Another slough creek backcountry is in the books. Since our last update, we spent some time exploring Yellowstone’s front country fishing opportunities throughout the Lamar Valley and spent two nights camped in the infamous Third Meadow of Slough Creek.
We started with stalking large Yellowstone cutthroat along the banks of the crystalline waters of Trout Lake. The Mammoth area was also a favorite stop of ours, where we took turns catching wild brown trout in a hole fondly nicknamed “the wishing well” by LFFE groups over the years. The last few nights, before heading into the backcountry sections of slough creek, we fished its front country waters. Here we got to experience the true splendor of Yellowstone. We fished next to bison, spotted multiple wolves and a small cinnamon black bear while fishing, all from a safe distance. Most of the individual fish we catch will fade from our memory over time, but that experience will remain with us forever.
A few nights ago, we backpacked into Slough Creek. The fishing proved to be quite technical with the low water we’ve been experiencing. However, the conditions provided the perfect challenge for our seasoned anglers. Everyone in the group managed to catch plenty of fish using everything from foam hoppers to streamers. After exiting the backcountry this afternoon, we headed into Gardner, MT, for some much-needed showers and laundry.
Currently, we’re relaxing along the banks of the Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley. Everyone is looking forward to some burgers and milkshakes in Livingston tonight and then a great float tomorrow with Montana Troutfitters on the Yellowstone. After that, we will spend the remainder of our trip chasing some of the biggest fish of the trip on the Madison River before we head home on the 22nd. Our trip has flown by, but we look forward to some awesome fishing over the next few days.
Best,
Oliver, Stefan, and Crew
