Yellowstone Backcountry Fishing

If you want to experience Yellowstone's true fishing gems, visit its smaller streams and lakes found in the backcountry.

Overview
You would think that with over 2.2 million acres and 1,000 miles of rivers, there wouldn't be any crowded water for fishing. However, most anglers fish near access points, road crossings, parking lots, campgrounds, bridges, and/or anywhere a river parallels the road.  It's strange, but if you walk just a bit, you won't see other anglers.

A Sampling of Backcountry Fishing Areas

• Slough Creek
  The trailhead to Slough Creek can be found ten miles above the fork in the road near the Tower Roosevelt District. The trail is very well marked and the hike is fairly flat and easy. The trail leads up the creek and eventually into three meadows.
• Grebe lake
  The Grebe Lake Trail is located near Canyon Village. You can travel approximately 3 miles before coming upon the lake. The trail is an easy to moderate hike.
• Upper Falls River
  To get to the Upper Falls River, take the Flagg Ranch-Ashton Road to Grassy Lake; follow Grassy Lake outlet down to Fall River - about a one-mile hike.

Slough Creek ,Grebe Lake and the Upper Falls River are only three pieces of water out of literally more than a hundred back country places to fish.

Permits/Fees
Whether you go out on your own or hire a guide to show you the good spots, you are required to have a fishing permit. Fishing permits are available for a fee from ranger stations, visitor centers and general stores throughout the park as well as local stores in the gateway cities.

The Park Service requires that all parties heading out on a multiple day trip apply for a permit and watch a video tape on having a safe backcountry trip.

Hiring a Fishing Guide
Hiring a guide is always a good option, especially if you are looking for those great “no tell ‘um” backcountry-fishing spots. Most guides in the surrounding towns of Yellowstone have excellent backcountry experience. They know the best places to go, the best equipment to use, and what “fly” should be tied to your line.

Good guides establish reputations that are based on their knowledge as well as their ability to get along with people - they can charm the fish and the fishermen. Check with the local sporting shops, fly shops and local outfitters when looking for a backcountry fly-fishing guide.

Additional Information
Never go fishing in Yellowstone without rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a hat. It is also advisable for backcountry users to have a can of bear repellent (pepper spray) handy and hang bells on their packs. Not only bears, but ALL animals in the Park are wild and should be given a wide berth and proper respect. You can be put up a tree by elk, bison, and moose.