Included / Not Included –
Included: airport transfer from West Yellowstone, made-to-order Western breakfast, hearty packed fisherman lunch, and gourmet dinner, all beverages including open bar, accommodations, guided float or wade fishing, rods/reels, waders, tackle, flies, all ranch activities and gratuities for the ranch staff.
Not included: horseback riding, fly shop purchases, guide gratuities (see guidelines below), fishing licenses and a Montana accommodations tax.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information To get to the Firehole Ranch you need to make travel arrangements into West Yellowstone or Bozeman, Montana.
Getting to the Lodge: Firehole Ranch provides complimentary airport shuttle service from the West Yellowstone airport. From Bozeman you will need to rent a car and drive or have the lodge arrange a shuttle for a fee. It is a beautiful two hour drive from the Bozeman airport to the Ranch through the Gallatin Canyon.
Departure Information: Check in and out at the lodge is after 3 PM on your arrival / departure day. Most guests stay for one week, from Saturday to Saturday. A minimum stay of three nights is requested.
Driving Directions:
From: West Yellowstone Airport
You will exit the airport onto Highway 191. Turn right (south) heading toward West Yellowstone. You will travel several miles before entering town. Highway 191 South becomes Canyon Street. At the first stoplight, turn right onto Highway 20 South. Continue on Highway 20 South for approximately eight miles. After you pass the KOA Campground on your right, continue on Highway 20 for approximately one mile. Turn right onto Denny Creek Road. There is a usually a green and white road sign marking Denny Creek Road. If the sign is not up, look for the large propane tanks on the left side of Highway 20 and Denny Creek road is on the opposite side of the road. If you get to the Super 8 Motel you have gone too far. Follow Denny Creek Road for approximately 14 miles. The road becomes a dirt road after the first couple of miles. Please drive carefully. The road can be rough and is curvy in spots. Also, watch for animals. After you cross the second cattle guard you will see the log gate on your right with the Firehole Ranch sign. Turn right and pass through the gate. Follow the road to the main lodge.
From Bozeman, Montana
Take Highway 191 South from Bozeman to the town of West Yellowstone. Once in town take a right at the first stoplight, Highway 20 South. Follow the directions above from this point.
From Idaho Falls, Idaho
Take Highway 20 North from Idaho Falls for approximately 100 miles. After you cross the continental divide you will soon enter Montana. Look for the Super 8 Motel on your left. Denny Creek Road is approximately 1/4 mile from the Super 8. A green and white road sign usually marks Denny Creek Road. If the sign is not up, look for the large propane tanks on you right. Denny Creek road will be on your left opposite the propane tanks. Follow the directions above from West Yellowstone.
To Kirkwood Marina
If you will be taking our boat shuttle in to the ranch you will need to drive to Kirkwood Marina.
If you are coming from the West Yellowstone Airport or the town of West Yellowstone, take Highway 191 North to Highway 287. Turn left onto Highway 287 toward Ennis. You will stay on Highway 287 for approximately 10 miles. You will see the Kirkwood Campground on your right and Kirkwood Marina will be on your left. Turn left into the marina parking lot and look for the boat slips marked Firehole Ranch.
From Bozeman, take Highway 191 South to Highway 287. Turn right onto Highway 287 toward Ennis and follow the directions above from this point.
From Idaho Falls, take Highway 20 for approximately 115 miles into West Yellowstone. When Highway 20 ends at Canyon Street (Highway 191) turn left. Follow the directions above from West Yellowstone.
Travel Cash:
As a guideline we recommend that each guest travels with approximately $400- $600 for staff & guide gratuities, licenses, tackle, gifts, etc.
Gratuities:
The Firehole Ranch accepts cash, checks, travelers checks, Visa and MasterCard. A staff gratuity is included in the package price, so it is not necessary to “tip” throughout your visit. You may also choose to tip your fishing guide and horseback guide; the average gratuity in the area is $80 - $100 per day for fishing. Your guide’s tip may be handled directly between you and your guide or it may be added to your final bill.
Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are not included. Please be prepared to pay for these on-site with cash or credit card. See itinerary for details.
Because of the diversity of waters available at Firehole Ranch, you will want to wait to purchase your license until your fishing itinerary is determined.
Climate:
As is typical in the west at high elevations (Firehole Ranch elevation 6700 feet), the weather can change at the drop of a dime. But during July and August expect daytime temps in the high 70’s to the upper 80’s. Nighttime lows will typically dip into the 40’s, a perfect temperature for restful sleep at night. June and September can be slightly cooler with greater chances for possible precipitation, but still glorious western mountain weather.
Medical Facilities:
The closest medical facility is in West Yellowstone, approximately 30 minutes from the lodge. Guests have the responsibility to disclose any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time.
Power and Communications:
Wireless internet is available as well as a laptop in the main lodge for guests’ use. Cell service is generally unavailable at the ranch.
Clothing:
In the Rockies it is always possible to encounter a wide variety of weather conditions. We recommend that you always come well prepared with different layers including lightweight long sleeve and short-sleeved shirts, fleece top and bottoms, synthetic long underwear, rain jacket, sun and rain hats and fishing gloves. Evening attire at the lodge is casual.
Laundry:
Laundry is available upon request to guests during their stay. Please be prepared to pay for this service onsite.
Beverages/Alcohol:
The lodge has an open bar included in your package.
Tackle/Equipment List:
Rods: 9 foot rods for 4 - 6 weight lines.
Lines:Floating lines, weight forward or double tapered.
Reels: Any quality single action fly reel with 75 yards of 20 lb backing.
Leaders: 9 ft to 12 ft leaders in 4x - 6x. Bring additional tippet in the same diameters.
Flies: A selection of PMD’s, Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, Golden Stones, Callibeatis, Terrestrials and Caddis (both dries and nymphs throughout the year)
Waders & Boots: Lightweight breathable waders are recommended. Neoprene socks are recommended when wet wading. Please, no studded wading boots.
