frequently asked questions
WHERE IS YELLOWSTONE RIVER OUTFITTERS LOCATED?
Our office is on The River! We do not have a brick and mortar shop - we are exclusively an outfitting service; however, we have “basecamps” in both Gardiner, MT and Livingston, MT.
HOW DO I BOOK A TRIP?
FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US ANY TIME THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE AND/OR PHONE. ADVANCE NOTICE IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED AND IS SOMETIMES NECESSARY DURING THE PEAK SEASON (JUNE 1 – OCTOBER 1). TRIPS CAN BE BOOKED OVER THE PHONE OR VIA EMAIL. ADVANCE NOTICE IS RECOMMENDED AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO SECURE YOUR RESERVATION.
WHAT IF I HAVE NEVER FLY-FISHED BEFORE?
NOT A PROBLEM. THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO FLY-FISH FOR THE FIRST TIME. BY THE END OF YOUR TRIP, YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO STRING A ROD, TIE ON FLIES, HOOK-SET, AND HOW TO PROPERLY HOLD A FISH. BY THE END OF THE TRIP, YOU WILL HAVE ALL OF THE SKILLS TO GO FISHING ON YOUR OWN.
WHAT IS AN AVERAGE TIP FOR MY GUIDE?
Tips are greatly appreciated. your guide works hard before, during and after your trip. Please consider gratuities if you enjoy your experience, gain new knowledge, and think your guide has earned a tip.
Full Day average for one or two adults*: $200 per guide per day
Half Day average for one or two adults*: $150 per guide per dayWe recommend cash
*If your group is larger than 2 guests or includes kids, please take this into consideration J
WHY SHOULD I BOOK WITH YRO?
We love what we do, and we love teaching the sport of fly fishing! ALL OF OUR GUIDES SPEND AT LEAST 150 DAYS GUIDING OR FISHING OURSELVES HERE IN YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY. YES, THAT IS AN AVERAGE OF ONCE EVERY 3 DAYS. WE KNOW THIS COUNTRY AND HOW TO TARGET THESE TROUT. WE CAN TAKE YOU ON LESSER-FISHED WATERS IN RAFTS LIKE THE BOULDER, THE YANKEE JIM CANYON, OR THE GARDNER SECTION OF THE YELLOWSTONE. MAYBE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET MORE PRACTICE FISHING STREAMERS? NEVER BEEN THAT EFFECTIVE SWINGING WET FLIES? ASK YOUR GUIDE TO TRAIN YOU UP. WANNa HIKE? WE CAN TAKE YOU BACK TO SOME PLACES WHERE WE LIKE TO FISH ON OUR DAYS OFF.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY?
MID-JUNE THROUGH MID OCTOBER... OR RIGHT NOW. THERE IS ALWAYS A PLACE TO TARGET TROUT NO MATTER THE SEASON, BUT THE SUMMER MONTHS DO PROVIDE THE WARMER TEMPS THAT CREATE MORE OPTIONS FOR FISHING LOCATIONS. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IS OPEN FROM THE END OF MAY THROUGH THE FIRST WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING ON MY FISHING TRIP?
Float Trips - Hat, sunglasses, rain coat, a light fleece, shoes or sandals (Chaco’s, Teva’s, Keen’s etc.) you don't mind getting wet (for easier entry and exit from the boat or wading from the bank), and of course, a camera! You may also bring extra snacks, drinks or alcoholic beverages (there are coolers in the boat), and don’t forget your Montana fishing permit!
Walk Wade Trips - A small backpack for your lunch and at least 2 liters per person of water (for a full day), hat, sunglasses, rain coat, a light fleece, shoes or sandals (Chaco’s, Teva’s, Keen’s etc.) that you can hike in and get wet, and of course, your camera! Many walk-wade trips include hiking off-trail and away from roads - if you don’t want to hike, please communicate that to your guide. Also, remember your Yellowstone National Park Entrance Pass (can also be purchased at the entrance gate in the morning) and your Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit!
HOW LONG IS A GUIDED TRIP?
FULL-DAY- ABOUT 7-8 HOURS (DRIVE/HIKE TIME INCLUDED)
HALF-DAY- ABOUT 4 HOURS(DRIVE/HIKE TIME INCLUDED)
HOW DO I KNOW WHERE TO MEET MY GUIDe?
