Fly Fishing Alpine, WY: Road Trip, Greys River Camping & a Proposal
12 min read · By Adriana & Brian · Alpine, Wyoming
Every year, Brian and I take a one- to two-week road trip through Colorado, Wyoming, and a little bit of Idaho. Over the years we’ve fine-tuned our route, our favorite stops, and our traditions, and this trip has become one of the highlights of our year.
This year was different. Instead of moving to a new place every day or two, we spent most of the week in Alpine, Wyoming, visiting our friends Matt and Gabby. The slower pace gave us more time outdoors, more time with friends we don’t see often enough, and more time to enjoy one of the best fly fishing regions in the West.
The week was full of camping, fly fishing, paddleboarding, great food, and incredible scenery. It also included a surprise that made this the most unforgettable trip we’ve ever taken.
Trip at a Glance
Our Route Around Alpine, Wyoming & Eastern Idaho
1. Alpine, WY (home base) · 2. Greys River (camping & wade fishing) · 3. Salt River near Etna (paddleboarding) · 4. Swan Valley, ID (South Fork Lodge & the Snake River float) · 5. Idaho Falls, ID (Fly Fish Food) · 6. Jackson, WY (Flat Creek & celebration dinner)
Open this route in Google Maps →
The Road Trip West: Louisiana to Alpine, Wyoming
Thursday and Friday were travel days as we drove through Colorado toward Wyoming. As usual, we made time for good food, local shops, and a few of our favorite stops along the way. After two long days in the truck, we rolled into Alpine around 3:00 a.m. Saturday. We were exhausted, but so excited for the week ahead.
Road Trip Gear: The Best Travel Pack for a 1–2 Week Trip
Adriana’s pick: The Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® Pack 30L is the best bag I’ve ever traveled with. I’ve used duffels and even shared bags with Brian, but this one is phenomenal for a one- to two-week trip if you pack smart. I pair it with packing cubes in every size for toiletries and small items. Everything is incredibly durable.
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Brian’s pick: It’s amazing how much fits in the Black Hole® Mini MLC® 30L. I packed three pairs of pants, six Poncho shirts, socks, ExOfficio boxer briefs, and two jackets, all in one pack.
Idaho Falls & Swan Valley: Fly Shops and Hidden Gems
After a few hours of sleep, we met Matt and Gabby for breakfast and headed to Idaho Falls. One of my favorite parts of any trip is exploring new towns and finding local shops. We stopped at a huge fly shop (Brian’s favorite) and a thrift store that doubles as a cat sanctuary. Time well spent.
That evening we caught up with Matt and Gabby back in Alpine. Some of the best moments of the week weren’t the big adventures. They were cooking meals, sharing stories, and just being together. Matt and Gabby got married in May, so it was especially meaningful to celebrate this season of life with them.
Brian’s perspective: Being that close to so many fly shops, I had to get out of the house. On the way to Idaho Falls we stopped in Swan Valley at my favorite fly shop, South Fork Lodge. There’s a bar right in the middle of the shop where you can grab an ice-cold local draft while you browse. Then we hit Fly Fish Food in Idaho Falls. If you tie flies, this is the place: they carry almost every brand and color of tying material. Every local fly shop is different. They may sell the same gear, but I go for the atmosphere and the people. I love asking how the fishing’s been and learning about the area.
Camping and Fly Fishing on the Greys River
On Sunday we fished, relaxed, and then headed to our first campsite. One of the best things about Alpine is how fast you can leave town and be completely immersed in nature. Just minutes from Matt and Gabby’s house, a gravel road follows the Greys River through the mountains, with dispersed campsites and fishing access the whole way. No cell signal, very few people.
The next morning we fished, explored, and drove deeper into the mountains for a second campsite. That one became everyone’s favorite: mountain views, a fast-flowing river a few feet away, and total quiet. It’s exactly the kind of spot you dream about when camping in Wyoming.
For a couple of days, life slowed down in the best way. Fishing, hammock naps, the best espresso ever, and wildlife sightings. With temperatures around 70 degrees, Gabby and I fished and soaked up the sun while Brian and Matt covered more water up and down the river.
Sometimes all you need to reset is a couple of days with no cell service and no schedule.
Brian’s perspective: This was my first time wade fishing in Wyoming, and I didn’t really know what to look for. I tied on a hopper-dropper to target fish on the surface and below it, then waded about five miles upstream, casting into every pocket. At a fallen tree, I cast upstream and let it drift past. The hopper sank, I set the hook, and stripped in my first-ever Wyoming cutthroat trout, and my first fish caught wading in the West.
Camping Gear That Earned Its Spot
Adriana’s picks
Camp night #1: Exped sleeping pad & Jetboil. We couldn’t truck camp without our Exped sleeping pad. It’s a lifesaver on cold nights. And the Jetboil does it all: I use it to wash my face, make tea, and boil water for dehydrated meals.
