4 days floating on the Bighorn River
Below Yellowtail Dam the Bighorn river holds over 2000 trout per mile, among the highest densities in the country. Those fish don't just show up in numbers, they show up big, with browns and rainbows regularly stretching past the high teens and into the twenties. The river fishes well with nymphs nearly year-round thanks to steady, cold releases from the dam, but early august also brings the chance of big fish rising to PMD's and Hoppers.
We'll camp on the river for five nights and float four full days through the braided channels and undercut banks that make up some of the most consistently productive water in Montana. Expect technical nymphing, real shots at trophy fish, and more takes in a day than most rivers offer in a week.
Come for the numbers. Stay for the size.
Upcoming Trips
| Dates | Cost | Arrive/Depart Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 02 - Aug 07, 2027 | $2,750 |
Bozeman, MT |
- Ages
-
Entering 9th GradeEntering 10th GradeEntering 11th GradeEntering 12th Grade
- Community Service
-
3 Hours
- What to Bring
-
We have put together a list of all that you will need for a successful and comfortable expedition. We offer a rental program for most of the big ticket items like fly rods, reels, sleeping bags, etc.. If you are already enrolled, you can rent gear by logging into your account at: https://lillard.campintouch.com/v2/login/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f and navigating to Forms & Documents —> Rental Options.
Arrival Day
Day 1
After gathering the group at the Bozeman airport we will hit a fly shop for any last minute provisions then head east to our camp right on the banks of the Bighorn River.
Fish On!
Day 2-4
Get ready for full days on the water! Most guide boats are off the water by 4 so clients are back at the lodge for cocktail hour. Not here! Dont be surprised if dinner is cooked streamside mid float, and you take off at the campsite boatramp with the rising moon.
Departure Day
Day 5-6
After our final float we will head back to Bozeman for our banquet dinner and a final campfire before departing we will head back toward Bozeman
How, where, and when do participants meet their group?
The Big Horn Excursio begins and ends at the Bozeman, MT Airport. Participants can fly to/from the airport on arrival/departure day or be dropped off/picked up by a parent/guardian. Participants can arrive at any time on arrival day. We typically leave the airport by 3 pm, but we can send the van back for later flights if necessary. Unaccompanied minors will be met at their gate. Participants flying as adults should follow signs to the baggage claim. Their LFFE trip leader will meet them there. On the last day of the trip, flights that depart before 2 pm are ideal. We can take multiple trips to the airport, so accommodating early flights is not a problem. Your trip leaders will help you get checked in and wait with the group until the last participant's flight leaves the ground.
Do I need to have fly fishing experience?
Not necessarily. The focus of this trip is big fish on one of the most famous rivers in the US. These big fish are difficult to catch. We work with each participant to help them find success. Some prior experience goes a long way but is not as important as persistence and a willingness to learn.
Do I need to have fly fishing equipment?
Students are responsible for their fly rod, reel, line, and a few other personal fishing items. Don't have gear? Not a problem. We have quality Orvis rods and reels available to rent.
What other equipment will I need?
A link to a complete packing list can be found under each trip page's what to bring section. Group gear such as tents, stoves, etc., is all provided by LFFE. Personal equipment such as sleeping bags and backpacks are all available to rent.
