Howdy!
After some great practice around West Yellowstone, we headed into the backcountry with the hope of finding some massive cutthroat trout and grayling around Grebe, Ice, and Cascade Lakes. The hiking and hard work was worth it, and the backcountry was a smashing success! We caught so many huge fish that we started to lose count — and the smiles on the water told the whole story. We also saw so much amazing wildlife: a bull moose, loons, swans, grouse, and bison up close, just to name a few. And, of course, we enjoyed the Lillard staple, buffalo mac!
Yesterday, we recuperated after a strenuous bit of hiking and backcountry camping by doing some laundry, grabbing showers, and celebrating with a feast of pizza — well earned after everything the boys put in out there. After a food resupply from Basecamp, we headed to Canyon Campground, just by Yellowstone Lake, for a couple of nights. Today is a flex day — we can fish anywhere from the Lamar River to the Yellowstone River to the Snake River, depending on how the group is feeling and what our goals seem to be trending to. Having options like that in Yellowstone is a pretty special problem to have.
On the horizon is the Slough Creek backcountry, sure to be an incredible time. Each of the guides agrees that Slough may be the most majestic destination in the park, if not in the country. In addition to its raw beauty, Slough offers perhaps our best chance at finding true trophy trout, often able to be caught while sight-fishing. We may even be able to hear the resident wolf pack's howls at night — something that should leave everyone awestruck. You would swear they are right by you, when they are really miles away.
As we approach the downhill stretch of the trip, it is important to pause and capture some of the fantastic memories and moments that have already happened. The group has really meshed and would appear to some as though they have known each other forever. It is inspiring to see how quickly friends — especially lifelong friends — can be made out here. Of course, we had an incredible 4th of July, catching some of America's rarest fish, the Arctic grayling, seeing two of its most famous landmarks, Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic, and staying in its most incredible National Park! In the backcountry, we found ourselves somewhere very few people ever go and caught fish that may never be caught again. In fact, less than 1% of Yellowstone's visitors get over a mile from their car — so to have completed such a thrilling backcountry adventure is a true privilege and a memory that should last a lifetime.
Until next time! Expect to see even more huge fish, wide smiles, and beautiful scenery. We cannot wait to show you!
