What's so special about this Wilderness Ventures trip?
If you have only two weeks, why spend it in a van? When we designed this program and our other two-week offerings, it was our highest priority to minimize time consuming travel. With only two weeks, we wanted our students to maximize their time adventuring. Because of our extensive permits in the greater Teton-Yellowstone area, we can offer great variety with very little vehicle travel. Also, there isn’t a better environment in North America to learn how to fly fish than the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
Do I need to have prior fly fishing experience?
Absolutely not. Most of our participants have very little fly fishing experience. We will work with Orvis endorsed guides to learn all of the skills necessary to enjoy fly fishing. After a three-day seminar, you’ll be able to use your new fishing skills in the rivers of Yellowstone and the remote lakes of the Beartooth Wilderness.
Do I need to provide my own fly fishing equipment?
Each participant should provide his/her own rod, reel, line and other items that are described in a detailed gear list. Wilderness Ventures will provide fly patterns appropriate to the Jackson Hole area. There will also be opportunities to purchase replacement items.
What kind of backpacking experience do I need?
No previous backpacking experience is necessary for this trip. Our leaders will teach you everything that you need to know about wilderness travel. If you are fit and enthusiastic, then you are more than capable of completing a Wilderness Ventures expedition.
What’s the weather like in the Jackson Hole area?
Jackson Hole is beautiful in the summertime. Daytime temperatures are in the 80’s and nighttime temps fall into the 50’s. The humidity is very low, thus creating the perfect atmosphere for being outside.
How often will we get to shower?
You will have the opportunity to shower every 4-5 days. After we’ve completed an activity, we will take showers, do laundry and prepare for our next adventure!
What kind of food will we eat?
Your fellow trip participants, with the help of your leaders, will create the menu for your trip. Everyone will be involved in this process to ensure a wide variety of food choices that provide a balanced diet to fuel our bodies. We shop in regular grocery stores and teach you how to plan and shop for great food for camping expeditions. The food is delicious, healthy, and there will be plenty of it! On several occasions, there will also be opportunities to cook up your daily catch!
Will I get to call home during the trip?
Yes. Upon your arrival into Jackson Hole you will be asked by your leaders to call home and let your parents know you have arrived safely. You will also have the opportunity to send home as many letters as you want, and your parents will be able to follow your trip through a series of updates that your leaders will write during the summer and post on the web.
What are things I can do before the to physically prepare myself?
Any reasonably fit and active teen grader will be successful on this trip. If you are playing a sport this spring, that will provide you with the preparation you need. At least four weeks before your trip, you should begin to break in your boots. Start out with small walks around your neighborhood and work your way up to three-hour hikes. Your Yellowstone Fly Fishing experience will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken in boots.
