Fly Fishing Sheridan Lake and Eagle Ridge Ranch with Steve Hyde (Traveled #22)

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/695

Presented By:  Yellowstone Teton Territory

Today on Traveled, Steve Hyde of the Hyde Drift Boats family and Eagle Ridge Ranch manager shares his best tips for fly fishing Sheridan Lake and exploring nearby Spring Creek. Find out how to make the most of summer and winter activities in these areas. 

Plus, hear about how Steve and his dad founded Hyde Drift Boats in their garage and the innovations that set their boats apart. 

Show Notes with Steve Hyde on Fly Fishing Sheridan Lake

02:23 - We start off talking about how things are going at Eagle Ridge Ranch during this "in-between" season. Steve says they do a lot of ice fishing and managing cabins for rent year-round. We also talk about big game hunting opportunities at Eagle Ridge Ranch. 

5:17 - Sheridan Lake is located in a remote area between Kilgore and Island Park, surrounded by private and public lands. The lake benefits from powerful springs, which help maintain the temperature and support aquatic life. Steve says grizzly encounters are common in the area, which adds a bit of excitement. 

07:47 - The owner of Eagle Ridge Ranch is Frank VanderSloot, the founder of Melaleuca. There are 12 cabins on the ranch that can sleep anywhere from 2 to 20 people.  

Fishing at the Eagle Ridge Ranch 

9:42 - There are seven miles of Spring Creek and the lake to fish. You can find rainbow trout,  Snake River cutthroat trout, and brook trout in the lake. Native chubfish are also in the system, though they're not highly regarded. 

10:40 - Steve says they only allow up to 12 people daily to ensure a positive visitor experience. Groups of up to 20 can sometimes be accommodated, but they try not to mix groups to keep the area peaceful.

Watch this YouTube video about Eagle Ridge Ranch
: https://youtu.be/Z05KwQqWb5U?si=L6LKG2AZ3X9Pjbos

Hyde Drift Boats 

14:15 - We dive into how Steve and his dad started making driftboats in their garage back in the early '80s. What began as a hobby turned into Hyde Drift Boats. Steve talks about how the boat design evolved over the years. 

19:36 - Steve is the director of Wildlife Management for all of Frank's properties in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah. He also works closely with local fish and game agencies to maintain the land and support wildlife in the area. 

Other Activities at Eagle Ridge Ranch 

24:36 - The Eagle Ridge Ranch is great for year-round outdoor activities. People can enjoy fishing, hunting, ATV riding in summer, and snowmobiling in winter. There’s also a lava bed system called Craters of the Moon just south of the ranch.

Fly Fishing at Sheridan Lake: What You Need to Know

28:45 - Sheridan Lake is a fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release spot. The peak season runs from May to October, but you can still find spots throughout the year. Steve says the lake has all kinds of hatches throughout the year. 

3:15 - Steve talks about the lakes and rivers around Eagle Ridge Ranch. The main lakes are Island Park Reservoir and Henry's Lake, but there are also many rivers in the area. 

Eagle Ridge Ranch offers a premium fishing experience at Sheridan Lake. Watch this video to learn more: 

https://youtu.be/wAsF86xnK2E?si=YkzFY7k5G3ahWwJp

45:43 - Here are some things to consider before your trip: 

Pack for all weather conditions: A sudden rainstorm can drop temperatures quickly, so you better be prepared.  

Safety first: Let someone know where you're going or have someone with you. 

Gear up right: Bring a 5 to 7-weight rod. Use the biggest tippet you can (4X), but switch to 5X if the fish get picky.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/695