We’ve been hosting western fly fishing groups since 2005 at several locations in the greater Yellowstone region. We’ve been going to TroutHunter in Island Park, Idaho every September since 2011 so it felt like a homecoming when we returned last month with a group. We’ve come to think of the owners, guides, fly shop staff, bar tenders, and restaurant wait staff as part of our family as we’ve spent so many great times with them year after year. Additionally many of the anglers who joined us this year have been with us in the past.
Our group at TroutHunter in September 2019 along with several of our guides
TroutHunter has become our favorite place to take groups not only because of the great people who work there, but because of the incredible diversity of fishing that’s available. The Henry’s Fork has everything from picky rising trout on glassy waters to whitewater filled canyons. Furthermore the Madison River and Yellowstone National Park are less than an hour away and several lakes are nearby as well.
Spectacular Mesa Falls on the Henry’s Fork
Weather in September is always be a bit of a coin toss. We’ve experienced hot, dry weather as well as heavy snow over the years, sometimes in the same week. This year turned out to be one of the best weeks we’ve ever had when it comes to weather. Nearly every day started out between 30-35 degrees and quickly warmed into the 50’s or 60’s under sunny skies. Our last day of fishing was overcast and damp, but with only scattered light rain. As a result some of the largest trout of the week were caught on that day. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves….
This was the first western fly fishing trip for several members of our group and the Henry’s Fork in September showed all of its glory.
We’re already planning next year’s trip. Click the link for more information.
Kevin James caught this nice rainbow within sight of the boat ramp in Box Canyon
John and Jack Coley made some wonderful memories on a father/son fishing trip. John worked in Yellowstone Park during a summer in his college years, but it was their first western fishing trip.
Jack got right into the swing of things when he hooked and landed this beautiful rainbow on his second cast on the first day!
Every year Ian has to spend at least one day walking one of the many rivers inside Yellowstone National Park to see the wildlife and cast to likely spots. He picked up this gorgeous brown from a shallow cut bank.
Charity with her fish of the day in Box Canyon with Grizz.
Cocktails on the patio after a great day of fishing
Dave Selph, veteran of past trips to TroutHunter, shows a nice hopper eating rainbow from the Railroad Ranch section of the Henry’s Fork.
Dave with a nice cutthroat from Henry’s Lake
A young bull moose grazes in the river as the drift boat gives him plenty of space.
Andy Uhr shows off a really nice rainbow he caught on a dry fly on the Henry’s Fork in Harriman State Park.
A smaller bull elk watches a larger bull and his harem along the banks of the Madison River inside Yellowstone National Park.
We gave this bison plenty of space as he grazed near the Gibbon River in Yellowstone Park.
Ian nets a thick rainbow for his daughter Willow inside Yellowstone Park
Chris “Grizz” Andelin shows off a nice rainbow caught by Wes James on a dry fly on Quake Lake
Steve Staab with an impressive brown that took a hopper on the lower Henry’s Fork
Seth Judd enjoying life on the Henry’s Fork
Ever the consummate professional, guide Phil Sgamma wears appropriate attire for “necktie Tuesday”
Larry Parker with thick bodied brown trout on the “Hank”
Paul and Steve gear up for a day on the water with Phil
Kevin Caiccio had one of the hotter hands of the week. Here he is with an impressive dry fly eater on Quake Lake
Kevin and Wes James shared a great week of father/son time at TroutHunter
Guide Waylon Cannon shows off a slab of a brown trout caught by Barry Payne
Guide Karlie Roland and Joanna Payne getting it done on dry fly on the scenic Big Springs float above Macks Inn on the Henry’s Fork
John Coley’s first western fly fishing trips did not disappoint!
The guides at TroutHunter carry big nets so you can catch two at a time!
Charity with a colorful brown trout in Yellowstone Park
Charity holds on to Boone while he’s hooked up to a strong rainbow in Box Canyon while “Grizz” stands ready with the net.
Kevin rounded out the week with this gorgeous 24″ brown trout on a streamer on the lower Henry’s Fork. Chis “Grizz” Andelin was thrilled to put this one in the net!
A close up of Kevin’s impressive fish