Fishing Season reopens in Yellowstone Park on Memorial Day Weekend. Until that time we are left to watch the snow pile up and plan for the upcoming season.

When the Park first opens for fishing, the Firehole River is often one of the few clear streams and has the first good hatches of the year. Traditional wet fly fishing and nymphing are productive, but most anglers prowl the Firehole to fish dries. Rising fish can be found on the opener when Baetis and a variety of Caddis are on the water. PMD’s often begin hatching right around opening day, and this fine hatch is the mainstay of the Firehole’s surface fishing until mid to late June when the water begins to warm and other fisheries supplant the Firehole as the best destination in the Park.

The Madison and Gibbon are the next rivers to come into shape and there are years when fine fishing can be found as soon as the Park is open. By late June the Gardiner and its tributaries are usually in shape and the Gallatin in Yellowstone is dropping and clearing. These rivers all provide good fishing throughout late June and July.

The rivers in the Northeast Corner of Yellowstone are among the last to clear and drop into shape.  Most years the Fourth of July is a good starting point for finding clear water, but one should keep an eye on snowpack as this can vary by several weeks. Slough Creek is often the first fishable Lamar tributary. The Lamar and Soda Butte take longer to drop and clear than Slough Creek and are also much more prone to going out with rain. Dirty water can greet a fisherman anytime throughout the season if any rain has fallen. However, the Lamar and Soda Butte offer some of the best front country fishing in the Park when they are clear.

The Yellowstone River opens below Yellowstone Lake on July 15th. The River between Fishing Bridge and Hayden Valley was recently one of the best trout fisheries in the world. Cutthroat numbers have plummeted in recent years and visiting anglers are often shocked by the lack of fish in this section of the Yellowstone compared to what it was ten years ago. Lake Trout predation in Yellowstone Lake, Whirling Disease and low water seemingly are the three factors to blame on this fishery’s decline. The Yellowstone does still have some trout in it however, and these fish are larger now than ever before. It is no longer a numbers fishery, but it is a place to stalk a big rising cutthroat or two and catching a 20 inch Cutthroat on a dry is within the realm of possibility. However, many feel that the river should be closed to fishing to place as little stress on the remaining fish as possible, and they may very well be right. Is fishing the Yellowstone ethical? That is for you to decide.

There are countless other places to fish for trout inside of Yellowstone Park. Lakes, small streams and backcountry rivers all offer anglers a chance for less pressured fish and greater solitude inside our first National Park. This season in Yellowstone will have some excellent fishing.

There are a fair number of Hebgen Lake fish in the Madison in the Park.  Fishing will continue to improve as we get further into fall, but there are certainly enough fish around to make it worth your time.  As more anglers begin to target the lake runs, it is important to remember to fish through pools and to enter water above other anglers.  Drifting at one spot is not only ineffective but in poor taste whether you are fishing streamers, soft hackles or nymphs.

Firehole River

There are good numbers of caddis up on the Firehole and anglers are also catching fish on terrestrials.  Water temps are staying in the acceptable range, though we  still don’t think fishing it in mid afternoon is such a good idea.  There have been baetis on cloudy days, but those days have been in short supply.

Gibbon River

Tossing attractors and terrestrials on the Gibbon certainly won’t show the fish anything novel this time of year, but if done well can make for a fun day of fishing.

Slough Creek

Drakes and Mahogany Duns have been out on Slough, but we have seen more consistent fishing with small terrestrials.  The fish are super picky this time of year and will not tolerate a sloppy approach or cast.

Lamar River

The Lamar and Soda Butte are still seeing a ton of traffic.  There have been caddis in the evenings and the usual attractors and small terrestrials will work just fine.  Don’t expect to find dumb cutthroat anymore as angling pressure has changed the way the fish behave.  Pretend you are fishing a spring creek and the fish should cooperate just fine.

Gallatin River

This is a great time to fish the Gallatin in the Park.  The afternoons are the time to be on the water as it kicks up a few degrees and the terrrestrials are much more active.  The fishing is pretty technical as the fish have gotten tough, but they can be fooled by a careful approach and a good cast.  Small attractor dries and the typical early fall hoppers and ants make for the best patterns.

There are some lake run browns and rainbows in the Madison in the Park.  Fishing isn’t nearly as awesome as it will be in a few more weeks, but there are a few less dudes out there messing with the fish than there will be over Columbus Day Weekend.  Fish hard early and late in the day and one can find a fish or two.  Cool weather looks to be a ways off, but when it comes, fishing should pick up considerably.

