Hi families,
Even thought it's just been a few days, we've been busy! Our week kicked off in the shadow of Electric Peak, where we hiked into the Gardiner River in search of a deep, mysterious pocket known as the “Wishing Well.” There, the group was introduced to a different kind of fishing—technical, patient, and precise. Using deep nymph rigs and stack mends, campers learned how to dissect complex currents and adjust on the fly. It wasn’t easy, but the reward came in the form of beautiful brown trout pulled from unlikely seams, and a new level of confidence earned in tough water. A herd of elk passed through as we fished—just one more reminder of how wild this place really is.
That night, we made camp at Loch Leven beneath a glowing sunset over Paradise Valley. It was the perfect jumping-off point for what came next: a three-day expedition down the Yellowstone River.
We launched from Emigrant the following morning, boats loaded with gear, rods, and anticipation. For many campers, this was their first multi-day float—and Mother Nature didn’t make it easy. Gusty winds, scattered rain, and cold hands became part of the story, but so did the fish. Brown trout and whitefish came steadily to hand, and more than a few campers landed their first of either species. Learning to read the water from a moving boat, watching a dry fly drift through a side channel, sharing stories with a guide in between casts—it all clicked. Camp that night back at Loch Leven felt well-earned.
The following day, we pushed farther downriver, into a quieter stretch of the Yellowstone. The group had settled into the rhythm of life on the water: wake early, rig rods, float, cast, eat, repeat. We made camp on a remote island, cooked chicken fajitas on the beach, and circled around a fire to laugh, rehash hooksets, and listen to the river slip by in the dark.
The conditions haven’t always been perfect, but the group has risen to every challenge. With one more day ahead, and breakfast sandwiches already sizzling in our imaginations, this crew is showing just how much adventure—and growth—can fit into a stretch of Montana water.
It's hard to believe this trip is nearing its end. We've really enjoyed getting to know these guys and watching the group come together. But it's not over yet -- we're excited to bring it home with a couple more great days of fishing! Until next time...
The Yellowstone River Bandits
