Located near Park City and Salt Lake City this Utah fly fishing lodge is easy to get to and offers a variety of rivers and a trout grand slam. This Utah fly fishing lodge is truly one of the great western fly fishing lodges. Awarded the Orvis 2001 and 2012 Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year Award. This lodge is open year-round and fly-fishing and bird watching is ideal from April through November, with the peak river season being June thru October. From September thru November, they offer Cast & Blast packages at their Orvis-Endorsed Hunting Grounds, the largest hunting grounds in all of Utah. Pheasant Hunting continues all fall and winter.
FISHING:
Clients truly enjoy wade/walk fly fishing with some of the best guides Utah has to offer. You can experience picturesque fly fishing on Rock Creek, the Duchesne, Lake Fork, Strawberry, Uintah, Whiterocks and Yellowstone Rivers. This lodge holds the only National Forest guide permits which means you will not run into other guided fisherman on these rivers. These and many smaller streams on the south slope of the High Uintas provide the excitement and challenges of catching wild trout including rainbows, cutthroat, tiger, brook and brown trout. These mountain freestone streams and tailwaters are guided as catch and release to sustain the population of native wild fish.
Lake Fork River: The Lake Fork is a clear stream flowing from beautiful Moon Lake. You will have access to 2.5 miles of the lower river at the Lake Fork River Ranch. At the ranch, clients will find a combination of long, sweeping runs, undercut banks, deep holes, and some beaver dams as well. The river supports healthy populations of Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout – and in the last few years the native cutthroat are starting to reappear in the Lake Fork. Trophy Brown trout over 20” have been caught in the deeper holes and runs, while the rainbow and Brook trout are more common in the riffles and shallower runs. Like other area streams, the Lake Fork exhibits great hatches of dark and golden stones, caddis and mayflies. In August, a brief but prolific hatch of mahogany duns seems to bring every fish up to take a look. Utah fly fishing at its finest.
Strawberry River: Many of The guides’ favorite, the Strawberry River is a highly technical, but highly rewarding tailwater fishery. The upper section tumbles down a wild and amazingly scenic canyon with large cliffs and stunning rock formations a great example of Utah fly fishing. Deep pools, beaver ponds, and undercut banks on this section hold many wary browns from thirteen to eighteen inches.
Strawberry River stonefly and green drake hatches occur in June and early July. Terrestrials like hoppers, beetles and cicadas can bring fish to the surface from July on, but bead head nymphs fished as droppers are the most consistent producers in the late summer.
Farther downstream, the lower stretch of the river fishes much like a large spring creek with long smooth runs interspersed with riffles and deep pools. Large browns and stout rainbows can be unusually wary and spread out here so long casts, long leaders, considerable stealth, and a guide with a good knowledge of water and fish are a necessity. Great PMD and yellow sally hatches begin in July and go through August. Hoppers also produce in the late summer and early autumn afternoons. Browns can reach twenty-seven inches and rainbows get up to four or five pounds with powerful sixteen to eighteen inchers being normal. These fish provide a challenge to any angler and a test for their equipment when hooked.
Rock Creek: A scenic stream that runs cold and clear almost year-round. The upper stretches twist through evergreen forests and provide excellent pocket-water habitat for brookies, rainbows, and cutthroats. This is excellent dry fly water in the mid and late summer, where attractor patterns produce consistent action. The lower reaches of Rock Creek slow and meander through cottonwoods, willows, and grassy meadows. Here some deep pools and undercut banks hide rainbows and wary browns. Fish averaging ten to fourteen inches are common and some nice sixteen to twenty-inch fish can be found in the lower sections. Rock Creek’s major hatches include golden stones in June and early July, caddis beginning in June and going throughout the summer, and several different mayflies from May through August. In the late summer and autumn, terrestrials can also produce excellent fishing.
Duchesne River: The Duchesne is the largest of the waters draining the south slope of the Uinta Mountains. The upper river and its tributaries spring from alpine meadows and flow down through beautiful forested canyons. The upper stretches and tributaries hold many native cutthroats and wild brook trout. The river eventually begins to slow and meander as it moves through farmlands and pastures at lower elevations. This technical and unpredictable stretch of water is perhaps the most intriguing for fishermen as it provides a home to stout rainbows and browns. Most fish are in the fourteen to the eighteen-inch range but some large browns go all the way up to the mid-twenties. June and early July hatches of large stoneflies, green drakes, and PMDs are fantastic. Weighted nymphs and nymph droppers are also consistent patterns throughout the year. High water streamer fishing can also produce jolting strikes.
