Make no mistake - our lodge and cabins are remote. From there, lodge-based anglers can explore wild and unpressured waters. But for anglers looking to go beyond the lodge-based trip, our wilderness camps offer a fully guided pack-in experience, where your group enjoys a private camp, great meals, and the ultimate in silence and solitude.

One of the things that makes these trips unique is that we offer three distinct wilderness camps, each with its own character, landscape, and fishing style. Whether you prefer canyon water, meadow streams, or alpine lakes, there’s a camp that fits the experience you’re looking for.

The Downriver Camp

Big Water and Rugged Canyon Scenery

For anglers who picture dramatic canyon walls, deep runs, and the opportunity to land a big fish, our Downriver Camp delivers exactly that.

Located along a remote stretch of river carved deep into the backcountry, this camp sits in a little meadow, surrounded by rocky cliffs, aspens, and pines.

From here, anglers have access to miles of water where trout lurk behind boulders, in deep pools, and in long runs and riffles. Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and cutbow hybrids are the dominant species in this part of the river.

Dry flies can be excellent, but the diversity of water also allows for a wide range of techniques, including nymphs and streamers, depending on the season.

The fishing here can be more technical at times, making this a great camp for anglers with some fly fishing experience.

The Upriver Camp

Meadows and Classic Dry Fly Water

If your ideal day of fly fishing includes aggressively rising fish and watching trout break the surface, the Upriver Camp is hard to beat.

Set along meandering meadow water, this camp offers a completely different feel from the canyon environment. The landscape opens up and the water slows down.

Riffles, undercut banks, and grassy edges create ideal habitat for wild trout that feed confidently. A few braided sections and beaver ponds can be found along this part of the river. Cutthroat trout and brook trout are the species that inhabit these waters.

Excellent dry fly fishing and big numbers of fish make this a great location for anglers of any skill level. It’s also one of the most remote locations we offer, where you’re more likely to see a moose than another person.

The Alpine Lake Camp

Something Big Lurks Beneath the Glassy Surface

For anglers who want to experience high alpine lake fishing, our Lake Camp provides access to two remote lakes – one of them holds something unique.

Reaching this camp is an adventure in itself, as the trail climbs nearly 2,000 vertical feet above the valley floor. Up here, our camp sits between two lakes. One of them holds cutthroat trout. But the other lake is the main attraction up here, as it’s home to big lake trout.

Anglers who visit this camp don’t come for numbers of fish. But the chance to land a trophy lake trout on the fly makes it a memorable adventure!

At times, we will be fishing big streamers with sinking lines in deep water. When we’re lucky, we’ll be able to sight fish to these big mackinaw as they’re cruising the shallows for scuds and leeches.

Because we can expect to be fishing big flies with heavy sinking lines, this is a great camp for those with at least some previous fly fishing experience.

Life in a Wilderness Camp

No matter which camp you choose, the experience shares the same foundation. Guests travel in by horseback and mule, arriving at a comfortable canvas wall tent camp set up exclusively for their group. Comfortable cots, hearty meals prepared by our crew, and evenings around camp help strike a nice balance between comfort and a truly rugged wilderness experience.

From the camp, you and your guide(s) will spend your days fishing on foot, exploring miles of water, and returning to camp for good food and stories from the day. Out here deep in the backcountry, the pace naturally slows down — and that’s part of the appeal.

Fishing deep in the high country often feels exploratory. Every bend in the trail or shoreline holds the possibility of new water, and conditions can change quickly with weather and elevation. It’s a favorite option for anglers who enjoy that feeling of truly getting away from it all.

These trips are designed for anglers who want more than just great fishing. It’s an opportunity to step out of our usual comfort zones, and into the Wilderness.

Choosing the Right Camp

Each wilderness camp offers something different:

Downriver Camp – Big water, dramatic scenery, and bigger fish.
Upriver Camp – Broad meadows, dry flies and numbers of fish.
Lake Camp – High alpine scenery and a shot at big lake trout.

No matter which camp you choose, the goal is the same: access to remote waters, personalized guiding, and an experience that feels far removed from everyday life.

If you’d like to learn more about our wilderness camp fly fishing trips, including pricing, or which camp is the best fit for your group, you can find full details here:
https://www.budgeslodge.com/wilderness-camp-fishing

Wilderness Camp Fly Fishing : Three Camps. Three Unique Experiences