GPS Coordinates: 44°17’15.56″N 111°27’24.07″W
Trip Questionnaire: Once you have arranged your travel details, please click on the link below. This will take you an electronic questionnaire form that we ask you to complete and submit to The Fly Shop. Please be sure to click the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The information provided will help us — and the outfitter best coordinate your trip. THANK YOU!
Trip Questionnaire: Click Here
Traveling to Henry’s Fork Lodge
The Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) is a 68 mile drive away from HFL (Henry’s Fork Lodge) and is serviced year-round with daily flights by Allegiant, Delta and United. The airport is a full-service facility with rental cars and regular shuttle service to Island Park.
There is also a small airport in West Yellowstone (WYS), about 42 miles away from HFL. Both airports require a connection in Denver, CO or Salt Lake City, UT and service by Delta/Sky West.
Henry’s Fork Lodge offers complimentary airport shuttles to and from Idaho Falls or West Yellowstone from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day of the season.
A majority of guests prefer to rent a car and make the drive to and from the lodge on their own. It’s nice have a vehicle for mobility to explore the local sites and engage in some non-fishing activities. Your guides will provide transportation to and from the Lodge on your fishing days.
Normal check-in is any time after 2:00 p.m. and check-out any time before 11:00 a.m., although special accommodations can be arranged for when needed and requested.
Trout Tackle & Equipment
Fly Rods:
Multi-piece 6, 5 & 4 weight fly rods will cover most of the fishing situations you’ll encounter. If you enjoy streamer fishing, we recommend bringing a nice light weight, fast-action 7 weight. We strongly recommend a multi-piece travel rod (3, 4 or 5 piece). Rods you might consider are:
- Scott Fly Rods • R.L. Winston Fly Rods • The Fly Shop Signature Series Fly Rods
Fly Reels:
Good quality, lightweight fly reels, with simple disk drags or pawl drags, are the best choice. Reels should be filled with fresh 20 pound backing. Reel models to consider might include:
- TFS Signature Reels • Galvin Reels • Ross Reels
Fly Lines:
Floating lines are used almost exclusively. If you have a type III sink tip for a 6-7 weight, be sure to bring it along. • Scientific Anglers Freshwater Floating Lines • Rio Freshwater Floating Lines
Leaders & Tippet:
Keep it simple on leaders; 9’ leaders tapered to 6X, 5X, 4X and 3X (throw in a couple of 7.5’ 0X leaders for throwing big bugs). Two – three of each leader size should be plenty. Bring fresh tippet in sizes 6X, 5X, 4X, 3X and 0X. Scientific Anglers, Rio, and Seaguar make some of the best tippet and leader material available.
Note:
Flies are not included in the package price. We suggest you bring a good selection of fly patterns that will match the time you will be there. We can help you arrange a good box for your trip. Local guides will be specific about preferences and will look over your fly selection prior to the trip and may suggest you purchase some patterns to ensure that you have everything you need for the day
Recommended Clothing and Equipment
Clothing:
The weather in Eastern Idaho is constantly changing. One afternoon it may be 90° (+) and sunny, downright hot; then only a few hours later it may be windy and hailing. July and August are more stable months and typically high pressure, sunny and hot. You are typically wearing sun protective clothing that cover your skin. Early and late season brings more unpredictable and cooler weather, so you should always plan for any possible weather. Clothing strategies should be based on the “layering system.” By using the “layering system,” anglers can adapt to whatever Mother Nature dishes out. The whole idea behind layering is to trap heated air (generated by your body and stored between the different layers of insulation), thus keeping you warm.
Here is the formula preferred by the staff at The Fly Shop®:
1… Base Layer: Start off with a synthetic fabric next to your skin. This often is a pair of thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) and they usually come in three weights: light, mid and expedition. According to your individual metabolism, pick what is best for you. Synthetic (non-cotton) materials retain little moisture and “wick” moisture away from your skin. This is very important when you are walking in waders or when outside temperatures heat up.
2… Thermal Layer: Your second layer of insulation should match the weather and conditions you are going to be fishing in. Lightweight insulation for cool weather, mid-weight for colder conditions and expedition for really frigid days. Fleece is an outstanding choice here in either tops and bottoms or overalls. Merino Wool is also a good choice as it stays warm when damp, though dries very slowly.
3… Outer Shell (Rain Jacket & Waders): Your final layer should be a breathable rain jacket and waders.
- 1 set light or midweight wading underwear (tops and bottoms)
- 1 set expedition weight underwear (tops and bottoms)
- 1 jacket that is lighter weight than your rain jacket. Can be worn under your jacket as a layering piece or on its own.