Firehole River

There are good numbers of Caddis up on the Firehole.  Water temps are staying in the acceptable range, though we don’t think fishing it in mid afternoon is such a good idea.  When things cool down we should start to see some Baetis.

Gibbon River

Tossing attractors and terrestrials on the Gibbon certainly won’t show the fish anything novel this time of year, but if done well can make for a fun day of fishing. 

Slough Creek

Toss a beetle around on Slough.  Do it well and some fish will eat it.  Get drag and watch the fish tell you to improve your skills.  As you are fishing your beetle, make sure to keep an eye out for Drakes.

Lamar River

Anglers heading to the Lamar this time of year always want to check the streamflow gauge before they commit to the drive as any storm can put the river out.  Stable weather makes for good fishing and we’ve seen plenty of nice fish that were interested in terrestrials recently.  Always keep a few Calf Wing Rusty Spinners in the box for fish that refuse a Hopper, Ant or Beetle.  Fishing spots that are a bit off of the beaten path makes for easier fish and usually, a more pleasant day.

Gallatin River

This is a great time to fish the Gallatin in the Park.  The afternoons are the time to be on the water as it kicks up a few degrees and the terrrestrials are much more active.  The fishing is pretty technical as the fish have gotten tough, but they can be fooled by a careful approach and a good cast.  Small attractor dries and the typical early fall hoppers and ants make for the best patterns.

Anglers are chomping at the bit to fish for lake run browns and rainbows on the Madison in the Park and there are a few fish that have already moved up from the lake.  Their numbers are extremely sparse so targeting these fish is still by and large a big waste of time, but there are a FEW around.  Fishing usually gets good after the 15th of the month and doesn’t really get consistent until after the 20th.  Fishing terrestrials to resident fish has actually been pretty good and the Madison’s 10-14 inch fish make for some fun afternoons on the water.

Firehole River

The Firehole can fish decently for a few hours in the mornings.  Upstream of Midway Geyser Basin the water is a little cooler. Until it really cools down we should stay off the water after lunchtime to give the fish a break in the warmer temps.

Gibbon River

There is some good terrestrial fishing to be had on the Gibbon right now.  The fish in the pocket water stretches are easier to catch, but lack the size of the larger fish in the meadows.

Slough Creek

Cinnamon ants and hoppers have been working well on Slough, but the fish are very picky with the terrestrials, even in the upper meadows. Expect to see some Mahogany Duns and Fall Drakes any day now.  These mayflies can make for some of the best fishing of the year.  Emergers and duns for each insect are a must to fool rising fish.  Approach the river with caution and try to get a bead on where each fish in the pool is before you start casting.  Some of the larger fish will be cruising in predictable patterns and are much easier to catch once one observes this. 

Lamer River

Anglers heading to the Lamar this time of year always want to check the streamflow gauge before they commit to the drive as any storm can put the river out.  Soda Butte and the Lamar have been out with rain the last two days but look to be coming back into shape.  Fishing has been good when the rivers are clear.  Ants and beetles are the number one bugs, but be prepared to fish Rusty Spinners, Drakes, Baetis and small attractors to get the fish interested.

Gallatin River

This is a great time to fish the Gallatin in the Park.  The afternoons are the time to be on the water as it kicks up a few degrees and the terrrestrials are much more active.  The fishing is pretty technical as the fish have gotten tough, but they can be fooled by a careful approach and a good cast.  Small attractor dries and the typical early fall hoppers and ants make for the best patterns.

Terrestrial fishing has been decent in the Park.  It is nothing to write home about, but one can find fish willing to eat beetles, ants and hoppers right now.  There are still some Caddis in the evenings but the fishing doesn’t really pick up most nights until dusk.  Fall fishing is still a ways off, despite the frequent rumors of lake run fish in the late summer.

Firehole River

It is time to give the Firehole a break.  After supporting our need for dry fly fishing all of June it could certainly use a rest. The water is just too warm to fish to the trout without harming them.

Gibbon River

The Gibbon isn’t on fire right now, but it can be a good place to sneak out for a few hours of fishing.  Attractor dries are the game during the daytime right now.  Terrestrial fishing has been slow to start this season, but ants and hoppers should start to be more effective in the coming weeks, especially in the meadows.

