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2003 Conference Field Trips!

The Yellowstone Experience
You may have seen Yellowstone, but not like this. Our special tour will not only offer the famous attractions of the park, but an interpretive presentation given by full time YNP public information officers. Due to the size of Yellowstone and the miles involved we will need to leave Cody around 7:00 a.m. Return to Cody will be around 7:00 p.m. Travel will be via bus along Highway 14-16-20 through scenic Wapiti valley and along the North Fork of The Shoshone River to the east entrance of the Park. Just before the east entrance is Pahaska Teepee, the name Buffalo Bill Cody gave his hunting lodge. The building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once in the Park we will be joined by YNP tour guides. The route will take you through areas of the historic Yellowstone Fires, along Yellowstone, Lake, by Gibbon Falls, through the Lamar Valley and spectacular Sunlight Basin. In addition, we will be spending time at Old Faithful, Yellowstone Falls and assorted geyser/thermal basins. Wildlife is standard fare in Yellowstone and elk and bison are common along with a wide assortment of bird life. Ample stops will provide opportunity for sightseeing and photography.

Yellowstone Photographic Safari
Photo opportunities galore. This tour is led by Jackson Hole regional information officer and professional photographer Mark Gocke who has spent countless hours producing images of the flora, fauna and scenic wonders of Yellowstone. As with the bus tour, miles are significant so a 7:00 a.m. departure from Cody will be necessary. Frequents stops will provide opportunities to photograph wildlife and other popular Yellowstone attractions. Photo ops will abound for elk, bison and scenic wonders as Mark gets you into popular spots as well as areas a little off the beaten path. Some hiking will be necessary so photographers should plan accordingly. Travel will be via passenger van necessitating a 12 person tour limit.

Fly Fishing Cody Country :
North Fork of Shoshone River
Designed for both novice and experienced fly fishers, this trip will involve an excursion for rainbow and cutthroat trout to the North Fork of the Shoshone River, one of the excellent Blue Ribbon trout streams in the area. A scenic 45-minute ride from Cody gets you in the midst of some of the North Fork's best fly water. Since the North Fork parallels the highway leading to the east entrance of Yellowstone, little walking is required. Tour guides are experienced fly fishers who will provide advice on fly patterns, casting and how to catch fish. Both novice and experienced fly fishers should enjoy this trip. Bring your own fly equipment or we will provide fly rods and reels along with basic casting instruction to get you started. A Wyoming 1-day license for $10 is required. Tour Limit 12. Tour Departure is 8:30 a.m.

Fly Fishing Cody Country :
North Crandall Creek
The main attraction on this water is the beautiful Yellowstone cutthroat trout along with some rainbows. North Crandall is an easy stream to wade, and the fish generally aren't fussy. To get to the creek from the parking lot will require a moderate 20-30 minute hike. North Crandall has been featured on the Fly Fishing The West television program probably because of the ease fooling the cutthroats. Getting there is half the fun as the 70 minute drive goes through the heart of breathtaking Sunlight Basin along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. If time permits, the tour will also make a short stop at nearby Clark's Fork River to try for rainbows. If needed, rods and reels and casting instruction will be provided. A Wyoming 1-day license for $10 is required. Tour Limit 5. Departure 8:00 a.m.

Fly Fishing Cody Country :
Yellowstone's Slough Creek
Designed for fly fishers with some experience who don't mind a bit of walking to find fish. The trip will start with an early morning departure from Cody where a two hour drive will take you through beautiful Sunlight Basin, Cook City, Montana and the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone. Once at the parking lot we don hiking boots for a 1 1/2 -2 hour hike into the second meadows of world famous Slough Creek. The trek is moderately strenuous particularly the first 30 minutes which is uphill. You will see spectacular scenery and hopefully catch a few fish. This is in the heart of the area where wolves were first released in Yellowstone. It is also frequented by grizzly bears. On the return, if time permits, we will stop for easier fishing for cutthroat on North Crandall Creek. It will likely be dark when we return to Cody. A Yellowstone license for $10 is required along with a 1-day Wyoming license for $10 for waters outside of the Park. Tour Limit 5. Departure 6:00 a.m.

Raft Trip and Wild Horse Tour
Float trip portion of this tour involves a two-hour morning scenic and whitewater raft trip down the North Fork of the Shoshone River through Shoshone River Canyon. Tour departs just west of Cody and ends after going through a series of rapids and quiet pools. Afternoon will encompass a guided tour to nearby McCullough Peaks to view wild horses. The $25 fee includes both trips.

On Your Own
If you choose to stay in Cody there is plenty to keep you occupied. You can spend a day at the Buffalo Bill Historical center which houses four museums of the old west. You can tour Old Trail Town, a collection of historic buildings and western artifacts or shop and see Cody. The Cody trolly makes regular runs through town which makes it easy to get from one location to the next.

* Stuff to Know Before You Go
Lunch and beverage will be provided on all field trips. Even though weather in late July is generally favorable, cool weather and occasional thundershowers do occur so plan accordingly. All fishing trips will be in areas in the heart of grizzly country. While attacks are extremely rare, sightings are fairly routine. We will be providing bear pepper spray as an added precaution. Fly fishers are responsible for their own flies which can be purchased locally. Anglers may also wish to bring waders or can select the option of wading wet or fishing from the bank. Fly rod/reel/line combos will be available.