Included / Not Included –
Included: Round-trip transfer from Hayden, Colorado, or Dixon, Wyoming, accommodations based on double occupancy, three meals per day, knowledgeable guide per two fishermen with full fishing services, 15% service charge/gratuities, transportation to and from the river on a daily basis, unlimited use of the sauna, steam room, pool, and exercise room and complimentary beverages. Horseback riding, 4-wheeling, hiking, wildlife tours, and sporting clay course are also available. Included in the price of the Suites is one massage per person.
Not Included: All scheduled commercial air transportation; fishing licenses, sales tax, tackle charges, telephone calls, and other incidental purchases.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to Three Forks Ranch you will need to make travel arrangements to Hayden, Colorado, with connections through Denver.
Getting to the Lodge: Three Forks runs a free shuttle to and from Hayden, approximately a 75 minute drive. There is also a county-owned airport with a 5,500 foot paved landing strip at Dixon, Wyoming, that welcomes private airplanes. Shuttle is also available from Dixon, approximately 30 minutes away.
Departure Information: The evening before your departure, all incidentals purchased during the week should be paid in full. We will have a driver ready to take you to the airport for the various departure times.
Driving Directions
FROM WYOMING - Turn East on Highway 70 at Baggs, Wyoming. Continue to Savery, Wyoming. Stay on Highway 70 past Savery and cross over four cattle guards. Turn right after the fourth cattle guard, onto Routt County Road 129. Continue 16 miles on 129 to the front gate.
FROM COLORADO - On Highway 40, continue to the west end of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and turn North on Routt County Road 129. Continue on 129 through Clark, Colorado to Columbine, Colorado. One mile past Columbine, the road turns to gravel and forks. Stay on the left and continue on the gravel road 12 miles to the front gate.
Travel Cash:
The lodge accepts credit cards so your cash requirements will be for gratuities and fishing licenses. We recommend bringing a minimum of 10% of your package price.
Gratuities:
Gratuities for your stay should be 5% to 10% of your package price and are pooled between the guides and lodge staff. At the end of your stay you should give your gratuity to one of the lodge managers and they will distribute it to the staff.
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.
Climate:
Temperatures typically range from the mid 50’s to the low 90’s. In the summer it is usually warm during the day and cool in the evening. However, it is important for guests to be prepared for cold windy conditions throughout the season.
Medical Facilities:
The closest medical facility is in Craig, approximately 1.5 hours 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:
Cell phones do not work at the lodge.
The lodge has desktop computers that guests are more than welcome to use. Also there is wireless internet available throughout the entire lodge building.
Clothing:
Dress at Three Forks Ranch is casual and comfortable. The weather can change abruptly so be prepared. The nights and mornings are cool, sometimes in the 40s and the daytime temperatures can climb into the 80’s. It is best to dress in layers. Long johns are often worn under fishing pants and wool socks under waders. On top, a flannel shirt, warm sweater, rain jacket, down vest or jacket.
Laundry:
Laundry service is included as a courtesy for guests.
Beverages/Alcohol:
Three Forks Ranch provides complimentary beer, wine and your favorite mixed drinks. We suggest only moderate drinking before dinner hour. Wading can be dangerous and your guide will decide when excessive drinking has impaired your ability to fish safely. Elevation at the headquarters is 7200 feet. Alcohol can slow down your body's ability to adjust to the change in altitude. We also recommend that you drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep your first few nights on the ranch.
Tackle/Equipment List:
Tackle Shop - Three Forks Ranch has a small fly shop for your basic needs. Leaders, tippet material and flies can be purchased there. We suggest you arrive with a small selection of trout flies, with your favorites included, but wait to purchase the majority at the ranch. There are several hatches that take place throughout the season, and we will have in stock the selection that you need during your particular week. General guideline would entail bringing your favorite trout dries along including a wide range of hoppers, as well as your standard trout nymphs.
Fly Rods - An 8 ½ or 9 ft for a 5 or 6 wt line in a quality graphite rod will cover most conditions you will experience on the Little Snake River. Occasionally, a 7-8 wt rod will be useful to cast streamers in the larger lakes, fight large fish, or if it gets windy. The South Fork has provided many an angler great delight with a 3 wt rod hooked on to a 2-3 pound trout.
Fly Line - Presentation is the key on the Little Snake River; consequently, a double taper floating line is recommended. If you need more distance, wading closer solves the problem. Strike indicator is optional for nymph fishing.
Leaders - A proper leader is the most abused piece of equipment in the sport of fly fishing. A 9 ft. knotted or tapered leader with a good stiff butt section is almost mandatory in order to handle the conditions. A good all-round leader is a 9 ft. with a 3x tippet. There is always a good stock of leaders in the fly shop. We recommend carrying tippet in 3X-5X.
Angling Accessories - The following accessories will help you enjoy your trip.
Sunglasses - Polaroids protect your eyes and help you spot the fish underwater
Dry fly flotant - paste is best but liquid or spray is fine
Surgical forceps - for releasing trout unharmed
Landing net - a soft netting doesn't harm the fragile gills of the trout
Wading staff-for comfort, stability and safety while wading
Rain jacket - bring a good one, because when you need it, you really do
Suntan lotion - those with fair skin, should use # 15 SPF or higher sunscreen. Lip balm or Chapstick is essential.
Fishing hat- cowboy hat or bonefish hat with bill is perfect
Angler's clippers - essential for tippet trimming
Insect repellent - biting insects are not a problem