Rain Jacket:
High quality Gore-Tex® type products are the best. Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof and breathable. Rain jackets must be seam sealed, multi-layered, of QUALITY construction and from a recognized outdoor clothing company. Jackets specifically designed for fly fishermen are the best.
Wading Equipment:
Stockingfoot, breathable waders are the only way to go. Neoprene waders are antiquated, do not permit moisture to escape, are heavy and cumbersome and only appropriate for sedentary fishing (float tubing) where insulation is the only concern. “Breathable” waders have totally revolutionized wading equipment. You will experience little or no moisture build-up inside the waders, even after a long hike; they wear like iron and are comfortable to be in all day. Lastly, “Breathable” waders take up a fraction of the space neoprene waders take-up when packed in your duffel bag. All waders should be worn with synthetic fiber under-wader wear for maximum comfort, minimum moisture retention, and warmth. For safety we strongly recommend wearing a wading belt at all times.
- Simms Waders • Skwala Waders • Patagonia Waders
On the hot summer days of July and August wet wading can be a great choice. This does not mean leave your waders at home, but a pair of wading socks and quick dry shorts is all the extra things you need and you will have the option to wet wade.
Socks:
Anglers should bring enough socks to alternate on a daily basis. For a week’s fishing trip, three pairs should be fine. Do not wear the same socks every day, but alternate, leaving one pair to dry and air while wearing the other set. Wool, polypro or a combination of both are the best choices in sock material. Try on your socks with your waders and wading boots before you leave for your trip to ensure that you have plenty of room to move your toes. Being unable to move your toes and cramping of your feet in your wading boots are the biggest reasons for numb toes and cold feet. We’ve experienced great success with the disposable air-activated heating pads available at many outdoor stores. Removal from the cellophane wrapper activates them and they then simply stick to the outside of socks for hours of cozy warmth.
- 3 pair of Wading Socks
Wading Boots:
Felt soled wading boots are highly recommended as they offer superior traction when wet. A good pair of wading boots will also offer better ankle support for wading and for hiking to and from waters. Felt is still allowed in Idaho and Montana, but keep in mind it is illegal to use felt boots in Yellowstone National Park. Simms, Patagonia and Korkers make some good models to consider. Korkers are nice because you can change out soles for each situation. For the most part the rivers fished by Teton Valley Lodge do not pose any real difficult wading situations, however the mostly gravel bottoms do get covered in algae (slime) and can be slippery. In these situations, studded boots can be handy. Gravel guards are a must. Make sure if you are bringing felt wading boots, they are clean and dry to prevent the spread of invasive species. If you are fishing during summer months, consider bringing some wading sandals or wading shoes such as Astral’s or some kind of outdoor sandal like Tevas or Chacos.
- Simms Boots • Simms Boots • Korkers Boots • Patagonia Boots
Wool or Polypropylene Gloves:
For Early and late season, fingerless gloves are great for cold and or rainy days. Neoprene gloves are fine, but retain a lot of water when wet. We have had the best success with synthetic or wool gloves.
- Simms Half-finger Gloves or Flip-mitt Gloves
Fishing Vest or Tackle/Vest Pack:
For vests, we like high quality products that offer options. Many of the best new vests can be attached to your favorite backpack, sling or pack. Choose one that has room for a rain jacket, or camera in the back. Brands we like are Patagonia, Simms and Fishpond. If you prefer a tackle pack, take a good look at Fishpond, Patagonia, or Simms.
Small Day Pack:
This can be an important article to include while packing. We like a waterproof, top-loader day pack that can hold extra gear, clothes, flies, camera, snacks, etc.
Boat Bag:
A waterproof boat “dry bag” can be extremely handy for storing extra clothes, tackle and camera equipment while on a raft. The whitewater type “dry bags” are the best.
Fishing Hat:
July and August in Idaho and Montana can be clear and bright with lots of sun. A good hat to keep the glare off your eyes and the sun off your face is imperative. Look for a hat that is comfortable and that has a good size brim.
Line Clippers, Pliers, Hemostats, & Hook File:
These are essential to any fisherman and should not be left behind.
Polarized Sunglasses:
Fly fishing is often a very visual experience. Spotting the fish is part of the excitement, and part of the challenge. Good quality polarized sunglasses are a must. Polarized sunglasses not only let you spot fish more effectively, but protect your eyes from the intense sunlight experienced in Idaho and Montana, as well as hooks. Costa and Smith make some of the best in the industry.
