Society & Culture
Shane McClafflin is the owner and lead guide for Sunrise Pack Station – a wilderness outfitting business that specializes in backcountry horseback and fishing trips in the wilds of Yellowstone National Park. Shane has been a backcountry guide for more than 30 years, and first began guiding in the mountains when he was 18 years old. For the past 25 years he’s spent his summers sharing the wonders of Yellowstone’s backcountry with anglers and visitors from around the world. Almost everyone has heard of Yellowstone National Park, and many outdoor-lovers have visited the Park – taking in the popular and iconic geysers, waterfalls, and canyon views. Very few people get to see the “real” Yellowstone, however, as they rarely leave the pavement and parking lots. The wilds of the Park can only be experienced and appreciated once you leave the crowded attraction areas behind, and this is especially true for anglers seeking productive trout waters. The well-known Park rivers such as the Firehole, Madison, and Upper Yellowstone offer great fishing, but they also see a lot of pressure, which is why the remote backcountry areas are well worth the effort for those willing to put in the time and the work.