Canoe Float/Fishing Trips near Yellowstone

[Missouri_Mark]

We have a cabin reserved next late July near NE entrance to Yellowstone Park on the Clarks Fork, but as Missouri Ozark River canoeists, we would really like to spend a day on a 6-8 mile float fishing trip. We are looking for Class I and II waters as we are too old to be daredevils. Would any of the rivers in eastern Idaho provide us with safe water with good fishing and beautiful scenery? That would be an ideal day for us. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated, including canoe rental places with shuttles.

Thanks,
Mark
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[Belasko]

I'm not a hundred percent sure but I believe that from box canyon on the Henry's fork down through Harriman State Park would fit the bill. You might want to ask one of the local guide shops about the technicality of the water near Box Canyon. As for rental spots I know that Macks Inn used to rent canoes, but I'm not sure if they still do. May be worth a call. Another one that I know would be a good float would be from Warm River to just below the bridge at Ashton ID. It's probably more of a leisurely float, but there are a lot of fish in there and they do allow bait last I checked, unlike the section around Harriman. As for rentals near there there is a spot in Ashton that rents drift boats. I'm not so sure about canoes though. As for shuttles, I'm not exactly sure what is available in that area, but I know there are one or two out there.

In the end the stretch from warm river/Henry's Fork confluence to Ashton would be the one that fits you bill most exactly. On the down side you're looking close to an hour drive time from West Yellowstone to Ashton. But coming from Missouri, it probably would seem like a little skip [:p]. Feel free to post or send a PM if you have any other questions.
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[windriver]

The section of the Henrys fork from Warm River to Ashton is ok most years. Many people float it in canoes.

The box canyon is very dangerous if you are not an expert.

I am not an expert and was almost killed a couple of summers ago in a canoe accident in the box canyon. I broke my hand in three places.

You can rent drift boats in Ashton. I would look at that, it is a very relaxing way to fish and much easier than out of a canoe.

If you are in the Northeast corner you may be too far from Island Park to make it worth your while.

Windriver
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[Biglew]

The Teton river is a little south of Yellowstone, on the west side of the tetons. In Teton basin, near the town of Driggs, ID, the river is slow moving through pastoral scenery with the Tetons in the background. It's classic dry fly fishing, and no-worries floating, but bait can be used. Here's a pic of a friend on the river, that will give you an idea of what it's like.

Another placid float, with a little tougher fishing, and more people, is the float from Big Springs to Macks Inn in Island park. It's near Box Canyon, but a lot gentler. PM me if you want more information.
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[Missouri_Mark]

Thanks alot fellas, I'm writing all this down and researching the streams you all have mentioned. Feel free to add more suggestions and advice. We will all be rookies to the area. This will be a once in a lifetime trip for us. The Idaho board has been very productive with advice. You guys have been a world of help in planning so far. We are all so psyched up. I think we are in a ideal central location with our Wyoming cabin on the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone about 20 miles south of Cooke City, MT. But I'm afraid that river will be too much whitewater for us Ozark creek waders.

One more question for now;
Will we be able to pull our canoe over and wade fish in Idaho? I know you can't in Wyoming but can in Montana. Again, we can make a full day out of a 6-8 mile stretch of water. We like to take the lawn chairs and coolers along for a periodic bologna sandwich and a cold one.

Thanks much guys,
Missouri Mark
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[flyguy66]

Mark,

When fishing on private property in Idaho, as long as you stay below the "high water mark" you can get out of your boat and fish to you heart's content.

As far as places to canoe and fish, if you're looking to fish somewhere in Yellowstone, Lewis/Shoshone lake and/or Yellowstone lake offer some neat paddling/camping opportunities. They aren't streams, but there is a channel between the two lakes that people canoe/kayak often. Hope this helps.
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