Slough Creek

The terrestrial fishing on Slough has been good, though the fish are certainly tough to fool right now.  Perfect drifts are a must and one must have the pattern dialed in.  Take some time to plan a careful approach and make the first cast count, especially when fishing to a sighted or rising fish.  Change the pattern frequently if you have refusal rises as the fish won’t often come back to a fly they have refused.

Lamar River

Anglers heading to the Lamar this time of year always want to check the streamflow gauge before they commit to the drive as any storm can put the river out.  Fishing has been good on the Lamar.  Fish have been eating the usual terrestrials, especially Beetle patterns.  Keep some Rusty Spinners and PMD Parachutes in the box for the mayflies one may encounter.  There has been a bear on the lower Soda Butte trying to help relieve some of the pressure on the Native Cutthroat the inhabit the stream.  If a YNP Ranger tells you to leave the river, be sure it is for a good reason, as this bear has been rather aggressive and thinks that us anglers should give the stream a rest.  Don’t become a headline.

Gallatin River

The Gallatin is still pretty chilly so fishing has been slow until things warm up after lunch time.  When the fish get going, attractor fishing with dries has been pretty good.  Terrestrial fishing is best in the afternoons and there are some good hatches late in the day to keep both the trout and anglers interested.

Fishing on the Madison in the Park has slowed down during the day, but there is still some good action on Caddis in the evenings.  Spent Caddis in #14-16 and Emergent Sparkly Pupa are both good flies for this hatch.  Tricos hatch in good numbers most mornings, though larger fish seldom feed on the dimiutive insects. 

Firehole River

It is time to give the Firehole a break.  After supporting our need for dry fly fishing all of June it could certainly use a rest. The water is just too warm to fish to the trout without harming them.

Gibbon River

The Gibbon isn’t on fire right now, but it can be a good place to sneak out for a few hours of fishing.  Attractor dries are the game during the daytime right now.  Terrestrial fishing has been slow to start this season, but ants and hoppers should start to be more effective in the coming weeks, especially in the meadows.

Slough Creek

Slough is fishing like itself finallyand is a great place to head too if you like a good challenge.  Slough’s Cutthroat are tough to fool but do respond to good drifts with realistic flies.  PMDs, a few Drakes and some Caddis make up the bulk of the hatches.  The most important thing to remember about fishing Slough is to switch flies after getting a refusal.  Fish rarely will eat a fly after they inspect it and it isn’t up to code.  Try something else, even if it may not be an exact match for what you think the fish are keyed in on.

Lamar River

The Lamar is in shape (pending thunderstorms, keep an eye on the streamflow gauge) and has been offering up some of the best fishing in the Park.  A few Drakes are about, but most of the fish we are catching are on Caddis or simple attractor dries such as Stimulators, Trudes and various Parachute patterns in #14-18.  The Soda Butte is seeing its normal excessive amount of fishing pressure and is a good place to avoid if you value solitude or seeing good fishing behavior out of your fellow feather flingers, though anglers are reporting that the fishing has been good.

Gallatin River

The Gallatin has been fishing pretty well in the Park in the afternoons.  We are seeing some Spruce Moths to go along with the small stoneflies, caddis and PMDs.  Covering water with attractor dries is standard practice on the Gallatin, though rising fish can often be stalked in some of the pools and soft pockets along the banks.

We are still seeing very good fishing on the Madison in the Park.  Evening caddis fishing has been very good.  Larger fish tend to rise at last light, so it pays to stay out on the water until the fishing closes for the day.   We are still seeing some PMD’s in the mornings to go along with a nice caddis emergence. Mid day fishing with attractor dries isn’t setting the world on fire, but one can certainly raise some fish.  Getting good drifts tight to the banks and other structure is usually the key to finding larger fish to eat the fly.

Firehole River

The Firehole is still at  a fishable temperature in the mornings but is warming during the day to a level that it should probably be left alone after lunch time.  Fishing hasn’t been spectacular, but there are some fish rising to caddis if one wants to fish it.

Gibbon River

The Gibbon is seeing a good number of caddis, both in the meadow and pocket water stretches.  In the meadows fish tend to be very picky and often require realistic patterns.  Where the water is more broken simple attractor patterns work very well.  In either case, good drifts are still necessary to get fish to eat your fly. 