Uintah River: The Uintah River is a wonderful mountain stream flowing from the South Slope of the Uinta Mountain range and is home to native cutthroats, vividly colored brookies, hefty browns, and healthy rainbows. The river fishes best in mid to late summer and in the fall months. Trout will aggressively take dry flies throughout the season. The Uintah sees wonderful caddis and drake hatches, and a good terrestrial pattern always seems to do the trick. Some trout in the 20” range have been taken by clients and guides in this wonderful river. The Uintah River also gives the rare opportunity to complete a four species grand slam right on one river. This is one river you will not want to miss during your stay at the lodge.
Whiterocks River: A great mountain stream, the Whiterocks is one of the most beautiful mountain streams you will ever fish. Located in Whiterocks canyon, the river highlights huge cliffs on either side and feeling of solitude and seclusion that you rarely feel while on the water these days. Most of the canyon is protected Tribal Land – part of the nearby Ute Tribe Indian Reservation. This lodge is fortunate to be the only permitted guiding operation on this wonderful stream. The river holds huge populations of colorful brook trout and feisty native cutthroat trout. Occasionally, a rainbow or brown can also be taken. Fish are aggressive and will surface to dry flies throughout the season.
Yellowstone River: A spectacular little mountain stream, the Yellowstone, drains from the highest of Utah’s peaks and is home to good populations of native cutthroats and wild brook trout, browns, and rainbows. Most fish average in the ten to the twelve-inch range but are plentiful, active, and beautiful.
This is the perfect place to learn stream fishing with a dry fly as eager trout rise quickly out of the many pockets and riffles. The experienced angler is also sure to have an interesting and fulfilling fishing experience spending a day tossing dries to wild trout. The Yellowstone also offers the rare opportunity for a four species grand slam from one stream. Runoff usually lasts until early July and hatches of small golden stoneflies, caddis, and various mayflies provide good action throughout the mid to late summer. The stream babbles among forests and meadows where deer and elk frequently graze. Occasionally, an unconcerned moose even decides to join us in wading the stream. The fish, wildlife and scenery are amazing, and other anglers are few and far between.
“Awesome! I have never fished wading in a river, so I warned Brian that I have no knowledge on how to fly-fish on a river. Standing in the middle of a fast running river, I had my doubts. Half a dozen browns later plus a 21 incher … I’m hooked” – Orvis Review by Milton
Fishing policy & equipment suggestions:
All guided fly fishing is catch and release. All fishing is done with a fly rod and reel, using only artificial flies as bait. No live bait, spinners or treble hooks of any kind. When fishing on the stillwaters all flies must be barbless or have the barbs crimped down. Your fishing license is included in your adventure package.
We recommend lightweight breathable waders. You will also need a good pair of wading boots with non-slip soles, NO felt soles. If you choose to “wet wade” as many of our guests do, be sure to bring quick-drying synthetic shorts and undergarments. Waders and boots are included in your package if you don’t want to bring yours.
For stillwater fishing, the lodge provides float tubes and fins at no extra charge. 8 1/2 or 9-foot five-weight rods are our favorites for their versatility, however, many of the smaller streams may be fished with shorter three and four-weights. The use of a complete Orvis fly fishing outfit, including flies, is included in your package.
PHEASANT HUNTING:
The pheasant hunting season on the lodge’s private preserves in Utah goes from September to the end of March. Their pheasant hunting grounds are in the Duchesne River wetlands in eastern Utah. They manage over 3,000 acres of farmland and wetland areas for upland bird habitat. This specially managed habitat is perfect for pheasants and pheasant reproduction creating some of the best pheasant hunting in Utah. The cool mornings and warm afternoons in the fall are prime for pheasant hunting in the morning and afternoon trout fishing. Many families and corporate groups take advantage of this special time of year and come from late September to late November to pheasant hunt and catch large rainbow and brown trout in the afternoons.
When Thanksgiving comes around and the ice starts to creep onto the lakes and rivers, the lodge transitions solely to pheasant hunting. From December 1 until the end of March the chilly days with a little moisture on the ground creates the perfect pheasant hunting conditions. The chilly weather keeps the dogs cool as the work hard to find and retrieve birds in the thick cover and the moisture on the grass helps them pick up the scent of the pheasants.
There is something special about this time of year. The glistening of snow on the ground, the crisp air, the quiet, peacefulness, the dogs working through the tall grass, and the raucous call of a rooster as it bursts from the thick cover. Then going back to the warm lodge to relax and play games by the warm fire with family and friends. If you want to have more adventure the lakes around the lodge are frozen over and the hungry trout under the ice are ready to bite for anyone wanting to ice fish. This time of year, the quiet and privacy of the lodge is amplified as there is no other fishermen or groups around, so you have a 600-acre canyon and 14,000 square foot lodge all to yourself to relax and unwind after a thrilling day of pheasant hunting.
