Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge in West Yellowstone, Montana.

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Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge in West Yellowstone, Montana.

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Michael King

Firehole Ranch


Phone icon406-646-7294 Email iconinfo@fireholeranch.com Link iconfireholeranch.com
PO Box 686
West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Item #8C6C0000

The Story

Escape to Montana's historic Firehole Ranch for a rare opportunity to fish the fabled, wild trout waters of the Rocky Mountain West. We fish legendary rivers including the Madison, the Yellowstone, the Henry's Fork of the Snake, the Gallatin, the Ruby, the Firehole and the Lamar, to name just a few. Enjoy absolutely unforgettable fishing in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. As our guides say, you can fish a different stretch of water every day of the season and never fish the same stretch twice!
In 2019, we were listed on Mens' Journal's Top Ten Fly Fishing Lodges in the World and on Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report. Also voted by Forbes as one of the World's Top 10 Fly Fishing Lodges and Orvis' Lodge of the Year award in 2013.

Our historic, landmark lodge, named after the dramatic Firehole River, provides discriminating fly-fishing enthusiasts an intimate, unforgettable retreat. Nestled on the shores of Hebgen Lake and tucked against the mighty Rocky Mountains, Firehole Ranch is a cultural and architectural delight. Our premier lodge is located on 640 acres just minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Handcrafted from surrounding lodgepole pine in the 1940's, the main lodge and cabins are lovingly maintained to retain their original style, elegance, and grace.

Whether you are seeking a memorable adventure as a couple, with your family, friends, colleagues or solo we are here to ensure you enjoy an idyllic stay and to meet your every need. Many of our first time guests are beginners and we are grateful for the opportunity to introduce them to the art of fly fishing.
Open for only 15 weeks each summer and hosting 20 guests at a time, you truly become a part of the Firehole family. From the moment you arrive, you'll be on a first name basis and enjoy personal hospitality from every member of the Firehole team. Integral to the appeal of the Ranch is the innovative, gourmet cuisine. Imagine yourself after a rewarding day on the water, unwinding with a cocktail, getting to know your fellow guests, and savoring a delectable dinner to conclude an exceptional day.

When you're not out on the water, we can help you plan a day trip through Yellowstone National Park. The town of West Yellowstone is 20 minutes away with a museum of the early history of Yellowstone Park and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Other activities here on the Ranch include hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking and simply relaxing in nature. With advance notice we can arrange a private guided tour of Hebgen Lake by kayak or of Yellowstone National Park. If your interest is photography, Rowan Nyman, one of our long time guides and a famous photographer will spend a day with you capturing the wonders of Yellowstone Park. Whatever you choose, you're guaranteed to enjoy breathtaking country, see abundant wildlife, and fish the rivers of your dreams.

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

Accommodations:

The 10 historic cabins of the Firehole Ranch each have their own personality and charm; all are richly appointed with classic western themes, comfortable furniture, luxury bedding, carefully selected art, and other thoughtful details sure to please.


Food & Drink:

Your all-inclusive package includes lake view cabin accommodations and all meals and beverages, including open bar and fine wines paired with your gourmet dinners.

What is Provided:

Your fly-fishing package includes lake view cabin accommodations, all meals and beverages (including open bar and fine wines paired with your gourmet dinners), guided float or wade fishing, including all gear (rods, reels, waders and boots), flies and end tackle; Ranch activities including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing on the lake and simply relaxing in a hammock or on your front porch, and complimentary shuttle service from the West Yellowstone airport. Not included are your guide gratuity (always at your discretion, as a general guideline, gratuity would be $125/day), fishing licenses and the state accommodations tax.


Gear Recommendations:

Here's a list of what to bring for all your fly-fishing adventures:

  • Rain jacket
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat (wide brims to guard against sun)
  • Long sleeved shirts (preferably with collars)
  • Polar Fleece vest or jacket
  • Quick dry shorts/long pants
  • Fleece or nylon long pants to be worn under waders
  • Hiking boots
  • Sandals
  • Fly vest or fanny pack
  • Long John’s (June & September trips)
  • Gloves
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera
Here is a list of what Firehole provides for your stay:
  • Fly rods (primary rod 9’ 5 wt – medium/fast action)
  • Secondary rod options 9’ 3 wt – good for smaller tributaries
  • Fly lines (appropriate weight to match rods – floating)
  • Orvis breathable waders
  • Wading boots

Please note that fishing gear, including rod/reel, boots and waders, is included free of charge with your package. If you prefer your own gear, rods, or reels, you are more than welcome to bring them.


What to Bring:

Regarding clothing - our temperatures during the year are very extreme and can change in a short period of time.
Casual attire is acceptable at the ranch.
For dinner attire, we recommend:

  • Long pants/jeans
  • Collared shirts for men
  • Blouse & pants, skirts, or dresses for women
  • Sweater or jacket for cool evenings

On-Site Activities:

Here on the Ranch we offer hiking, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking on the lake, or simply relaxing on your front porch or in a hammock. In the spring wildflowers are on full display and bird watchers will be delighted with the variety of birds on the Ranch and along the lake.


