For over a decade, Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions has taken teenagers into the backcountry to inspire a love with fly fishing and pristine wilderness. Now we're bringing that same spirit to our youngest anglers with Basecamp, a brand-new week-long program built just for kids entering 5th and 6th and 7th grade, based out of our new basecamp in Ennis, Montana.
This isn't a backcountry expedition, it's something better suited to introduce younger anglers to everything we love about this sport, in a setting built for them. Campers stay in a brand new bunk cabin at our basecamp, surrounded by all the comforts that make a week away from home feel like a big adventure. From there, we fill the days with fly tying at the vise, casting lessons, tubing on warm Montana afternoons, camp games with new friends, and, of course, lots and lots of fishing.
Our guides will teach campers to tie their own flies, string a rod, read water, and land their first (or 50th) trout, all while building the same foundation of curiosity and respect for wild places that has always been at the heart of LFFE. By the end of the week, campers will have real skills, a tackle box of flies they tied themselves, new friends, and stories to tell for years.
Basecamp is the perfect entry point for a young angler who loves to be outside, is curious about fly fishing, and is ready for a week of independence, new friends, and Montana trout water — all without straying too far from the comforts of camp.
Upcoming Trips
| Dates | Cost | Arrive/Depart Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 05 - Jul 11, 2027 | $2,600 |
Bozeman, MT |
- Ages
-
Entering 5th GradeEntering 6th GradeEntering 7th Grade
- Community Service
-
2 Hours
- What to Bring
-
We have put together a list of all that you will need for a successful and comfortable week at camp.
Fishing on the Madison and other nearby rivers.
Catch a fish on a fly you tied.
Float fishing day on the Madison.
Banquet dinner at Basecamp.
Tubing on the Lower Madison.
Arrival/Departure Info:
The Headwaters Overnight begins and ends at the Bozeman, MT Airport. Campers 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. 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 check in and wait with the group until the last participant's flight leaves.
Do I need to have fly fishing experience?
Our Headwaters camps are made up of students ranging in experience from total beginner to expert. Regardless of your skill level, your guides along with a variety of water fished will make you a more confident and independent angler.
Do I need my own fishing equipment?
Students are responsible for their own fly rod, reel, line, and a few other personal fishing items. Please contact us for a full packing list. Don’t have your own gear? Not a problem. We have top quality Orvis rods and reels available to rent.
What other equipment will I need?
We will send you a full packing list if you are interested in signing up for one of our Adventure Academies. Group gear such as tents, stoves, etc is all provided by LFFE. Personal gear such as sleeping bags and backpacks are all available to rent.
Arrival Day
Day 1
After arriving at the Bozeman Airport we will head back to the LFFE Basecamp and get unpacked in our brand new Cabin. After some burgers on the grill we will work on some casting, knot tying, fly tying and play some fun games.
Fishing and Fun
Day 2-5
Headwaters is all about having fun. When the fishing is good, we will be out there catching fish, when the temps get hot we will go tubing on the lower madison, and in the evenings we will hang out at camp, tie some flys, and play some games.
Fishing and Service
Day 6
With the help of the Madison River Conservation District and The Salmonfly Project campers will get to spend the morning doing some stream sampling. In the afternoon we will hit the river one last time before our final banquet dinner back at basecamp.
Departure Day
Day 7
Saying goodbye won't be easy, but time to head back to the airport for departure day.
