Greetings from the Yellowstone Expedition!
Both groups are officially out of the backcountry of Slough Creek. The last few days have been spent with our group divided between the backcountry and camping on the Yellowstone River. Each group spent two nights hiking into the 2nd and 3rd meadows of Slough Creek. This section of the park is home to one of the most famous backcountry sections of river in the US and we were lucky to have two of the best campsites. Slough Creek is famous for its big Yellowstone Cutthroat that slowly sip dry flies in every bend in the river as it slowly meanders through the series of three meadows. Again, the river was uncharacteristically low for this time of year, but after over a week of practice our group was up to the challenge. Everyone caught fish including dozens of true trophy cutthroat.
While one group was in the backcountry of Slough Creek the other stayed on the banks of the Yellowstone River. From camp we had a short drive up into the park where we fished the Gardner River. The Gardner is an often overlooked gem in the northern part of the park. It flows through a deep canyon before joining the Yellowstone River. The dark cold holes provide refuge for big brown trout. For adventurous anglers like us who are willing to get away from the road the fishing can be spectacular. Both groups enjoyed phenomenal fishing for browns and rainbows during their time in the canyon.
It is hard to believe, but tomorrow our group caps off an already amazing trip with a day floating the Yellowstone River with local guides. After two weeks of wade fishing, a day being pampered in a drift boat is sure to be a highlight for everyone.
After our float we will head to the Bozeman Hot Springs Campground where we will set up camp one final time. Hot showers, a soak in the outdoor hot springs, and a giant banquet dinner catered at our campsite will make for the perfect final night together.
Everyone is sad the trip is coming to an end, but excited to share all their memories.
See you soon,
Pat, Oliver, Stefan, and Yantis