Off-Site Activities:

Guided fishing is provided off site by our own professional guide staff. We also offer private tours of Yellowstone Park, kayak tours of Hebgen Lake, and photography tours with Rowan Nyman.

Season:

Second week of June through the third week of September.
June 10, 2021 through September 24, 2021


Species:

Rainbow, brown, cutthroat trout.


Region/Terrain:

"No lodge in the U.S. is better located for trout fishing."
—Forbes, 2010

Each river, stream or creek will provide a different opportunity around each bend, options for anglers of all skill levels, interests, and physical ability. The Ranch's expert guides are skilled teachers and will patiently instruct you on everything from the fundamentals of casting, to reading the water and determining what bugs are hatching.

During your stay, you will be just minutes from casting on the Madison River, and a short drive from the Henry's Fork of the Snake in Idaho and Yellowstone Park in Wyoming.

The Firehole guides have years of guiding and fishing experience, and they enjoy sharing their hard- earned secrets with their guests. Whether you are new to the sport of fly fishing or a passionate angler, your guide will teach, challenge, and most of all ensure you have a memorable experience. In addition to being outstanding fly-fishing guides, they are fun, passionate and knowledgeable individuals that you will enjoy spending time with.

Madison River:

Famous in the fly-fishing community, the Madison attracts anglers from all over the world who want to test their skills in its fast-paced pockets, runs, and slicks. Flowing between the majestic Madison Range to the east, and the Gravelly Range to the west, the Madison offers many challenges to both the wade and float fisherman. Anglers return every year to relive precious memories created on this fantastic fly-fishing river.

The Madison River fishes well all season long, with a succession of prolific insect hatches that keep large feisty trout eagerly feeding on a rich buggy diet.

Madison Walk/Wade Water:

From the mouth of Quake Lake, passing through Slide Inn, Reynolds Pass, $3 Bridge, and ending at Lyon's Bridge, the Madison is tailor made for the wade fisherman. Heavily pocketed, this stretch is some of the best fishing this river offers. Typically the fish average a little bigger in this stretch, and the fish numbers are notably higher. The best hatches occur in the upper 8-miles, offering the rivers best dry-fly fishing day in and day out. Good wading skills are a must as the rocks in this stretch are numerous, round, and slippery. This is also the characteristic that makes fishing so outstanding.

Madison Float Water:

The 50-mile riffle: This is the stretch most anglers envision when the Madison is mentioned. Most often fished from a classic western Mackenzie style drift boat, the Madison is classic, big water Montana fly fishing at its best. Wide open plains framed by majestic snow-covered mountains cradle beautiful trout water that is begging for a fly to be cast here and there. Whether presenting a tandem dry fly rig, going deep with nymphs, or ripping streamers, this section's riffle and pocket-water nature will keep anglers happy all day long. Don't forget to pause every once and awhile to drink in the heavenly scenery.

Madison - The Braids:

Starting at Varney Bridge, the Madison begins to take on a new character. Instead of one main channel as in the upper 40 miles, the Madison approaching the town of Ennis, Montana and Ennis Lake, begins to splinter into a variety of smaller side channels. Noted for its large fish, this section routinely gives up the biggest trout of the year. This is mostly big, deep, and hard-core nymphing - Montana Chuck and Duck style - but the rewards can be a rainbow or brown that tops the 20" mark.

Fork of the Snake:

Known as “The Henry’s Fork,” this is one of the most notable and most written about rivers in the world, topping devoted fly fishers, “fish before you die” lists. It is a river not to be missed by any angler. The diversity and quality of water on this river is so great that anglers have been known to dedicate their lives to uncovering all of its watery secrets. Bubbling out of the nutrient rich ground of the Yellowstone Plateau, the Henry's Fork retains the chemistry of a spring creek throughout its entire length; from Henry's Lake and Big Springs, to its confluence with the South Fork of the Snake.

Yellowstone National Park:

Only a short drive from Firehole Ranch, the park offers almost limitless walk/wade opportunities. From small streams loaded with brook trout, to larger rivers meandering through bison filled meadows, there is something for almost every angler to enjoy. If conditions allow, you may even have a chance to fish the legendary Firehole River, called “the strangest trout stream on earth” by famed author and angler Charlie Brooks.


Typical Weather:

As is common in the Rocky Mountain West, weather varies throughout the season. It can literally snow or rain on any day of the year. June and September months are shoulder seasons and temperatures can vary widely from Indian summer warm temperatures in the 80s to snow showers. July and August are typically warm with daytime temps in the 70s and 80s and evening temps in the 40s.

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