Extended Full-Day Drift Boat Fishing Trips
Private Trip
River Fishing
Extended 12hour drift boat fishing on premium Wyoming riversProfessional guide with quality gear and shoreline lunch includedSnake River, Salt River, and Yellowstone National Park access
If you're the type of angler who thinks eight hours on the water isn't quite enough, then our extended full-day drift boat trips are calling your name. We're talking up to 12 solid hours of fishing some of Wyoming's most productive waters – the Snake River, Salt River, Green and New Fork Rivers, plus waters in Yellowstone National Park and the legendary Bighorn River. This isn't just a fishing trip; it's a chance to really dial in your technique, explore multiple stretches of river, and chase those trophy fish that require patience and persistence to land.
Picture this: you're picked up right from your Jackson Hole hotel in the early morning mist, coffee in hand, ready for a day that most anglers only dream about. Our drift boats are designed for two anglers, giving you plenty of elbow room to cast without tangling lines every five minutes. We can squeeze in a third person for an extra $200, but keep in mind we've got a 500-pound weight limit – the boat performs best when it's not overloaded, and trust me, you'll appreciate the extra space when you're fighting a big brown trout. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading currents and identifying prime holding spots that weekend warriors miss completely. We'll hit multiple runs throughout the day, adjusting our approach based on water conditions, weather, and what the fish are telling us. Around midday, we'll pull over for a proper shoreline lunch – not just granola bars, but real food that'll fuel you for the afternoon session when the big fish often start moving.
Drift boat fishing is an art form, and our guides are masters at positioning the boat for perfect presentations. We'll be working everything from dry flies during morning hatches to nymphing deep pockets when the sun gets high. The beauty of drift boat fishing is coverage – we can fish miles of water in a single day, hitting riffles, pools, undercut banks, and those sweet spots where tributaries dump in fresh, oxygenated water. We provide top-shelf rods matched to the conditions, whether that's a 9-foot 5-weight for delicate dry fly work or a beefier 6-weight when we're swinging streamers for aggressive browns. Our fly selection changes with the seasons and hatches, but expect to throw everything from tiny BWOs and PMDs to meaty hoppers and streamers that imitate the abundant sculpins and whitefish these trout gorge on. The guide handles all the rowing and boat positioning, so you can focus entirely on your casting, mending, and fighting fish. We'll teach you to read water from a drift boat perspective – learning to spot the subtle current seams and depth changes that hold fish is half the battle.
Our extended trips consistently produce the kind of fish that make for great stories back home. Rainbow trout here are absolute rockets – these aren't your typical stocked rainbows, but wild fish that have been feeding on abundant aquatic insects and baitfish. They'll average 14-18 inches with plenty of 20-plus inch fish mixed in, especially on the Snake River below Jackson Lake Dam where the nutrient-rich water creates perfect growing conditions. Brown trout are the crafty veterans of these systems, often holding in the toughest spots to reach and requiring precise presentations. Fall is prime time for browns as they get aggressive before spawning, and our extended trips give you the time to really work those deep holes and undercuts where the big ones live. Cutthroat trout are Wyoming's native treasure, and catching a Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat is like holding a piece of the West's fishing heritage. These fish are curious and often willing to eat, making them perfect targets for anglers still dialing in their technique. Brook trout might be the prettiest fish in these waters – technically char, not trout, with colors that look hand-painted by an artist having the best day of their life.
Rainbow trout in the Jackson Hole area are legendary for good reason. These fish have access to incredible food sources – everything from tiny midges to massive stonefly nymphs – creating robust, healthy populations that fight like they mean it. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best dry fly action happening during summer evenings when the PMDs and caddis are thick on the water. What makes these rainbows special is their wild nature; they've never seen a hatchery truck, so they're spooky, selective, and absolutely beautiful with vibrant pink stripes and perfect proportions.
Brown trout are the thinking angler's fish, and our waters hold some real monsters. These European immigrants have been in Wyoming waters for over a century, developing into incredibly wary predators that can live 15-20 years and reach impressive sizes. Late fall is prime time when they get territorial and aggressive, but even in summer, early morning and evening sessions can produce explosive strikes on streamers. Browns love structure – fallen logs, undercut banks, deep pools below rapids – and our extended trips give you time to really work these spots methodically.
