Hey, families!
Sad to say, this is our final trip update for what’s been a truly great Montana Road Trip. We’ve had the chance to fish some amazing water over the past few days and share unforgettable moments with a fantastic group of guys.
Today was airport day, which meant waking up one group at an absurdly early hour to load into the van for one last ride together. The rest of the boys got to sleep in a bit longer for their later flights. Before all the hustle and bustle at the airport, we wrapped up the trip with some fly tying and a banquet dinner of Philly cheesesteaks and Parmesan garlic fries—finished off with a birthday cake in honor of Harry’s birthday!
Before that, we had a long day on the road, driving up to Yellowstone to fish the Gallatin River. Of course, driving through Yellowstone meant we got to soak in some incredible views along the way. To wind down that night, we grabbed pizzas and hit the hot springs while passing through Bozeman. We rolled back into base camp well after dark and promptly hit the hay. The day was long and exhausting, but absolutely worth it.
One of the highlights of the trip was our service project with the Madison River Foundation, where students got a hands-on opportunity to engage in river conservation efforts. The group worked alongside foundation staff to explore key aspects of river health—including measuring river flows, testing water conductivity, and identifying macroinvertebrate species as indicators of ecosystem health. Our budding entomologists were fascinated to learn about the aquatic bugs that sustain trout populations and how changes in water quality and temperature affect the entire river system.This work gave students a real-world look at the science behind conservation, along with a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance needed to keep these waterways thriving for future generations.
It was truly awesome to watch the group come together over the course of the trip—supporting one another, learning side by side, and sharing so many memorable experiences. The friendships formed this week were
genuine and lasting, built through adventure, laughter, and teamwork. As we wrap things up, it’s hard to say goodbye, but we’re grateful for the time we shared and the bonds that will carry on far beyond Montana.
Tight lines,
Hunter, Zach, Coleman, and Watson