WE DO NOT HAVE ONE DESIGNATED MEETING SPOT AS WE DO TRIPS ALL OVER WESTERN MONTANA. THE night (usually between 5 and 7:30pm) BEFORE YOUR TRIP, YOUR GUIDE WILL CALL YOU TO DECIDE A MEETING LOCATION, TALK ABOUT PURCHASING FISHING PERMITS, ANSWER ANY LAST MINUTE QUESTIONS, AND TALK ABOUT ANY CLOTHING YOU SHOULD BRING.
GUESTS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO MEET THEIR GUIDE IN GARDINER/MAMMOTH FOR WALK-WADE TRIPS.
FOR FLOAT TRIPS. DEPENDING ON WHERE WE FISH, SOMETIMES CLIENTS MEET THEIR GUIDES AT A SPECIFIC BOAT RAMP.
DO YOU PROVIDE BEAR SPRAY IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK?
YES, EVERY GUIDE HAS AT LEAST 3 CANS OF BEAR SPRAY AND EDUCATES THE CLIENTS AS TO HOW AND WHEN TO USE IT. BEARS AND OTHER WILDLIFE ARE ARE PART OF WHAT MAKES FISHING IN THE PARK SO AMAZING. PREVENTATIVE MEASURES ARE KEY WHEN EXPLORING IN BEAR COUNTRY. BEARS ARE NOT A REASON NOT TO GO FISHING. YOUR GUIDE WILL EDUCATE YOU ON PROPER WILDLIFE PROTOCOL. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU SWAM IN THE OCEAN NEAR SHARKS? THERE ARE WAY FEWER BEARS HERE. LET'S GO FISHING.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING ON MY FISHING TRIP?
Float Trips - Hat, sunglasses, rain coat, a light fleece, shoes or sandals (Chaco’s, Teva’s, Keen’s etc.) you don't mind getting wet (for easier entry and exit from the boat or wading from the bank), and of course, a camera! You may also bring extra snacks, drinks or alcoholic beverages (there are coolers in the boat), and don’t forget your Montana fishing permit!
Walk Wade Trips - A small backpack for your lunch and at least 2 liters per person of water (for a full day), hat, sunglasses, rain coat, a light fleece, shoes or sandals (Chaco’s, Teva’s, Keen’s etc.) that you can hike in and get wet, and of course, your camera! Many walk-wade trips include hiking off-trail and away from roads - if you don’t want to hike, please communicate that to your guide. Also, remember your Yellowstone National Park Entrance Pass (can also be purchased at the entrance gate in the morning) and your Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit!
DO YOU PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE?
YES, WE FISH WITH ALL BARBLESS HOOKS AND PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE ETHICS. OF COURSE, CLIENTS ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PICTURES. WE TRY TO GET THOSE BEAUTIFUL GUYS BACK IN THE WATER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THOUGH. NEXT YEAR... SHE WILL BE BIGGER!
WHERE CAN I BUY MY FISHING LICENSE?
State of Montana Fishing License: (Float Trips) Purchase online HERE, or visit. Everyone 12 and over that is fishing needs a Montana fishing license.
Non-fishing guests on float trips - If you are not fishing, but just riding along- you need a conservation license only.
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is transitioning to a 100 percent digital system, however in- person license purchases are still possible at select “ambassador” fly-shops and gas stations.
Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit: (Walk Wade Trips) Purchase online HERE, search for Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit. Everyone 16 and over needs a Yellowstone Fishing Permit.
• You can also purchase Yellowstone Fishing Permits at fly-shops or visitor centers in the park. There is no need to print your license(s). Digital copies are great.
I HAVE FISHED CONVENTIONALLY MY ENTIRE LIFE BUT NEVER FLY-FISHED... HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?
FISHING IS FISHING... HAVING SAID THAT, FLY FISHING IS A TECHNIQUE HEAVY ACTIVITY THAT REQUIRES ACCURACY, PATIENCE, AND BUILDS ON A PROGRESSION OF SKILLS REQUIRING FOCUS AND CONSISTENCY. SOME PEOPLE SAY "CONVENTIONAL FISHING IS LIKE HUNTING WITH A RIFLE, WHEREAS FISHING WITH A FLY IS MORE LIKE HUNTING WITH A BOW." OF COURSE, OUR GOAL IS NOT TO CONVERT CONVENTIONAL FISHERMAN TO THE FLY, BUT WE WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO TARGET THESE FISH WITH A FLY-ROD... AND IT IS PRETTY DARN FUN. YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE YOUR NEWLY ACQUIRED SKILLS BACK HOME.
