Camp Buffalo Bill Anglers Base Camp (Cody, WY)

August 27 – Sept 2, 2023 (Sun – Sat) (Week/Session 4)

Coordinator:  George Tipker, george@derbycityflyfishers.com, 502-594-2066

Location: Camp Buffalo Bill (50 miles west of Cody, WY) Yellowstone Anglers’ Basecamp is located at Camp Buffalo Bill, a Boy Scout Camp along the banks of the North Fork of the Shoshone River, just 8 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

Trip Level: This is a Level 3 trip (see Trip Suitability for details.) This is primarily a wading trip.  Wading and access to fishing locations range from easy to challenging.  Participants should be proficient waders and self-reliant fly fishers.  Individuals are responsible for determining the suitability of this trip with respect to their skill level and expectations. This is not a beginner trip! 

Cost: Total $900.  Please use the following Boys Scouts of America link for a brief overview of the trip and description of what is included AND also to register and pay. Please note that DCFF will not be handling the registrations or payments this year (this is a change from in years past).  Individuals MUST register and pay on their own directly to Boys Scouts of America Adventure West Council at the following link https://scoutingevent.com/062-64371    Slots are limited 30 participants, are open to the public, and are filled on a “first-come-first-served” basis. 

A DCFF Important Special Note:  If you are registering, please also sign up on our DCFF Club Trips sign up page Cody, WY 2023 Trip  order to let the trip coordinator know who all is attending.  That way future communications/trip meetings/transportation/etc.  information can be disseminated by the trip coordinator.   

Description:  One week of fishing some of Wyoming’s finest trout waters near the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.  Base camp is located on the banks of the North Fork of the Shoshone River in the Shoshone National Forest — a blue ribbon, freestone trout fishery.  Also have access to waters in Yellowstone and others in Northwest Wyoming.  Cost includes six nights lodging, three meals/day, transportation to/from Cody Airport and/or Billings-Logan airport; and daily transportation to/from fishing locations of your choice in the area.

The Area – Northwest Wyoming has some of the most scenic territory you will see anywhere. Populated by numerous wildlife species — bear (including Grizzlies), mule deer, elk, bison, coyote, fox, and more. Truly a beautiful part of our country.

Weather in August – Temps can range from 30’s to 90’s with averages ranging from mid-50’s to mid-80’s.  It has snowed in late August; in fact, it snowed the week following the 2020 Group’s trip. It does rain, with thunderstorms and hail possible. Camp elevation is 6,400 feet above sea level and the air is dry.  Staying well hydrated is essential to cope with both the elevation and arid air.

Base Camp – The camp is located on the Shoshone River where there are miles of fishing opportunities. Accommodations are rustic. Cabins consist of bunk beds with a couple of small tables. There is marginal cell service/wi-fi via the wi-fi connection at the Ranger’s office. There are also two (2) land line phones on site for general use, if necessary. Cabins have electricity but no heat or AC.  Each cabin has windows that can be opened and a fan. You will be responsible for your own linens, towels, sleeping bag and pillow. Laundry (free) facilities are available on site. There is a heated shower house with ample showers and facilities. The center of camp activity is the dining hall where all the gatherings and fellowship occur. This is a large building that is open 24 hours a day with complimentary snacks and drinks available. Three meals are provided daily.

The Staff – The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating. They will take you wherever you want to go on the river and return to pick you up. The camp has four vans, and the staff will transport you up or down stream to many fishing locations. If at least 5 folks want to go to Yellowstone (a 1-1/2-hour drive one way) or to Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons (a long all-day trip), they will arrange for that also. For days you want to get out early, a continental breakfast will be waiting for you at departure. If you want to stay out longer, sandwiches are prepared to take with you.

The Fishing – The fishing is quite different from around our area. “Humbling” seems the most common descriptor. The water is gin clear, fast, and skinny. Wading and walking alongside the river is not easy, with rocks from pebbles to boulders ranging from basketball to refrigerator size. Expect to catch rainbow, brown, and cutthroat — many in the 15+ inch range. They are wild fish that are finicky and spooky. A 10-fish day is an exceptional day.

The Gear – Three to six weight rods, reels and lines work well.  Nymphing is by far the most productive method, but flies need to be heavier than we would normally fish in our area.  The water is quick and skinny, and drifts are short, so the flies need to get down fast and stay down.  We’ll have more information on flies and techniques in the coming months.

The Adventure – This trip is about 50% fishing and 50% adventure. Getting to some of the fishing holes is an adventure in itself, with challenging terrain and critters aplenty.  A favorite non-fishing adventure is a hike to a unique rock formation along a mountain ridge about 1000 ft above the camp. This is a challenging hike but universally agreed by those who did it to be one of the most enjoyable and memorable activities of the trip.

The staff can provide a trip to Cody one evening for dinner and a rodeo. Cody is an old town with a lot of history and interesting restaurants. Of course, there are trips to Yellowstone mixing sightseeing and fishing on the Yellowstone River.

Cost – The entire week costs $900.  You are responsible for your own transportation to Cody or Billings MT airport. Flights range from about $500 to $1200 depending on airport, baggage charges, etc.  A 5-day Wyoming non-resident license is $56, and an additional day is $14. If you go to Yellowstone, there is an additional license requirement but it’s nominal.

Clothing & footgear

• Bring clothes for cool to cold evenings and warm to hot days.
• Sandals, casual sports shoes, wading boots and shower shoes.   Hiking boots if you plan to go hiking.
• Include warm sleeping clothes or have a cold weather sleeping bag.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.  Bear spray will be provided. (Buddy fishing is highly recommended because of threat of bears.)
• You’ll need waders and wading staff. Felt soled boots w/spikes are okay everywhere, except, … No felt soles in Yellowstone!!   Plan your boot selection(s) accordingly.