Thorofare - update 3

Hi families,

What an incredible trip this has been. It's hard to believe that our time together has already come to an end. We couldn't have asked for a better group of guys, and the experiences we shared fishing, backpacking, and exploring the Thorofare are ones I will never forget. Needless to say, this was a trip for the books.

Over the past ten days, we have had the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful and remote wilderness areas in the world. The boys hiked more than 50 miles through rugged backcountry terrain, crossed mountain passes, camped under starry skies, and were rewarded with incredible fishing and unforgettable wilderness experiences.

Our final day was a well-earned opportunity to slow down, organize gear, and pack up after the backcountry before spending some time exploring Jackson Hole. After seven days deep in the backcountry, it was fun to enjoy a little civilization, walk around town, and relax together. We wrapped up the evening with a hearty barbecue dinner and, of course, some well-deserved ice cream. 

That final dinner gave us a chance to reflect on everything we had accomplished together. An expedition of this scale is challenging for anyone, but the boys met every obstacle with the same inimitable energy, enthusiasm, and genuine love for fishing and wild places. Watching them embrace the adventure and support one another throughout the journey made this experience truly special.

Every participant showed tremendous growth during this trip — not only as anglers and backpackers, but as young men and leaders. I am incredibly proud of what each of them accomplished. Through long miles on the trail, hard-earned camps, fish landed and fish lost, and hours of laughter and storytelling around the campfire, the fresh-faced boys I met at the airport developed skills, confidence, resilience, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for trusting us with your sons and for giving them the opportunity to experience a place as wild and extraordinary as the Thorofare. It has been a privilege to share this adventure with them, and I know the memories and lessons from this journey will stay with them for years to come.

 

Until next time,

 

The guys and the guides

Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions was started in 2010 as a graduate thesis for my Master's Degree in Environmental Conservation Education at NYU. The operating premise was simple - by coupling amazing wilderness fly fishing camps for teens with environmental education and service learning we can help inspire future generations of fly fishing conservationists. We have been growing our unique list of trips and experiences ever since.

When it comes to choosing a summer program for your teen the options are endless. For the teen who loves to fish, be outside, and has a strong sense of adventure we have made the choice easy. We are the leader in teen fly fishing adventures and are dedicated to providing the best backcountry fly fishing experience with opportunities for teens to engage in leadership training, community service, and backcountry camping.

Sincerely,

Will Lillard signature

Will Lillard, Founder/Director/Guide

Contact Us

[email protected]

Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions
2540 King Road
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

(828) 577-8204