Lamar River and Slough Creek

Slough Creek is clear, though still very cold and has limited insect activity.  Fishing, especially with the dry fly, has been pretty slow, but things will pick up quickly as the water continues to drop and warm up a little.  The Lamar and Soda Butte cutthroat are still taking a break from anglers as both rivers are high and muddy still.  They continue to drop but still have significant amounts of run off.

Gallatin River

Good news on the Gallatin in the Park.  We have clarity!  The water will free your ankles off in about five minutes if you are trying to wet wade and the biting flies are pretty bad when the wind lays down, but at least the river is looking good.  Fishing has been better in the afternoons than in the mornings as the little rise in water temps gets things going.  Trudes, Stimulators, Green Drakes and Golden Stones have all been good patterns.

We are still seeing very good fishing on the Madison in the Park.  Evening caddis fishing has been very good.  Larger fish tend to rise at last light, so it pays to stay out on the water until the fishing closes for the day.   We are still seeing some PMD’s in the mornings to go along with a nice caddis emergence. Mid day fishing with attractor dries isn’t setting the world on fire, but one can certainly raise some fish.  Getting good drifts tight to the banks and other structure is usually the key to finding larger fish to eat the fly.

Firehole River

Caddis are still active on the Firehole in the mornings.  Mid day the river should be avoided as the water is heating up into the mid seventy degree range which is a little too warm for the fish.  Late evening brings out a flurry of rising as well,  but the mornings are more consistent.

Gibbon River

The Gibbon is seeing a good number of Caddisflies, both in the meadow and pocket water stretches.  In the meadows fish tend to be very picky and often require realistic patterns.  Where the water is more broken simple attractor patterns work very well.  In either case, good drifts are still necessary to get fish to eat your fly.

Lamar River and Slough Creek

Slough should start to fish this week.  Fishing is normally very good when visibility cleans up, but be sure to bring bug spray (and maybe a headnet) as the biting critters will be fierce this season.  The Lamar is still a ways away from being fishable but is slowly dropping.  Maybe another week to ten days, depending on how much rain we get could see the river come into shape.

Gallatin River

The Gallatin in the Park is cleaning up and starting to fish, though thunderstorms are slowing the process quite a bit. A few rain free days should be all that is needed to see the river running clear for good.  Salmonflies and Golden stones are still around so it might be a good idea to head up and give the river a good fishing.  Caddis, Little Olive Stones and PMD’s are going to be added to the menu very soon.

Evening Caddis on the Madison in the Park has been very good.  There isn’t a ton of great fishing to be had in the afternoons, but the late day fishing makes up for it.  CDC Caddis, Spent White Millers and Tan and Olive X-Caddis in #16-18 have all been good patterns.  There are some PMD’s in the mornings so make sure to have some #16-18 imitations.  The river is lower and in good shape.

Firehole River

The Firehole is still seeing some good caddis fishing in the mornings and evenings.  Mid-day the river is getting pretty warm.  Fishing on the Firehole has been good this season, but it is getting time to shut things down in another week or so as the temps will continue to climb.

Gibbon River

Attractor dry fly fishing on the Gibbon has been really solid.  There are a lot of Caddis and some PMD’s and the fish are certainly looking for food up on the surface.  Parachutes, Elk Hair Caddis and Stimulators are all good flies to use in #14-16’s. 

Lamar River and Slough Creek

These rivers are still very high and dirty.  They will need some more time to come into shape this season.

The Madison is still pretty high, but very clear and seeing a lot of insect activity.  Nymphs and streamers have been working well during the day, but the dry fly fishing, especially in the evenings has been even better.  Good numbers of White Miller Caddis make their appearance late in the day and there are also Yellow Sallies and PMDs to get the fish excited. Most of the fish are rising close to the banks or in soft bubble lines.

Firehole River

Most years I would be writing about how the fishing on the Firehole is just finishing up for the summer right now.  This year is a little different, as the PMD and Caddis fishing is really just becoming consistent.  Mornings have been slow, but from mid day on there are fish to be found coming up to the various hatches.  As the water continues to warm, we should see action earlier in the day.  Tan X-Caddis, White Millers, Iris Caddis, CDC Comparadun PMDs and PMD emergers are all good flies to fish the hatches.

Gibbon River

The Gibbon has cleared up and is fishing pretty well with attractor style dries.  There aren’t many fish rising, but there are enough Caddis around to get fish interested in what is floating on the surface.  The river is still pretty high, but clarity is decent.