The Lodge
Relax in the private pool and hot tub in the backyard of the lodge during your stay. The lodge is a unique structure handsomely set in a private six-hundred-acre canyon, providing a bird’s eye view of the surrounding canyon, Stillwater, and wildlife. The 15,000 square foot lodge was designed specifically to provide the ultimate lodging experience for secluded fly fishing and wingshooting adventures. There are only eight guest rooms in the lodge at Falcon’s Ledge and one staff/family bunk room. This ensures your seclusion and privacy. Each room is uniquely decorated in a comfortable yet elegant style. There are no phones or televisions in the rooms. No pets are allowed in the lodge. Every room has a million-dollar view of spectacular canyon scenery and wildlife. Watch fish rise on the lake below and deer graze as you wake to the crisp mountain air.
The pro-shop has a selection of clothing items for layering and weather protection, as well as a selection of ORVIS fishing lines, flies, reels, rods, sun glasses, assorted gear and gadgets.
All meals are prepared in using the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. Their professional culinary staff bakes bread, rolls and creates soups from scratch to help make every meal a dining experience not soon forgotten. Enjoy a hearty country breakfast of farm fresh eggs, apple wood smoked bacon, country ham or link sausage, and hash browns, pancakes or french toast. The chefs will never let you down in their quest to surprise us with a new and exciting creation at every turn.
LAKE FORK RIVER RANCH– The lodge also owns and operates the Lake Fork River Ranch located just 5 minutes East of our main Lodge. With 2.5 miles of secluded, private Lake Fork river running through the property, 500 acres of cattle pasture, and a wonderful 2-bedroom cabin. Clients enjoy fishing with their guides on this private stretch of river for rainbow, cutthroat, and trophy brown trout.
The Cabin at Lake Fork River Ranch may be enjoyed by clients for lunch or just for relaxing during a day on the River, or it can also be booked separately for over-night accommodations. With 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a large loft, large kitchen, and wonderful woodwork throughout, the Cabin makes a wonderful retreat for groups of two to eight guests.
2024 PRICING- (NOT INCLUDING APPLICABLE TAXES)
Subject to change without notice until deposit received
Fly Fishing:
Two nights, one day guided fly fishing: $1699/pp
Three nights, two days guided fly fishing: $2799/pp
Four nights, three days guided fly fishing: $3599/pp
Five nights, four days guided fly fishing: $3999/pp
Six nights, five days guided fly fishing: $4999/pp
Seven nights, 6 days guided fly fishing: $5999/pp
• $500 fee for non-fishing spouse
Pheasant Hunts:
Two nights, one day guided bird hunt: $1699/pp- double occupancy
Three nights, two days guided bird hunt: $2799/pp- double occupancy
Four nights, three days guided bird hunt: $3599/pp- double occupancy
Five nights, four days guided bird hunt: $3999/pp- double occupancy
Six nights, five days guided bird hunt: $4999/pp- double occupancy
Seven nights, six days guided bird hunt: $5999/pp- double occupancy
• additional charge of $50 per day for solo hunter.
• Bring a non-fishing or non-hunting partner and share the comfortable elegance of the lodge and gourmet dining for only $500
CAST ‘N’ BLAST ADVENTURES: September -November
Includes: Guided wingshooting and fly fishing, double occupancy lodging, country gourmet meals, transportation to shooting grounds and fishing locations, all necessary fly fishing equipment, two boxes of shotgun shells, warm-up round on the Bird Walk 6-stand clays course, cleaning and packaging of game.
Every day includes a morning hunt with up to six birds per hunter and a half day of guided fly fishing. Additional birds available at a per bird rate. Rates are per person, minimum two hunters, single hunters add $50 per day. Fee for non-participating guests accompanying wingshooting guests is $50.00 per day.
• Exclusive use of the lodge requires a minimum of 16 hunters paid in full, regardless of actual number of hunting guests.
2 nights lodging & meals, 1 morning guided bird hunting, 1 afternoon guided fly fishing: $1899
3 nights lodging & meals, 2 mornings guided bird hunting, 2 afternoons guided fly fishing: $2999
4 nights lodging & meals, 3 mornings guided bird hunting, 3 afternoons guided fly fishing: $3799
5 nights lodging & meals, 4 mornings guided bird hunting, 4 afternoons guided fly fishing: $4599
6 nights lodging & meals, 5 mornings guided bird hunting, 5 afternoons guided fly fishing: $5299
7 nights lodging & meals, 6 mornings guided bird hunting, 6 afternoons guided fly fishing: $6399
Getting Here: The lodge is about 2.5 hours Southeast of Salt Lake City airport. Airport pickup is available for $595.
Whether you’re planning a family adventure or corporate retreat, this lodge is the perfect setting!
