Montana Expedition - Update 4
Hi families, One More Night Under the Montana Sky... what a bummer because this trip has been unreal! Our overnight float on the Madison was absolutely legendary. The fish were fired up and everyone got in on the action — we're talking lots of beautiful fish landed, with a couple of true HOGS thrown in for good measure. The smiles on the water said it all, and the energy out there was something we...
Spanish Pyrenees Expedition - Update 3
Buenas Días Families! The Spain Pyrenees Expedition continues to roll along, and somehow the days just keep getting better. As guides, this is the point in the trip that is most rewarding to watch. The boys are acting like they've known each other for years, the fishing has been lights out, and their confidence speaking Spanish continues to grow every day. Whether they're helping one another on...
Berkshire to Beaches - Update 3
Hi families! We're still out here doing it! Fishing has been awesome and the group vibes have been even better! We're having a blast -- read our daily diary for some details about how we've been spending our days. Day 5: The boys jumped out of their tents bright and early, ecstatic to get moving to our next campsite. We quickly cooked up some sausage links to fill the stomach, and made our way to...
Thorofare - Update 2
Greetings from Jackson, Wyoming! Today, we made it out of the backcountry and headed back into civilization. After a long stretch of hiking, we are thrilled to spend some time relaxing in the front country and enjoying the mountain views before heading home. The backcountry treated us incredibly well. We hiked hard and traveled well over 60 miles throughout the week. Our base camp was 25 miles...
Colorado Adventure I - Update 3
Hi all, Today is the last day, and it’s such a bummer —it’s so hard to see these guys go! It’s been such a pleasure getting to know them and watching them form friendships with each other. This trip absolutely flew by, and we all wish we had more time with this awesome group. Here’s a recap of the past couple of days: July 19th: Once arriving at Pumphouse Campground, the group fired up dinner. A...
Montana Expedition - Update 3
Hello again! What an incredible few days it has been. We have to start by saying it again: there is something truly special about this group of boys. They have become fast friends, looking out for each other, cheering each other on, and bringing so much energy to every single day out here. It genuinely feels like we've all known each other for weeks, not days — the kind of bond that usually takes...
Yellowstone Adventure I - Update 2
Howdy y'all! We are reporting to you from Yellowstone National Park! We have just gotten out of the backcountry, where we spent three days and two nights fishing and camping remote mountain lakes in the heart of Yellowstone. After some last-minute fishing closures were announced by the National Park Service, we pivoted the plan to fish Grebe and Cascade Lakes. The fishing was phenomenal, with many...
Berkshire to Beaches - Update 2
Hi families! The trip is off to an awesome start! The group has gelled, we're laughing lots, catching fish, learning about each other -- all the things we hope for in a Lillard trip. Here's a recap of our last few days; we hope you enjoy! Day 2: The Housatonic River After a restful night, the boys woke up with tons of energy, exhilarated to finally get on the water. We enjoyed some cereal for...
Colorado Adventure I - Update 2
Hi families, We made it out of the backcountry today! I'd say we had a pretty darn good time fishing Tonahutu Creek and Haynach Lakes over the past two days. The boys have pushed themselves hard, and they've been rewarded with great fishing and incredible views. For a group with a lot of first-time backpackers and fly fishermen, they've accomplished so much already. The group clicked almost...
Spanish Pyrenees Expedition - Update 2
Hello Families! The Spain Pyrenees Expedition continues to roll along, and it is hard to believe how much we have packed into the last few days. Since our last update, we've fished alpine lakes, meadow streams, and mountain rivers, completed the first phase of our conservation project, explored new towns, and continued making our way west through the Pyrenees. The group is doing a fantastic job...
Montana Expedition - Update 2
Hi families, I'm currently sitting at Heart Lake writing this, watching all the boys wrangle some beautiful alpine cutties! While we've only been here a few hours, the fishing has been phenomenal and we only expect it to get better. The lake is a turquoise surrounded by tall conifers. There's something about watching fish after fish come to the net in a setting this stunning that makes you pinch...
Yellowstone Adventure I - Update 1
Hello from the Yellowstone Adventure crew! Everyone has arrived in Montana where we were greeted with sunny skies and lovely 76-degree weather. While waiting at the airport, everybody shared old fishing stories from back home and talked about how excited they were to get to Yellowstone for some of its most legendary fishing holes. We have so many guys on their very first Lillard trip and are so...
Berkshire to Beaches - Update 1
Greetings from Massachusetts! Airport day was a success! After a long day of travel, the boys arrived safely and quickly began connecting and getting to know each other — even playing airport hackysack to pass the time! Before we tell you more, let us introduce ourselves (from left to right)! Hey there, families. My name is Joe Shippen, I grew up in Atlanta, where I developed a passion for the...
Yellowstone Thorofare Expedition - Update 1
Greetings from Gros Ventre Campground! Our airport day went smoothly, and everyone is stoked for the amazing trip ahead. We all had a great time getting to meet the people we get to share this trip with. Watching everyone settle in is always a treat and this trip has been no different thus far. Already, fishing stories have been shared, laughs were had, and we are confident many lifelong...
Colorado Adventure I - Update 1
Hello Lillard Families, Today officially kicked off our Colorado Adventure. While most of the day was spent traveling, there was plenty of excitement as campers arrived in Colorado from all over the country. It's always fun to watch a group of kids who have never met before instantly connect over a shared love of fly fishing and the outdoors. Before we share more, let us introduce ourselves (from...