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Camp night #2: Nomadix Festival Blanket & Rumpl Puffy Blanket. This was the coldest night. Sitting by the fire on the Nomadix Festival Blanket, wrapped in the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket, was the perfect way to end the day.
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Brian’s picks
Camp night #1: Bedrock Clogs. My go-to camp and travel shoe, and one of the best purchases I’ve made in a while. The zero drop and wide toe box feel almost barefoot, and the Vibram sole means I can still walk a trail down to the river.
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Camp night #2: Benchmade Station Knife. I love cooking for people when we camp out of the truck. The Benchmade Station Knife is designed for chefs and anyone who wants one knife that does everything. It’s the best kitchen knife to keep in the truck.
Paddleboarding the Salt River (It Got Exciting)
On Tuesday we headed back early since we’d driven far down the gravel road. The drive out didn’t disappoint: a huge herd of sheep, lots of cows, and plenty of horses. It was hunting season, and a fishing tournament was going on too, so there was a lot to see.
That afternoon we paddleboarded a section of the Salt River. We expected three relaxing hours. The water was higher than any of us thought, and there were rapids. Not helmet-and-raft rapids, but the kind you need to be ready for. Our gear stayed dry; we did not. Brian fell in a couple of times, so did I, and I lost my paddle before everyone helped me get it back. I probably wouldn’t do it again, but I’m glad we did it.
Paddleboarding Gear
Adriana: The YOLO inflatable paddleboard was the core of this trip. Super durable, and thank goodness the paddle floats. My Osprey 12L dry bag kept literally everything dry, even after flipping.
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Brian: The Sawyer water filtration system was essential. The river water was clean and cold, so I had fresh drinking water everywhere we floated.
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A Surprise Proposal on the Snake River in Swan Valley, Idaho
Wednesday started like every other day. Brian and I had booked a guided float on the Snake River in Swan Valley, Idaho, with his friend Jacob. In the fall and winter, Jacob guides redfish trips on the Gulf Coast as All Season Anglers, so we knew we were in for a great day.
The morning went exactly as expected. What happened next did not.
Adriana’s perspective: Jacob pulled the boat over at a small bank, so I stepped away for a few minutes (if you know, you know). When I came back, Jacob told Brian to take a picture with me. I assumed he was using Brian’s camera, since we always take a few nice photos on our trips. While we posed, Brian whispered something and started laughing hard. I pulled away laughing too, thinking we were done. Then, in what seemed like a completely ordinary moment, Brian got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
To say I was shocked is an understatement. I blacked out.
Jacob kept the secret, captured the whole moment on his own camera, and even had champagne ready, with very DIY glasses made from a water bottle cut in half. (Of course I asked for the “stemmed” side.) Between the Snake River backdrop, the thoughtful planning, and having a friend there to make it happen, it was perfect. I kept the ring in its box and took it out only when I caught my biggest fish of the day, a gorgeous rainbow trout, for a picture. As soon as we got off the boat, the ring went on for good.
Brian’s perspective: Jacob is a good friend of mine. We fish together down by Pass Christian, Mississippi. In February 2026, while we were fly fishing for reds (we caught a ton of bull reds that day), I asked him about proposing on his boat in Swan Valley. In the summer he guides for Teton Valley Lodge out of Driggs, Idaho. On the day of the trip, we caught really nice fish all morning. When Jacob stopped at the rock bank and started pulling out his camera, I asked if this was the spot. He said yes. I got out of the boat, posed for the picture, and asked her to marry me. Then she caught a monster rainbow trout.
“To say I was shocked is an understatement. I blacked out.”
— Adriana
Celebrating in Jackson Hole
Back home, Matt and Gabby took us to dinner in Jackson to celebrate. The food was incredible, but the best part was celebrating with some of our closest friends. We couldn’t have imagined a better end to the day, and we couldn’t wait to tell everyone.
Our Last Days in Alpine and Jackson
Thursday and Friday were about soaking up every minute together. Brian and Matt squeezed in more fishing near Jackson while Gabby and I explored local shops before meeting everyone for brunch. Later, Brian and I went back to Idaho Falls to wander and eat, then walked a couple of blocks from Matt and Gabby’s place to a local bar for pool, music, and great food. Being able to walk places is something I want wherever we settle.
As exciting as the fishing and camping were, some of our favorite memories came from simply spending time together. Living in different states means our visits are rare, so a whole week to cook, talk, and catch up was special.
Flat Creek and Saying Goodbye
Saturday came too fast. Brian and Matt made one last early-morning fishing trip while Gabby and I went to an arts and antiques pop-up market in Jackson. The highlight was helping Gabby find a vintage bomber-style hat with ear flaps she’d wanted for ages. A small victory, but a fitting end to a great week. Brian met me at the market, and eventually it was time to say goodbye. Bittersweet, but neither of us would have had it any other way.
