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.
