Hello from the Yellowstone Adventure crew! Everyone has arrived in Montana where we were greeted with sunny skies and lovely 76-degree weather. While waiting at the airport, everybody shared old fishing stories from back home and talked about how excited they were to get to Yellowstone for some of its most legendary fishing holes. We have so many guys on their very first Lillard trip and are so excited to introduce them to our culture of making confident, independent anglers with a love for exploring and protecting all things natural. Almost certainly, that goal will be fulfilled, each of the participants has an obvious fire in their heart for the outdoors. We also played some cards and showed off some impressive magic tricks, making for an awesome bonding experience. Everyone seemed to gel together quickly, and conversations seemed to flow more like old friends than a group of guys who had only just met. Before telling you more, let us introduce ourselves (from left to right).
Hello! I'm Oliver Mühlenfeld. I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and am a rising sophomore at Washington and Lee University, where I study classics and philosophy. I picked up fly fishing in middle school and have since spent my time fishing all over Virginia as well as the Devil's River in Texas. When I'm not fly fishing, you can find me skiing, camping, and hiking. I first experienced LFFE during a high school trip and fell in love with the mission of adventure, conservation, and creating memories. My favorite backcountry meal is the chicken quesadilla, my favorite fly is a CK Baitfish, and my favorite fishing memory was catching my first longnose gar on the Devil's River. A few things about me: I'm a die-hard Manchester United supporter (they're winning the Premier League next year!), I went to a military high school where I got to carry a sword as part of my senior uniform, and I taught myself piano — I can now play a wide array of groove hits from Stevie Wonder to Michael Jackson. This is my second summer with LFFE and I can't wait to share that same sense of adventure with a new group of campers.
Hi everyone — my name is Harper Hall! I'm a College Station, Texas native and a junior at Rice University studying neuroscience, biochemistry, and cell biology on the pre-medical track. An eight-time Lillard alum, I began fly fishing at age five during annual trips to Last Chance, Idaho, and have been passionate about the sport ever since. My favorite fishing memory was a day on Slough Creek where big fish seemed to rise on just about any fly you could think of — which is why Yellowstone quickly became my favorite destination. Some of my closest Lillard relationships were built there, and I still fish with friends I met on my earliest trips. My favorite backcountry meal is the Lillard staple: buffalo mac — a tradition I plan to keep alive. I also attended the inaugural Puerto Rico Expedition, which sparked a lasting fascination with the elusive permit, and later served as a leader-in-training on the Thorofare Expedition, an experience that deepened my commitment to environmental stewardship and education. Throughout the year, I compete in local bass tournaments, serve as vice president of Rice Rugby, duck hunt, and conduct research in oncology and Alzheimer's disease. But my favorite time of year is summer, when I return to the water in pursuit of trout. Fair warning: campers will definitely be hearing about my endless love — and endless heartbreak — as a Dallas Cowboys fan (it's our year!), along with my passion for Texas A&M Athletics and the Texas Rangers.
Hello! I'm Jackson White. A native of northern Arkansas, I began fly fishing the renowned waters of the White and Norfork Rivers from the time I was old enough to hold a rod. My passion for the sport truly took off in 2020 when I participated in my first LFFE trip, the Montana Road Trip Expedition. I was already hooked on fly fishing, but from that point on I was hooked on the LFFE experience, too. Over the following years I participated in the Maine Expedition, Yellowstone Thorofare Expedition, and Louisiana Redfish Expedition, gaining invaluable lessons in leadership, technical skill, cooking, and conservation with every trip. After graduating high school in 2024, I joined the LFFE Basecamp Crew in Montana. When I'm not on the water with the LFFE crew or chasing browns on the rivers back in Arkansas, I'm most likely pursuing permit in Mexico, tying flies, or hunting ducks and bucks at home. I currently work in the outdoor apparel and gear industry, combining my love for the outdoors with my professional pursuits. I'm dedicated to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for fly fishing and committed to helping others explore, conserve, and appreciate the waterways I've grown to love.
Currently, we are reporting to you from the LFFE Basecamp, where activities such as ping-pong and pool are taking place. Burgers are cooking on the grill, and new friends are being made. We are going to wrap up the day by going over fly-fishing fundamentals, such as casting, knot-tying, and basic water-reading skills. We will also have our first group huddle, where we will introduce the mission and ideals that keep our trips running smoothly and with endless fun. We will also begin electing a leader of the day, so each camper can step into a hands-on role and learn valuable leadership skills, passing the torch each day. Tomorrow morning, the plan is to pack up and head to Yellowstone after a hot breakfast cooked on the Blackstone.
Once in Yellowstone, we'll set up camp along the Madison River and get on the water ASAP. The plan is to fish the Gibbon River, filled with tons of hungry fish, and possibly enjoy some post-fishing s'mores after dinner. From there, we will look forward to backcountry prep and teaching the boys both how to pack their packs and how to make the most of appreciating an opportunity to explore some of the most untouched land in the lower 48.
We look forward to getting our lines wet and our rods bent! You can expect many fish photos along with pictures of long days on the trail and campground memories being made. Thank you for trusting us with your kids; they will return so fulfilled and spirited, and you will definitely be jealous. This trip will be one for the books. There will be lots of natural Yellowstone trout caught, some personal bests broken, and new friendships that will last long after this trip is over.
Until next time,
The guys and the guides
