone National Park’s 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 Yellowstone’s Cascade Corner. You’ll 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.

Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the outfitter.

2025 Trip Dates
July 1 - 3 = Upper Gallatin River (8 spots)
July 8 - 11 = Slough Creek (1 spot)
July 15 - 18 = Cache Creek (6 spots)
July 22 - 25 = Northwest Corner (3 spots)
July 29 - August 1 = Specimen Creek / High Lake (7 spots)
August 6 - 9 = Slough Creek (3 spots)
August 12 - 15 = Lamar River (5 spots)
August 19 - 23 = Sportsman's Lake (2 spots)
August 26 - 30 = Bechler River (6 spots)

2025 Pricing
Upper Gallatin River = $2,350.00 per person
Slough Creek = $3,131.00 per person
Cache Creek = $3,131.00 per person
Northwest Corner = $3,131.00 per person
Specimen Creek / High Lake = $3,131.00 per person
Lamar River = $3,131.00 per person
Sportsman's Lake = $3,915.00 per person
Bechler River = $3,915.00 per person

Included

• Fully outfitted / guided horseback pack-in & pack-out
• Use of horses, mules, and all tack
• All meals (including arrival and departure day sack lunches)
• Tents
• Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads
• Zero degrees rated sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Large canvas duffel for personal items
  
  

Excluded

• Airfare
• Hotel accommodations before / after trip
• Transportation to and from the trailhead
• Sleeping cots (can be provided at an additional cost)
• Rod/reel (can be provided at an additional cost)
• Bear spray (can be provided at an additional cost)
• Flies or terminal tackle (BYO)
• Yellowstone National Park fishing license
• Yellowstone National Park entrance fee
• Alcoholic beverages (BYO)
• Gratuities for outfitting crew
• Gluten-free menu (extra charge per person)
• Vegetarian menu (extra charge per person)
• Vegan menu (extra charge per person)
  
  

Sunrise Pack Station (Yellowstone National Park)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking for all trip packages and reservations, and final payment if due 90 days prior to arrival. All trip cancellations must be received in writing, sent to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, LLC. Please note that all deposits and trip payments are non-refundable no refunds will be issued unless the trip is re-sold by either the outfitter or by Yellow Dog. If trip dates are re-sold, then a full refund minus a $100.00 per person Yellow Dog cancellation fee will be issued. In the case of cancellation by the client, both deposit and final payment may be transferred to another guest or angler for those same (original) dates if facilitated and arranged by the client. Sunrise Pack Station reserves the right to cancel the trip due to forest fire, or if the minimum number of guests needed (four total per group) is not reached. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages. Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for this trip.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT. 

“I had never been on a pack trip or fished Western US. So I wasn’t sure what to expect on my trip. The trip was well beyond my expectations. Shane is a first-class guide! His knowledge of the area and it’s history comes through during the after dinner talks by the camp fire. He also makes an inexperienced horseback rider like myself, feel confident to handle your horse for the entirety of the trip. I would recommend Shane for anyone interested in doing a pack trip in Yellowstone.”- Katrina S.

“For a pack trip it was great. Outfitter and crew were top notch. Beautiful area and great fishing. Very memorable trip.” – Worth H.

“Booking this trip was one of the best decisions we have every made as far as family vacations go. As with any destination trip, weather can be a factor in the fishing and this trip was no different. Don’t get me wrong, the cutts were there, they attacked flies voraciously and they were certainly beautiful! However, this trip is much more about location, experience and camaraderie than it is fishing. Every member of my family took something away from being deep inside Yellowstone I didn’t foresee and that had a great deal to do with Shane, Becky and Tyson from Sunrise Pack Station. My wife was the one I worried about most and I’m pretty sure she had more fun then any of us. We’ll be back and we will certainly book additional nights.” – Brad B.

“Shane and his staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. They were very pleasant, and I would highly recommend them.” – Robert C.

“Great place to fish, great guide, wonderful first time fly fishing experience.” – Stephen V.