Get ready to embark on a virtual journey to the serene waters of Island Park, Idaho as we sit down with Mike Wilson of the Drift Lodge & Fly Shop. In this episode, Mike will be our guide to the abundant fishing opportunities that surround their lodge, offering insights into the thriving angling scene in Henrys Lake.
From insider tips to the must-have flies, Mike will be unveiling the secrets to a fulfilling day on the water, whether you’re targeting trout or other captivating catches. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and prepare to be enthralled by Mike’s wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the angler’s haven of Island Park, Idaho.
Show Notes with Mike Wilson on Drift Lodge & Fly Shop. Hit play below! 👇🏻
Find the show: iTunes | Stitcher | Overcast
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Episode Chapters with Mike Wilson on Drift Lodge & Fly Shop
1:06 – Mike’s first memory of fishing is watching his dad fly fish in a lake in Central Utah.
5:08 – He tells us the interesting story of how he made a career out of fly fishing.
6:41 – He shares how the Drift Lodge & Fly Shop came to be in 2013 with the support and help of his wife.
11:15 – He mentions Lonnie Allen of the Three Rivers Ranch who he says has made living in Island Park and working in the industry a joy.
16:15 – He walks us through his guiding services for those who are interested to do stillwater fishing in Henry’s Lake.
17:18 – He tells us how fishing at Hebgen Lake is different from that at Henry’s Lake.
19:50 – He mentions other fishing opportunities in the area such as the Island Park Reservoir, Hebgen, Quake Lake, and Elk Lake.
20:30 – He talks about the regulation changes in Henry’s Lake.
21:30 – He describes ice-off fishing in Idaho in April and May. He says that indicator fishing is great at that time of the year.
23:38 – Growing up, he used to ice fish in Scofield Reservoir in Central Utah. That’s where he saw the biggest tiger trout he had ever seen.
26:25 – Their fishing season in Island Park kicks off in the Memorial Weekend.
27:45 – He talks about Bill Schiess, an advocate of their fly shop and author of the book Fishing Henrys Lake.
30:12 – He talks about his son Patrick who came back from the army with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) due to a traumatic brain injury. He’s now doing meaningful work for veterans.
They have worked with non-profit organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and Project Healing Waters.
33:15 – His son now found his passion for fly fishing. He is their best-reviewed fishing guide.
36:00 – He tells us his gear setup for stillwater fishing in Hebgen and Henrys Lake. He carries five reels with him when stillwater fishing.
44:10 – He talks about his trip to Labrador where they fished for northern pike.
45:38 – He gives us some insider tips for those wanting to do a fishing trip in Island Park, Idaho.
53:12 – He mentions the species you can fish in Hebgen and Henrys Lake.
56:10 – We give a shout-out to Yellowstone Teton Territory. He talks about his role in the said organization and how it boosts tourism in Idaho.
57:50 – He mentions the other activities you can do in their area aside from fly fishing.
1:00:00 – He tells us more about their facilities in the Drift Lodge & Fly Shop.
You can find Mike on Instagram @DriftLodge_FlyShop.
Facebook at Drift Lodge & Fly Shop
Visit their website at DriftLodge.com.
Videos Noted in the Show
Read the Full Podcast Transcript Below
Conclusion with Mike Wilson on Drift Lodge & Fly Shop
In our conversation with Mike Wilson of the Drift Lodge & Fly Shop, we can’t help but feel a surge of excitement for the angling prospects awaiting us at Hebgen Lake and Henrys Lake. Mike’s genuine passion for his fly shop and the surrounding fishing havens has left us eager to cast our lines and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Island Park, Idaho.
We sincerely thank Mike Wilson for offering us a glimpse into the angler’s paradise of Island Park. With his valuable insights, we’re poised to embark on an angling adventure, armed with newfound knowledge and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of Hebgen Lake and Henrys Lake. Here’s to tight lines and memorable moments in the tranquil waters of Island Park!
![](https://wetflyswing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/download-29.jpeg")
Is guide Lynn Sessions still in the Island Park area? I met Lynn years ago in Twin Bridges, Mt. and fished with him on the Ruby, Madison & the Beaverhead Rivers.He was a great person as well as a terrific guide.
Dave Gunderson