Brian’s perspective: Of course the last day was my best day of fishing. We fished Flat Creek just outside Jackson and I caught tons of fish. The biggest was a 20-inch brown trout, followed by consistent 18- to 19-inch cutthroat.
The Drive Home
We took our time getting home, stopping at local shops across Wyoming while dark storms rolled in over the mountains. The shift from blue skies to heavy clouds made it feel like a place we could see ourselves living someday.
We stopped in Boulder to visit family and spent the rest of the drive reflecting on the week. Somewhere between Wyoming and Louisiana it sank in.
“We weren’t driving home as boyfriend and girlfriend anymore. We were driving home engaged.”
We got home Monday afternoon with a camera full of memories, a new appreciation for good friends and wild places, and a trip we’ll never forget.
Fly Fishing & Travel Gear We Couldn’t Have Done Without
Choosing the right gear matters. After testing a lot of what we carry in our store, these are the pieces we’d pack again tomorrow.
Adriana’s Top Picks
1. Free Fly Topo Grid Pants
One of the best tech pants I own. After hearing Brian rave about them, I had to get a pair. They’re durable and very water-resistant, and when they do get soaked, they dry fast. The fit and pockets are great.
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2. Bedrock Clogs
I didn’t bring many shoes, and I didn’t need to. My clogs were the most comfortable camp, walking, and travel shoe I’ve ever worn, they held up well, and they went with everything.
Shop women’s Mountain Clog · $160 →
3. Sun Hoodies & Sun Shirts
I learned my lesson about sun exposure on a fishing trip a few months ago. Patagonia and Free Fly make incredible sun-protective clothing, and I wore a Smartwool sun-protective long sleeve the day we got engaged. Only my hands and neck tanned.
Patagonia · Free Fly · Smartwool4. YETI Rambler 64 oz
This bottle is my life on trips. I filled it with ice when we left Alpine and didn’t need to refill it for two to three days. Quick tip: if your bottle has a flip-up straw, open it slowly at altitude. Pressure changes, even between Wyoming and Idaho, can make water shoot out.
Shop YETI →Brian’s Top Fly Fishing Picks
1. Free Fly Topo Grid Pant
My go-to for fishing and travel. Comfortable, lightweight, durable, and quick-drying. Wet wading for trout was a first for me, and these dried within minutes so I could go straight to lunch in the same pants.
Shop men’s Topogrid Pant · $108 →2. Arcade Belt
Arcade belts stretch and don’t dig into your stomach when you get down on one knee to take a picture with a monster brown trout, or to propose to your girlfriend.
Shop Arcade →3. Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro Sandals
My foot never slid, and the Vibram outsole stuck to slick river rocks. Sometimes you have to look good to fish good.
4. Poncho Shirts
They wick sweat and offer UPF sun protection, but the utility pockets are what stand out. I can stash anything in them, including trash I pick up along the creek.
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5. Layering for Cold Mornings
Mornings around Jackson can be cold. When wading, I add Darn Tough socks and Smartwool baselayer bottoms for temperature regulation, and a Patagonia Nano Puff when it’s in the high 30s.
Darn Tough · Smartwool · Nano PuffShop the Free Fly Picks
Shop Free Fly for women · swipe to see more →
Women’s Breeze Flats Pant
Women’s Breeze Drift Pant
Women’s Bamboo Slub Hoody
Women’s Elevate Lightweight Tee
Women’s Active Breeze Short 3”Shop Free Fly for men · swipe to see more →
Men’s Topogrid Pant$108.00Shop now →
Men’s Topogrid Short$88.00Shop now →
Men’s Bamboo Shade Long SleeveFrom $64.00Shop now →
Men’s Bamboo Lightweight Long Sleeve$64.00Shop now →
Men’s Elevate Lightweight Hoodie$78.00Shop now →
Men’s Reverb Short$74.00Shop now →
Men’s Elevate Lightweight Tee$54.00Shop now →Shop all Free FlyView collection →
FAQ: Planning a Fly Fishing Trip to Alpine, Wyoming
Where is the best fly fishing near Alpine, Wyoming?
We fished the Greys River, the Salt River, Flat Creek near Jackson, and the South Fork of the Snake River in Swan Valley, Idaho. All are within a short drive of Alpine.
Can you camp along the Greys River?
Yes. A gravel forest road follows the Greys River from just outside Alpine, with dispersed campsites and fishing access along the way. Expect no cell service.
What fly setup works for cutthroat on the Greys River?
A hopper-dropper rig worked well for Brian, letting him target fish on the surface and subsurface while wading upstream through pockets and around structure.
What gear was absolutely essential?
Free Fly Topogrid Pants and Bedrock Clogs.
What advice would you give a friend visiting?
Don’t over-schedule. Some of the best moments happen when you slow down, spend time with good people, and enjoy everything around you.
Just one more cast.
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