Cutthroat trout are Wyoming's crown jewel, the native species that Lewis and Clark first documented in these exact waters. Snake River fine-spotted cutthroats are a distinct subspecies found nowhere else on earth, making every fish you catch a genuine piece of natural history. They're typically willing eaters, especially during summer months when terrestrial insects like hoppers and ants become important food sources. The red slash under their jaw is like nature's signature, and their willingness to rise to dry flies makes them perfect for anglers who live for surface strikes.
Brook trout might be the surprise stars of your day, especially in the higher elevation waters we access. Technically char, not trout, these fish require the coldest, cleanest water, so finding them is always a good sign about the health of the ecosystem. They're smaller
Our 16-foot 2023 Hyde drift boat cuts through Wyoming's legendary waters with the precision anglers demand. Powered by a reliable 35HP Yamaha, this stable platform handles the Snake, Salt, and Green Rivers with ease, cruising at 20-30 mph between prime fishing spots. Built for serious fly fishing, the boat comfortably accommodates two anglers or a family of three, giving everyone room to cast without crowding. The Hyde's shallow draft design lets your guide navigate tricky currents and access those hidden pools where trophy trout hold. Whether you're working the famous Snake River or exploring remote stretches in Yellowstone backcountry, this boat delivers the smooth, quiet ride that keeps fish undisturbed and lines tight. Perfect for extended 12-hour trips where comfort matters as much as catching fish.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the gems of our high country streams, typically 8-12 inches with stunning olive backs, red spots circled in blue, and bright orange fins with white edges. These char prefer the coldest, cleanest water - usually small headwater streams and beaver ponds above 7,000 feet. Late summer and early fall are prime, when water temps drop and they become more active. Guests love brookies because they're willing biters and absolutely gorgeous - every one looks like a work of art. They're also great eating with sweet, delicate meat. The challenge is reaching them, as they're often in remote backcountry spots that require hiking. On our extended trips, we'll hit brook trout waters with small dry flies and terrestrials. Key tip: use light tippet and small flies - 5X or 6X with size 14-18 patterns. They're not leader-shy but they are size-selective.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart old-timers of our rivers, typically running 14-20 inches with golden-brown backs covered in black spots. These wary fish love structure - deep pools, undercut banks, fallen timber, and areas with overhead cover. They feed most actively in low light conditions, making early morning and evening your best bet. Fall is particularly productive when they get aggressive before spawning. What guests love about browns is the challenge - they're educated fish that require stealth and precise presentations. When hooked, they fight deep and strong rather than jumping like rainbows. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. On our extended trips, we'll work streamers along woody cover and use terrestrial patterns during summer. Here's the key: approach browns from downstream and keep your profile low - they spook easily in clear water.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroat trout are Wyoming natives, easily spotted by those distinctive red slashes under their jaw. Most run 10-16 inches in our waters, with backs ranging from olive to gold depending on the drainage. You'll find them in clean, cold water - typically the headwater streams and alpine lakes where water temps stay below 65°F. Spring and early summer are peak seasons as snowmelt brings fresh water and active feeding. Guests love targeting cutthroats because they're aggressive feeders and less spooky than browns, making them perfect for newer fly fishers. They fight hard for their size and are beautiful fish to photograph before release. They'll readily take dry flies, especially during caddis and mayfly hatches. Local tip: cutthroats are suckers for attractor patterns like Royal Wulffs and stimulators - don't overthink the fly selection in backcountry waters.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the bread and butter of our local waters, running 12-18 inches on average with that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. You'll find them in faster water and rifle sections, especially where there's good cover like undercut banks or boulder pockets. They prefer water temps between 55-65°F, so spring through fall fishing is prime. What makes rainbows special is their fight - they'll jump and make strong runs that test your drag. They're also great eating with that mild, clean flavor. During our extended trips, we target them with nymphs in deeper runs and dry flies during evening hatches. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run - they'll tire themselves out with those acrobatic jumps, and you'll land more fish.
undefined, undefined