Fly Fishing Yellowstone
By Hillary from ALLTrips.com
Ask any local fishing guide or angler in one of the gateway towns surrounding Yellowstone what his favorite fly fishing destination in the park is, and you’ll get a different answer. Though many of them will only discuss the fairly well known spots, withholding their favorite waters, everyone has an enthusiastic response, indicating that with over 2,000 miles of fishable waterways, there is no bad fly fishing in the legendary waters of Yellowstone.
Whether you come to fish during the spring, summer or fall, there are always fish to be caught, and breathtaking views to behold. Despite the droves of visitors Yellowstone sees every year, with a little exploration, finding seclusion and privacy isn’t much of a challenge. Not only are there countless waters to choose from, but the sport itself takes you off the beaten path. Fishing in Yellowstone can be intimidating, especially for the unprepared angler, so here are a few insider tips from a group of Jackson Hole locals about when and where to go for the ultimate fly fishing experience.
Firehole River
If you walk into this town a stranger, you will not be a stranger for long if you ask most anybody about fly fishing in Yellowstone. A very popular river is the Firehole River. In late spring it has dependable Pale Morning Dun (PMD’s if you’re asking for them at a fly shop) hatches that make for good early season dry fly fishing. This waterway is unique, as there are lots of geysers and fumaroles in the surrounding area. As a result of being fed by these thermal features, water temperatures can soar in the mid summer months, causing the fish to be lethargic and indifferent to even the most experienced anglers’ offerings. It won’t fish well again until fall. The Firehole is not a big fish fishery, but according to locals, there are plenty of eager brown trout ready to strike!
Madison River
The Madison River is another good early season fishery like the Firehole, but the real attraction of the Madison are the lake-run fish from Hebgen Lake (located outside of the park boundary in Montana). The lake-run fish begin to show up in mid-September and will be in the river until the park closes for fishing in late fall. The lake-run fish are both Brown and Rainbow Trout, and they leave the lake to spawn each fall. These are sometimes big fish (over 5 lbs) and are fished to with larger streamers. You are not out to catch numbers of fish in the fall on the Madison, you are out to catch big fish. But anglers have a tendency towards exaggeration, so be sure to bring you camera to document your catch!
Lamar River
For late summer fishing, the Lamar River has a great reputation and is a healthy fishery known for its Cutthroat and Cutthroat/Rainbow hybrids. Terrestrial flies (grasshoppers, beetles, ants) are the angler’s choice for this time of year. It is located in the Northeastern part of the park and has unmatched scenery. Wolf enthusiasts also like this part of the park as the wide open country allows for good wolf and wildlife viewing. The Lamar will turn muddy once heavy afternoon thunderstorms start, so it is best to plan a trip there during stable weather.
Lewis Lake
One long time Jackson local who has fished the waters of Yellowstone all his life, recommends Lewis Lake and Lewis straits as two great locations to catch healthy Mackinaws, Brown Trout and the occasional, but rare, catch of a Cutthroat. He also touted the Grebe Lake for its Graylings, and briefly described his most recent trip to its shores, “it was in August, carrying in a float tube the 3 1/4 mile trip in and catching Grayling and Rainbows all day long on the purplish damsel nymph recommended by Charlie Brooks (legendary author and angler). A grizzly fed on the slope above the lake in early morning, a trumpeter swan sat at one end, an otter sunned on a log, and a half dozen ospreys flew around overhead.” Indeed, a spectacular scene.
Hiring a Guide
Still not sure where go? Hiring a guide is always a good option. Most guides in the surrounding towns of Yellowstone have a ton of backcountry experience and loads of industry knowledge. The best way to hire one is through word of mouth. Ask your friends who have visited the area which outfitter they used. Or even your waiter at dinner or the front desk attendant at your hotel. Chances are pretty good that they will double as a guide, or will at least have some good tips to set you in the right direction! Good guides establish reputations not only for their ability to put clients onto fish, but for their personalities, as well. If you can’t find recommendations to go on, there are a plethora of outfitters in the Greater Yellowstone region, depending on which part of the park you wish to fish. Call around to fly shops until you find a program that suits you.
Park Regulations and Permits
There are many regulations in the park, such as size and bag limits and what tackle you may use. Permits are required at reasonable costs and first time anglers in Yellowstone should inquire at the Visitor’s Center and pick up a copy of the rules and regulations to stay out of trouble and make the most of your fishing experience. There is no float fishing allowed in Yellowstone Park, but wade fishing gives you the chance to soak up the scenery. And not all boating is restricted. Both Yellowstone and Lewis Lakes allow boats, so these are good options if you enjoy lake fishing. Do use caution and tread lightly, which should be the motto of all backcountry enthusiasts. Dangers arise in the form of bears, moose, and the thin thermal crust. All are dangers that have injured myriads of park visitors. Bear spray and common sense should be enough protection to get you out there and enjoying Yellowstone's great waterways.
Wherever you decide to drown you lines in Yellowstone, you will be guaranteed a memorable experience in the country’s first national park.
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