Day 1: Arrive in Denver, CO – Drive to South Platte River (Deckers)
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Target Fish: Brown & Rainbow Trout
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Stay: Rustic cabin or lodge near Deckers
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Evening: Fish the “Dream Stream” section or Cheesman Canyon
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Tip: Use size 20–24 midges or baetis; bring your 5wt
Day 2: South Platte to Arkansas River (Buena Vista)
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Drive: 2.5 hours
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Fish: Arkansas River Gold Medal Waters
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Lunch: The Lariat in Buena Vista
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Stay: Creekside Airbnb in Salida
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Bonus: Evening float or dry-dropper setup for caddis hatches
Day 3: Arkansas River to Taylor River (Almont)
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Drive: 2.5 hours
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Fish: Tailwaters below Taylor Dam (huge trout, technical fishing)
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Stay: Three Rivers Resort
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Dinner: Slow Groovin’ BBQ in Marble (worth the side trip)
Day 4: Taylor River to Gunnison River
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Fish: Drift or wade the Gunnison Gorge (book in advance!)
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Gear Tip: Bring a 6wt for streamer fishing
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Stay: Montrose area or camp riverside
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Evening: Campfire & fish tales
Day 5: Drive to Flaming Gorge, UT/WY (Green River)
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Drive: 5–6 hours
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Fish: Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam (A section)
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Stay: Red Canyon Lodge or camp
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Bonus: Rent a drift boat or hire a guide
Day 6: Full Day on the Green River
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Technique: Nymph in the morning, dry/dropper in the afternoon
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Fish: Rainbow & Brown Trout, crystal-clear water
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Adventure: Hike the canyon or float A to B section
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Evening: Stargazing—this is dark sky country!
Day 7: Drive to Island Park, Idaho (Henry’s Fork)
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Drive: 5.5 hours
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Stop: Quick fish at Snake River in Jackson Hole (optional)
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Stay: TroutHunter Lodge or camp by the river
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Evening: Cast to rising trout at Last Chance
Day 8: Henry’s Fork to Madison River, MT
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Drive: 1.5 hours
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Fish: Madison River near Ennis (wade or float)
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Lunch: Picnick at 3 Dollar Bridge
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Stay: Lodge or riverside cabin in Ennis
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Fly Tip: Caddis, hoppers, stoneflies in summer
Day 9: Madison to Yellowstone National Park
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Drive: 2 hours
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Fish: Firehole, Gibbon, or Lamar Rivers
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Bonus: Wildlife watching, hot springs soak
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Stay: Yellowstone lodge or camp
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Evening: Fish evening hatch on the Firehole
Day 10: Yellowstone to Bozeman
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Drive: 2 hours
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Final Fish: Gallatin River near Big Sky or East Gallatin
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Stay: Bozeman (great breweries + fishing shops)
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Wrap-Up: Gear clean-up, fish tally, celebration dinner
🧳 Essentials to Pack:
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4wt–6wt rods (depending on river)
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Waders, boots, net, sunscreen, bug spray
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Montana/Colorado/Utah/Wyoming fishing licenses
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Bear spray (especially Yellowstone)
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First aid, headlamp, backup fly boxes
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Dry bags, rain jacket, and extra leaders/tippet