Harriman State Park

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Harriman State Park is a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge in the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is located in Island Park, Idaho. This beautiful landscape is characterized by lush evergreen forest, verdant green meadows, and, most notably, eight consecrated miles of the Henry’s Fork River. This particular section, known to many as the “Railroad Ranch”, offers some of the most challenging dry fly fishing opportunities in the western United States and has gained an international reputation for the robust rainbow trout and complex insect hatches it regularly produces. The accommodations are located just above the famous Millionaire’s Pool, and the facilities are exclusive to the Anglers Academy students and staff.

In addition to being a type of ‘Mecca’ for anglers, Harriman State Park is also a sanctuary for wildlife. The Park is home to an abundance of big game and bird species, including moose, elk, bears, cranes, and many different waterfowl species. In fact, two-thirds of the trumpeter swans that winter in the contiguous United States choose to spend the season in the park! It is also a four season recreational paradise! In addition to unique accommodations, visitors to the park can enjoy 22 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in the summer and 24 miles of groomed trails in the winter that are perfect for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.

Harriman State Park used to be a cattle ranch but was deeded to the state of Idaho in 1977 by the Harriman family who, together with the Guggenheims, used the property as a private retreat for 75 years. This gift lead to the development of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and, later, Friends of Harriman State Park, Inc. which is an organization that is dedicated solely to community projects that directly benefit the park. 

Harriman State Park is located in Island Park, Idaho. There are a number of airports (listed below) to fly in and out of that offer car rental services. We recommend renting a car so that you have the flexibility to stay in the area longer in order to enjoy the local sights and experiences such as Yellowstone National Park, additional guided fishing, and DIY fishing opportunities. Airport shuttles can be arranged for an additional fee. 

Airport Options / Distances (and Drive Times) to Island Park, Idaho
Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone, MT (WYS) / 39.8 miles (42 minutes)

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) / 72.1 miles (1 hour, 9 minutes)

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) / 101 miles (2 hours, 3 minutes)

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) / 128 miles (2 hours, 20 minutes)

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) / 287 miles (4 hours, 4 minutes) 

Harriman State Park - Island Park, Idaho

August 11 - 15, 2024
4 nights / 3 days is $5,195.00 per person (based on double occupancy) 

Single occupancy cabins are available  

Limited to 12 students 

WHAT’S INCLUDED: Four (4) nights of lodging, three (3) full days of professional instruction, evening presentations by some of the most well-known names in fly fishing, all meals, house wine and beer. 

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: Transportation to and from Harriman State Park, additional nights at Harriman State Park, additional guided fishing trips, liquor, fishing equipment, fishing licenses, gratuities for lodge staff. 

Are there any additional costs that I should know about? 

No. The rate includes lodging, all meals, wine and beer, and all instruction. We do recommend bringing some cash ($50 - $100) to tip the lodge staff at the end of your stay. There will be an opportunity to purchase books and art directly from the instructors if you wish--cash only. 

I have a dietary restriction. Is the ranch able to accommodate special requests? 

We will work with any and all dietary requirements. Each student will receive a pre-trip questionnaire to fill out so that we can learn about your dietary needs, condition of health, favorite drinks and any other concerns, to make sure that the lodge is equipped to accommodate everyone’s unique needs. 

What fishing license do I need? 

Students will need an Idaho fishing license valid for four (4) days. There are several fly shops in the nearby area where you can purchase a license in person before arriving at Harriman. Alternatively, you can purchase a license online in advance and print it out before you arrive.
 

What local fly shops do you recommend for purchasing additional gear, licenses, flies, maps, and guide trips?

Fly Shops in Island Park, Idaho:  Henry's Fork Anglers and TroutHunter Fly Shop

Fly Shops in West Yellowstone, Montana:  Big Sky Anglers and Jacklin’s Fly Shop 

If I’m coming alone, do I have to share a room or are single cabins available? 

Single occupancy cabins are available for an additional charge.

Is there a laundry service at Harriman? 

There’s not a laundry service at Harriman, but if anyone needs something washed, the staff is happy to take care of it for you. You’ll want to pack enough clothes for the five nights / four days. 

What will you have to drink? 

Beer and wine will be provided after 5 PM. If you prefer something else, you’ll want to bring it with you. There’s a liquor store just down the road if you need to make a last minute run. Whether you are drinking whiskey or water, the cocktail hour will be a nice time to relax, unwind and reflect on all that you’ve learned over the past day with instructors and fellow students. 

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Click here to download a full packing list for The Anglers Academy.