Hi Families,
We just wrapped up an awesome few days exploring the waters around Paradise Valley, and it’s safe to say the crew is riding high. We’ve been fishing the Yellowstone River, and each spot has delivered in its own way. From pocket water full of eager cutthroat to crystal-clear lake edges hiding cruising trout, the variety has kept things exciting and the team on their toes.
The Boulder River challenged us with technical drifts and tight seams, but the rewards were worth every careful cast. Soda Butte brought the drama with big, visible fish holding in shallow riffles—demanding patience, stealth, and precision. And Trout Lake—what a scene. Calm mornings, glassy water, and heart-pounding eats just feet from the bank. A few folks connected with some of the biggest fish of the trip so far, and there’s been no shortage of high-fives, hoots, and happy chaos on the water.
We’ve set up camp just outside of town, surrounded by wildflowers, towering peaks, and curious deer wandering through like they own the place. Evenings have been golden—literally—lit by alpine sunsets, warm fires, and story-swapping that stretches late into the night. The rhythm of camp life has taken hold: strong coffee and early rigging in the mornings, packed lunches on the trail, and big meals to refuel after long days on the water.
The crew continues to level up. Casting accuracy, stealth approaches, and on-the-fly rig changes have become second nature. There’s a real sense of teamwork—campers calling out risers for each other, sharing dries, and coaching through tricky hookups. It’s been awesome to watch the group not just grow as anglers, but also cheer each other on.
In between sessions, we’ve kept things light with some fly-tying under the tarp, camp games (log-surfing is now an official favorite), and a healthy amount of time just soaking in the beauty of this corner of Yellowstone. One evening, we even paused dinner prep to watch a pair of sandhill cranes glide across the meadow—one of those little moments that makes this place feel magical.
Next up, we’re heading to Lamar Valley and Slough Creek—waters with a legendary reputation and scenery to match. If the fish keep cooperating and the weather holds, this trip is only going to get better.
More soon from the road!
—Luke, Coleman, Max, and Zach
The MT Road Trip Crew 🎣
