Yellowstone National Park
This is the best time of the year for hike in fishing inside the Park. There are countless miles of streams an easy day hike from the roads inside of Yellowstone. Almost all of these rivers are clear from run off. Lace up the hikers, grab a pack and see some of the best fishing the Park has to offer.
Madison River (Yellowstone National Park) 7-29-09
With the exception of the morning and evening hours, there are better places to fish than the Madison River inside Yellowstone. However, tossing a hopper around the deeper banks can be pretty effective in pulling up some decent fish, especially in sunny afternoons. Mornings have seen some fish rising to Caddis, a Bogus Beetle has been effective at bringing fish up to the surface as well.
Firehole River 7-29-09
It is time to give the Firehole and its trout a break. Other waters in the Park offer better fishing until the river cools in mid to late September.
Gibbon River 7-29-09
Attractor dry fly fishing has continued to pull up fish in the Gibbon. It isn’t a prime destination right now, but if you need a river to kill a few hours in, the Gibbon can be fun. The area around the Falls is closed to fishing due to the construction, so make sure to steer clear of that stretch of river.
Gallatin River 7-29-2009
The Gallatin remains the best destination for anglers who wish to stay on the west side of Yellowstone Park. Caddis make up the bulk of the hatches right now, though PMD’s and Epeorus are also common sights. Cloudy days are good for the Mayfly fishing. We’ve had good fishing with a variety of flies. PMD Cripples, Epeorus Parachutes, PMD ParaWulffs, Elk Hair Caddis, Iris Caddis and small Royal Wulffs have all been good patterns for the Gallatin in the Park. Ants, Beetles and Small hoppers are more and more of an option on sunny days, especially on windy afternoons.
Slough Creek 7-29-2009
Slough has been seeing a lot of pressure, especially when the Lamar is off color, but the fishing has been pretty darn good for anglers who enjoy stalking fish. Sighted fish are best fooled by PMD and Baetis floating nymphs and emergers, CDC Comparaduns, Parachute Ants, small Midge emergers and when conditions are right, hopper patterns. PMD hatches make things a little easier on the angler as the fish are pretty willing to rise when naturals are around. Slough’s Cutthroat are getting smarter, so come with your A game.
Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek 7-29-2009
The Lamar has been in and out with all of the recent rain we have received. If you hit it on a good day when it is clear, expect good fishing with hoppers and attractor dries. Hatches haven’t been much to write home about on the Lamar. Soda Butte has had more consistent hatches. PMD’s have been excellent when the sky clouds up. A CDC Comparadun PMD has been fantastically effective, but fish seem to tire of seeing the same flies, regardless of what is attached to the tippet. Changing flies often can keep the fish interested. Keep the patterns small and realistic for the best results.