Ever wonder what it’s like to grow up where fly fishing isn’t just a hobby — it’s the family business?
Today we’re heading to Eastern Idaho, where the Berry family has spent over a century guiding anglers through the waters of the Teton, Henry’s Fork, and South Fork of the Snake. Our guest, Brian Berry of Teton Valley Lodge, shares the incredible story of how his great-grandfather turned a handful of guided trips in 1919 into one of the oldest operating lodges in the West.
Brian takes us deep into the history, craftsmanship, and conservation that have defined his family’s life on the river — from wooden boats and stagecoach travelers to modern-day drift boats and the rebirth of wild trout in the Teton River.
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Show Notes with Brian Berry on The Teton Valley Lodge
The Origins of Teton Valley Lodge
Brian Berry shares how his family’s story is deeply tied to the roots of fly fishing in the West. His great-grandfather, Alma McKenzie, founded what would later become Teton Valley Lodge back in 1919.
Alma was born in 1901, right in Teton Valley, Idaho. Back then, life was tough. People farmed, trapped, and did whatever they could to get by. It was when Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks became popular travel spots that Alma’s guiding career began. Travelers who wanted to fish kept hearing the same advice: “Go find Alma.”
That early passion for guiding turned into a legacy that still lives on today. A portrait of Alma now hangs above the bar at the lodge, a reminder of the hard work and love that built it.
Today, Brian carries that legacy forward. A lifetime at the lodge has made him part of its story — not just as an owner, but as a steward of the place his family built. With generations of returning guests and guides who’ve become like family, Teton Valley Lodge continues to represent the spirit of fly fishing in Idaho.
The Best Time to Fish Eastern Idaho
Brian spends most of his days guiding guests on Idaho’s legendary rivers — the Henry’s Fork, South Fork, and Teton. Running a lodge means doing it all, from fixing pipes to rowing boats, but he still finds plenty of time to fish.
Brian says it’s impossible to predict when the best day to come is (and he gets asked about this a lot!). Some days during the salmonfly hatch can be slow, while a random hot day in August might turn out amazing.
Brian’s advice: the best time to fish is tomorrow because you never know when you’ll hit it right.
Let M Run
For years, Brian’s family built their own drift boats for guides at Teton Valley Lodge. Back in the ’70s and ’80s, when fiberglass boats were heavy and there weren’t many guides around, Brian’s dad started making foam-cored fiberglass boats inspired by the classic Keith Steele wood designs out of Oregon.
Over the decades, they kept refining the process, and now they’re taking it to the next level. They’ve launched a new company called Let M Run, built in a new factory in Victor, Idaho. Each boat is vacuum-infused and foam-cored for maximum strength without the weight.
They’re also expanding into rafts (13- and 14-foot models), with carbon fiber and aluminum frames. Plus, a smaller 10-foot two-man version is coming soon.
If you’re into drift boat history, check out our episode with Roger Fletcher:
WFS 177 – History of the Driftboat with Roger Fletcher (Drift Boat Series Ep. 2)
And if you’re curious about aluminum boats, check out our episode on Koffler Boats:
WFS 180 – Koffler Boats with Joe Koffler (Drift Boat Series Ep. 3)
Rafts vs. Drift Boats in Idaho
In Idaho, drift boats still rule the rivers. Brian explains that for every raft out there, you’ll probably see ten drift boats. They’re simply more comfortable — better seats, dry feet, solid floors, and space to move around.
But not every stretch of river allows them. On some BLM and Forest Service sections, guides are required to use rafts. The reason? Supposed erosion concerns from hard boats.
Watch the full story on YouTube: LETMRUN: The Story Behind the Rafts
The Teton River
The Teton River might not get the same spotlight as the Henry’s Fork or the South Fork, but it’s one of Idaho’s true gems. Unlike the others, it’s completely undammed, a pure spring creek that flows cold and clear right out of the ground near Victor, Idaho.
From the upper section near Teton Valley Lodge, the river starts as calm, meadow water. Downstream, it carves into a deep canyon known as The Narrows, dropping nearly a thousand feet and offering a totally different fishing experience.
- Fish species: Mostly cutthroat trout, with a mix of rainbows and a few browns starting to move in.
- Flows: A steady 350–600 cfs in summer, thanks to those underground springs.
- Vibe: Fewer crowds, colder water, and strong hatches, which is a refreshing contrast to the famous but often busy Henry’s Fork.
The Teton is mostly a dry fly river, known for steady surface action and sight fishing to rising cutthroat. But what makes it truly unique is how it’s fished. Instead of drift boats or rafts, guides at Teton Valley Lodge still use what they call “Teton boats.” They’re long, flat-bottomed wooden boats (about 20 feet long and just 3 feet wide) and built for shallow water and narrow channels.
Hatches, Seasons, and The Comeback of the Cutthroat
Brian says the river really comes alive after runoff, usually late June through fall. Early season can be slow, but once the flows settle, it’s dry-fly heaven. The Teton is known for clear water, cold temps, and incredible hatches that keep fish looking up.
Here’s what to expect:
- Best months: July through October.
- Top hatches: Golden stones, PMDs, yellow sallies, caddis, tricos, green and gray drakes, and mahoganies.
- Water temps: Typically high 50s to low 60s, which is perfect for healthy trout and steady hatches.
A few decades ago, the Teton was struggling. Over-stocking had pushed out wild fish, and a flood in 1997 nearly wrecked the system. But when stocking stopped and restoration began, the native trout rebounded fast. Today, surveys show over 2,500 fish per mile. That’s a stunning recovery driven by clean water and strong food sources.
Dry Fly Fishing Tips
When the big bugs start hatching on the Teton like salmon flies, goldens, or green drakes, Brian keeps things simple but smart. He says success comes from paying attention to what’s happening that day and not being afraid to experiment.
Key tips for better dry-fly days:
- Know your hatch. Talk to locals and guides. Timing changes every year depending on the weather and runoff.
- Go big or mix it up. Use a dry-dropper setup, but if they’re smashing dries, just fish one big bug.
- Heavy tippet is fine. Don’t overthink it. The fish don’t care.
- Fish a “sunken” dry. Slightly wet your bug so it rides just under the surface — looks more natural in fast water.
- Pair salmon flies with goldens. Fish love goldens even more when both are around.
Favorite flies mentioned:
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Jighead
- Golden Stone
- Parachute Adams
- Renegade
Pro move: Don’t get stuck on one pattern or trend. Old flies still work, and fish aren’t as smart as we think. Just try something different until it clicks.
Check in with Brian on socials:
Instagram
Facebook
Check out the boats & rafts: Let M Run
