Hello all,
We had an absolutely fantastic day meeting everyone today. Everything went smoothly at the airport, and the trip is already off to an amazing start. We couldn’t be happier with this group of guys and are so excited to get things underway.
Today was all about group bonding. We played some icebreakers, held a short casting instruction session (complete with a little friendly competition), and even made a stop at a fly shop. It’s always fun to watch those first-day jitters melt away as campers get to know one another. By the time we wrapped up at the fly shop, kids who had been quiet that morning were already laughing, comparing rods, and sharing fishing stories. The energy is high—this is clearly a group that loves to fish.
Tonight, we’re staying at base camp, and it’s already starting to feel like home. After dinner, a few guys tossed a frisbee while others sat in a circle, swapping stories about their favorite fishing spots back home. One camper even pulled out a travel fly-tying kit to show off his favorite patterns, which sparked a fun debate about which flies we should try first in Yellowstone. There’s a great mix of seasoned anglers and kids newer to fly fishing, and it’s clear they’re all excited to learn from each other.
Tomorrow we’ll head to our first campsite in Yellowstone National Park at Bridge Bay, right on Yellowstone Lake. For the next couple of days, we’ll ease into things by fishing the parts of the Yellowstone River system that are accessible from the front country. The Upper Yellowstone River has been fishing exceptionally well lately, and we’re looking forward to some exciting sight fishing for big cutthroat on dry flies. Tomorrow will be a special day for many campers, as it will be their first time in Yellowstone. It’s such an incredible place, and every time I’m here, I’m reminded of how lucky we are to experience it. This expedition will be an amazing opportunity for these boys to see a huge part of the park and to grow both as anglers and as individuals.
After a few days in the front country, we’ll head straight into the backcountry, hiking along the Upper Upper Yellowstone River. A ferry will carry us across Yellowstone Lake, and from there we’ll follow the river and its tributaries deeper into the wilderness. This is the first time a Lillard trip has ventured into this area, and I’m thrilled to explore and fish it. The Yellowstone River system is remarkable—it’s the longest contiguous, undammed freestone river in the continental United States—and this trip offers the unique chance to see a large stretch of it.
Meet Your Guides
Hi, I’m Evan Frits. I’m from Seattle, Washington, and currently a sophomore at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, where I study mathematical economics with a minor in philosophy. When I’m not fishing, I love playing the banjo, snowboarding, basketball, camping, and backpacking. I spent four summers as a camper with Lillard, and this is my second summer guiding. Lillard has been a huge part of my life since I was thirteen; the experiences I had on these trips shaped who I am today and deepened my love for fishing and the outdoors—passions I continue to pursue every day. I’m excited to help these campers create amazing memories just like the ones I made. For this trip, I’m especially looking forward to fishing in Yellowstone National Park. It’s a stunning place, and every time I get the chance to fish here, I feel incredibly fortunate.
Hi, I’m Andrew Notter! I recently graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles with a degree in biology, and I plan to pursue a career as a fisheries biologist. I currently live in Lake Tahoe, California, and I’m passionate about conservation, photography, and fly fishing. Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions has given me the perfect opportunity to combine all three. This is my first summer with Lillard, but last summer I worked in a remote field camp in Alaska conducting research on steelhead. Fly fishing is what inspired my love for conservation, and I’m excited to help spark that same passion in our campers. Outside of fishing, I played four years of collegiate soccer and helped lead my team to its first-ever Sweet 16 appearance.
Hi I’m Joe Shippen from Atlanta, Georgia! I am a rising sophomore at Elon University studying finance while being a Cadet for my ROTC program and will commission as an officer in the US Army following my graduation in 2028. I have always been into fly fishing and the outdoors as my father always took me out growing up. This is my fifth year with Lillard and my second year guiding. I went on 3 Lillard trips as a camper and learned and grew from those trips so much. My experience and knowledge from my time as a camper has carried me far in my professional and personal life. I always love to help campers learn new skills, make new friends, and create awesome memories for life. I’m really into conservation and wildlife, so I hope I can get some campers interested too! I am super stoked on the opportunities we will have at some awesome fish and cool spots during our trip. I have also recently gotten certified as a Wilderness First Responder. I’m looking forward to an epic summer!
As we write this, the sun has dipped behind the mountains, and the boys are still talking fishing strategies for tomorrow, trying to decide which fly will be 'the one' for those big cutthroat. The stars are beginning to pop out in the clear Montana sky -- it’s the perfect start to what’s sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
Until next time,
The Yellowstone River Fellas