Camera:
Waterproof digital or splash-proof digital cameras are handy. If you are going to take your digital SLR camera, make sure you have a waterproof case for it. The best waterproof cases we have found to protect expensive camera equipment are made by Pelican Products, www.pelican.com. Don’t forget your flash unit.
Headlamp:
Our favorite is one of the Petzel headlight models with an LED bulb(s).
Sun Protection:
The summer weather in Idaho and Montana is generally pleasant with average temperatures ranging between the low 60’s and mid 90’s. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and frequent use of sun block (SPF 30+ UVA/UVB) are highly recommended. Sun gloves will save the backs of your hands.
Bug Repellent:
Although bugs are usually not too big a problem in Idaho and Montana especially mid-summer. But there are spots with some biting insects and mosquitos and a bottle of bug dope with active ingredient DEET is not a bad idea to include in your tackle bag.
Camp Shoes:
After a long day of fishing, it’s nice to get out of your waders and slip into a comfortable pair of shoes to wear around the lodge. Crocs are a great choice and super lightweight.
Wading Staff:
If you use a wading staff on your home waters, then bring it, it will come in handy.
Gratuities:
Gratuities are a personal decision based on services rendered. Normally, guides are tipped daily as you may have a different guide each day. We recommend that you tip your guide on a daily basis, somewhere in the nature of $100- $150 per day, per boat/guide (usually shared between two anglers). For the lodge staff, (chefs, housekeeping, wait staff, etc.) we recommend 15-20% of your lodge stay or $100-125 per night per person. You may leave a tip at the end of your stay that will be added to the balance of your lodge bill and distributed among the staff of the lodge. If you have any questions concerning gratuities, please feel free to call or ask the lodge owner for guidelines.
As soon as you have your flight schedule finalized to Idaho please forward it to us at travel@theflyshop.com, so that we can coordinate your transfer to the lodge.
Fishing Licenses:
The Henry’s Fork is Located in Idaho, but there are other waters in Montana and Yellowstone National Park that the guides fish depending on the seasons and your preference. Most guests spend the whole time on the Henry’s Fork and therefore you only need an Idaho fishing license. Licenses for Idaho, Montana and YNP can easily be purchased online the night before or the morning of your fishing day. You can purchase your Idaho fishing license at the lodge or you can save some time and purchase online in advance of your trip from Idaho Fish & Game.
Yellowstone National Park Fishing License
Contact numbers
Henry’s Fork Lodge
2794 S Pinehaven Dr
Island Park, ID 83429
(208) 558-7953
The Fly Shop®
800-669-3474 • BUS. 530-222-3555
(Open 7 days a week, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
E-mail: travel@theflyshop.com
Communications
Henry’s Fork Lodge located just outside of the town of Island Park, Idaho you can expect modern communications, including Wi-Fi at the lodge and all building on the property. Cell service is limited and is dependent on your carrier. Sprint seem to provide a little better reception than other carriers.
Liquor:
The lodge will provide beer and house wine during happy hour before dinner. All other drinks served during dinner or requested out during your day of fishing are extra and not included in the package price. The Lodge does not have a liquor license and so does not serve hard liquor. You are welcome to bring your own spirits and the lodge will provide all the mixers and plenty of ice. With at least two weeks’ notice, HFL can purchase liquor on your behalf at retail price and have it ready when you arrive. Please provide this information in our questionnaire. Not all brands are available in Idaho, so if it is not a standard brand, please have a second choice.
Dining
Dining at Henry’s Fork Lodge is an experience unto itself. You’re guaranteed fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which they proudly source from farms and ranches surrounding the lodge. Dinner menus change daily and the talented chefs create hearty breakfasts and delicious picnic lunches for your day of exploration.
Non-Angling Guests
Only a 45-minute drive from the lodge, visiting Yellowstone National Park is often a highlight of guests’ stay. Whether you want to see Old Faithful for the first time, take in the spectacular scenery and wildlife (including bison, wolves and elk), do some world-class fishing or hiking, or just take it all in from the comfort of a guided car tour, the opportunities for amazing adventures are endless. Henry’s Fork Lodge is available to offer suggestions and to help plan your visit to the park.
Other activities include hiking around the lodge and Harriman state Park. Horseback riding, bird and wildlife watching, mountain biking, canoeing, golf and tennis can all be arranged during your stay at Henry’s Fork Lodge. The lodge would be happy to assist and give suggestions in planning any of these extra adventures in the area.
Important Tackle Note:
Henry’s Fork Lodge is also a catch and release fishery. Some sections they fish are barbless hook only as well. The guides will keep you informed on sections that you fish.