~ Fly Fishing ~

There is excellent trout fishing along the rivers, lakes, and streams comprising the two major drainages of the Gros Ventre Wilderness that converge near the Ranch.   Due to our conservation practices, these waters, even just outside the lodge, continue to yield good Snake River Cutthroat and some Brook Trout, along with numerous Rocky Mountain Whitefish.   The fishing habitats in the vicinity are freestone rivers, and range from rocky pools with deep holding water, to tantalizing undercut banks, to exciting fast riffles, to challenging flat water.

Good fishing spots range from just outside the lodge to 1 hour from the Ranch, accessible by foot or horse.  The rivers and streams are fished by wading, with temperatures that permit wading "wet" from August onward.   The high mountain lakes, accessible by horse day trips, can be fished by shore wading or float tubes. 

The Gros Ventre is usually at high water throughout June, receding during the first three weeks of July. The best fly fishing is immediately after the run-off and continues through to early October.  There is dry fly fishing everywhere, as well as nymphing in the deeper holes.   Since the end of the run-off can vary by as much as 3 weeks from year to year, you may contact the ranch for information on the height of the river if interested in fishing before July 20th.

It is our hope to maintain a high standard of conservation practices on the Gros Ventre in order to assure the continuation of quality fishing in our area. Accordingly, we strongly encourage a catch-and-release policy, using only barbless or barb-pinched flies.  However, we have no objection to your keeping an occasional fish for your own dinner or breakfast.  We can also provide a "fish kit" for grilling a delicious trout lunch treat on the trail. These policies, in place for over 40 years, have preserved excellent fishing in the vicinity of the Ranch.