Hi all,
We made it out of the Teton backcountry! After some big days with over 50 miles hiked, 50 fish landed, and even a mild snowstorm over the weekend, the expedition is officially back in the frontcountry. As we recuperate in Jackson Hole, the group is feeling a little worn down, but with breathtaking views and large cutthroat trout under our belts, this trip was a massive success—an experience we’ll never forget.
After picking up the group from the airport, we spent the night at the Gros Ventre Campground just outside of Jackson, where we celebrated Declan’s 16th birthday with pizza and cake and got our feet wet fishing the Gros Ventre River. The next morning, we made a quick stop in Jackson to run last-minute errands and pick up gear. The rest of the afternoon was spent prepping packs and food at a nearby park and tossing the frisbee around. That evening, we headed to our campground just minutes from the trailhead where the hike would begin.
An early morning had us doing final preparations and packing in the near-dark, readying ourselves for the journey ahead. After a short drive, we met with the horse packer to lighten our load a bit for our longest day of hiking. With some of our gear now off our backs and excitement high, we set off to tackle the 18 miles ahead. The boys were unfazed by the daunting distance and pushed the pace hard. We battled through hilly terrain, blisters, and mosquitoes, but after 18 miles of determined effort, we made it to our first campsite.
That evening, we spotted our first Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout swimming in Atlantic Creek below camp. The fish were focused on continuing their upstream journey and weren’t eating, but just the sight of them lifted spirits after a long hike. The next morning, propelled by the thought of big fish later in the day, we began our final 6-mile push to our main campsite at Hawk’s Rest. The trail wasn’t easy—multiple creek crossings and muddy conditions tested our endurance—but the boys pressed on and arrived full of energy at the final bridge over the Yellowstone River that led us to camp.
After setting up and enjoying a hearty dinner, we had a few hours of fishing on the Yellowstone. It was our first real taste of the fish we had worked so hard to find. About a half dozen fish were caught that evening, all over 18 inches and in great condition. Exhausted but excited, we went to bed ready for the fishing to come.
The following days were filled with fishing various rivers and creeks in the area, where we found the best action of the trip. Early mornings gave us full days on the water, and the fishing did not disappoint. Five-plus fish days per person were common, with no fish under 18 inches and many in the low to mid-20s. Sight fishing and blind casting into runs and pools both produced results. A bear sighting and some previously unexplored water only added to the adventure.
As we watched massive numbers of spawning fish, we reflected on their journey—fighting through rapids and pools to return to their birthplace and continue a cycle of life thousands of years old. The 1990s and early 2000s were bleak years for Yellowstone Cutthroat, with invasive lake trout nearly driving them to extinction. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of fisheries biologists with the National Park Service, these fish have made an inspiring comeback—and we were lucky enough to witness it.
We had to endure our own challenging conditions on the third day when we woke to cold temps and a couple inches of snow. The campers rallied, rigging a tarp left by the Forest Service over the fire ring. Thanks to their ingenuity, we were able to cook and stay warm even in the dumping snow. Spirits stayed high, and we even got out for a successful couple of hours of fishing during a break in the weather.
The next morning, we hit the trail early for an ambitious first day of hiking out. The boys opted for a 20-mile push, and we marched through mud, runoff, and another bear sighting to reach our campsite for the night. They powered through hills, creeks, and exhaustion to set themselves up for an easy final day—and plenty of time to relax in Jackson.
Emerging euphorically at the trailhead, the first order of business was a shower and then copious amounts of pizza. A final day in Jackson included poking around various shops and finishing the trip with a banquet dinner at a BBQ spot where we reminisced about the amazing week we’d shared.
This trip was an incredible experience for everyone involved. The fish we caught, the time spent in remote and wild places, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world made for an unforgettable journey—one we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.
Tight lines,
Evan, Cole, Andrew, Joe, and the LFFE Crew