Montana Expedition - Update 1
Hello all! We've just picked up the last of the crew from the airport and the van is packed -- we are officially on our way to the Bob Marshall Wilderness (BoBHQ or The Outpost)! Today was a travel day for everyone, with flights rolling in from all corners of the country. We've got boys here from 10 different states, which always makes for a fun first night as everyone starts to get to know one...
Spanish Pyrenees Expedition - Update 1
Families! Welcome to the first update from the Spanish Pyrenees Expedition! After months of planning, travel day has finally arrived, and we are excited to report that the entire group has safely arrived in Spain and settled into our mountain basecamp. First a quick introduction. I am Jack Kenney, and this is my tenth year with Lillard Fly Fishing. I direct our international trips across the...
Bob Marshall Girls Adventure - Update 4
Hey families! We can’t believe our two weeks are already up! The past couple of days after the Bob have been a blast. We’ve been fishing, floating, tubing, and regrouping after our wonderful adventure. On the night of the 9th, with sore muscles and huge appetites, we camped at Willow Creek Reservoir near Augusta, Montana. The girls got stuck in some mud, ate ramen, and swapped stories from the...
Sun River Girls Update
Hello Families! Oh my goodness, where do we begin!! The past five days in the Bob Marshall Wilderness have been a whirlwind. These girls are absolute rockstars. The drive into the Bob was absolutely beautiful, full of cows and trees and excited nerves. We arrived at the South Fork of the Sun trailhead/campsite the night of the fifth. Surrounded by tall pines and horse corrals, we woke up the next...
Bob Marshall Girls Adventure - Update 2
Hi families! Since our last update, we’ve been nonstop—moving, exploring, and soaking in every moment! On Saturday, after a bit of a travel adventure, we finally united the whole crew. We set up camp at Valley Garden, a favorite local spot for both floating and wading. It’s just a few minutes from Ennis and sits close to Ennis Lake—an ideal place to spend our first two nights. The water was varied...
Yellowstone River Expedition - Update 4
Hello all, We had a great time wrapping up our trip over the past couple of days. After a beautiful night sleeping under the stars on an island in the middle of the Yellowstone River, we woke to a hot breakfast and enjoyed a shorter float to the takeout. The overnight float was an incredibly fun experience—and something you can expect to see more of in future Lillard trips. This was the first...
Bob Marshall Girls Adventure - Update 1
Hi Families! We can't report that travel went super smoothly, but we're all together now. Because of a cancelled flight, the group wasn't whole until today. NOW the trip has officially begun! Yesterday, we spent the day fishing in Valley Garden, where Madeline began to learn how to roll cast, read water, and identify the incredible variety of aquatic insects hiding beneath the surface. She showed...
Puerto Rico Expedition - update 3
Hello all! Wow—what an incredible week it’s been. Since our last update, we’ve fished hard and been rewarded with lifelong memories. On Thursday, our group split up to explore two different sides of the island. Two boats fished the south side, while the other two headed west. Both groups had excellent days targeting large, tricky fish in beautiful water. One camper was rewarded with a truly...
Yellowstone River Expedition - Update 3
Hi families, Even thought it's just been a few days, we've been busy! Our week kicked off in the shadow of Electric Peak, where we hiked into the Gardiner River in search of a deep, mysterious pocket known as the “Wishing Well.” There, the group was introduced to a different kind of fishing—technical, patient, and precise. Using deep nymph rigs and stack mends, campers learned how to dissect...
Bob Marshall Expedition - Update 3
Hi families, The Final Dispatch from the Bob and Beyond Some trips wear you out. Others work their way in deep and stay there. Our expedition through the Bob Marshall Wilderness—from Lodgepole Trailhead to Meadow Creek—followed by a few float days on the Blackfoot, was the kind that rearranges your sense of what it means to be out there. We kicked things off in a familiar blur: grocery runs, last...
Montana Road Trip Adventure - Update 4
Hi all, It’s hard to believe, but we’ve reached the end of an amazing journey. This is our final update from what has been an unforgettable adventure through some of Montana’s most beautiful waters and wild places. Over the past 10 days, we’ve floated legendary rivers, explored the backcountry, and pushed ourselves in ways that brought out the best in everyone. We closed out the trip in true...
No Name Lodge - update 2
Greetings from our new home away from home! This trip is flying by, and we’re having the time of our lives. On our first day of fishing, we had an incredible crash course in saltwater fly fishing. All of our guides put us through the wringer—teaching us new casting techniques, challenging hooksets, and an entirely new world of line management. Day one was a huge success, filled with countless...
Bob Marshall Adventure - Update 3
Hi parents! The Bob Marshall Adventure II has officially wrapped up, and we couldn’t be more proud of how this trip turned out. From start to finish, this was a truly remarkable group of young men. They brought huge personalities, a deep sense of responsibility, and some seriously impressive fishing skills. Their energy made guiding not only smooth, but genuinely fun—and it was clear from early on...
Yellowstone River Expedition - Update 2
Hello all, We’re out of the backcountry! After hiking over 33 miles and landing many fish over 20 inches, we've made it to our campsite in Paradise Valley, where we’ll begin the next leg of our adventure. Following a much-needed rest day—complete with laundry, showers, and good food—the group is refreshed and excited to get back on the water tomorrow. Our backcountry journey began with a scenic 30...
Montana Guide School - update 1
Hello Parents! The 2025 Guide School is off to a strong and focused start, with the group diving straight into their Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course upon arrival. After airport day, we headed to Lillard Base Camp near Ennis, Montana, nestled in the heart of the Madison Valley. Surrounded by wide-open skies, winding rivers, and rugged peaks, it’s the ideal environment to train for real...
