Hello all,
We had a great time wrapping up our trip over the past couple of days. After a beautiful night sleeping under the stars on an island in the middle of the Yellowstone River, we woke to a hot breakfast and enjoyed a shorter float to the takeout. The overnight float was an incredibly fun experience—and something you can expect to see more of in future Lillard trips. This was the first overnight float in LFFE history, but it certainly won’t be the last. After a celebratory swim in the river, we made our way back to a campsite in Paradise Valley for one final night in this unforgettable landscape.
The next morning, we packed up camp and headed back to Base Camp in Ennis, Montana. The boys were happy to have the opportunity to shower, do some laundry, and recharge. After cleaning the van, we capped the day with a well-earned steak dinner.
That evening, we participated in a citizen science project in partnership with the Salmon Fly Project, a nonprofit organization that works closely with Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions. Using a seine net, we collected aquatic insects from the Madison River and then examined and identified them. The group learned about different insect species, their life cycles, and their critical role in the ecosystem. It was an awesome way to deepen our understanding of the river and the life within it.
Later, we headed to Ennis High School for a friendly game of two-hand touch football, then cooled off back at camp with root beer floats—always a favorite tradition.
The next morning, we woke up early and made our way to the airport. It’s always a bittersweet moment—everyone excited to see their families again, but reluctant to leave behind a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This was the first time Lillard has run this specific trip, but it absolutely won’t be the last. The variety of fishing in such breathtaking settings made this one of our favorite trips to date. We caught multiple species of cutthroat, as well as brown trout, rainbows, and whitefish. We also had the chance to fish and float a significant stretch of the Yellowstone River—the longest undammed river in the continental United States—which made the experience even more special.
From the variety of water and fish to the friendships formed and scenery that surrounded us, this trip was an unforgettable adventure—and one we’ll all carry with us for a long time.
Tight lines,
Evan, Cole, Andrew, Joe, and the LFFE Crew
