....................... .................... ...Fly Fishing Yellowstone National Park |
August 12, 2015 Yellowstone Country Fishing Report and Surrounding Waters: National Park Streams: (See streams outside the park at the bottom of the page) Firehole River: Forget the Firehole River until at least on into September. It is too warm, with high water temperatures in the 70s. Gibbon River: The lower section of the Gibbon River (below the falls) is too warm. The upper Gibbon River, above the falls, can be fished, but the slow water in the meadows is also a little too warm. Check the water temperature and if it is over 67 degrees at the warmest time of the day, leave it alone. Not only will the trout be stressed if you catch them, they will tend to become lethargic. The meadows above the Norris Geyser Basin will probably be cooler and can be fished all the way to the stream's source. Madison River: The Madison River (in the park), is too warm to fish. Water temperature is going into the low 70s. It should only be fished very early in the mornings or late in the afternoons near dark. I don't recommend it even then. Gallatin River: The Gallatin River is fishing good throughout its length in the park. It is one of the best bets on the western side of the park. There are Pale Morning duns, Pale Evening Duns, Spotted Sedge caddis, Green Sedges, Little Short-horned Sedges, Little Yellow Stoneflies and some other not as important species. Yellowstone River (Canyon Sections): Water from Yellowstone Lake usually keeps the river fairly clear down to the Lamar River confluence. Below the Lamar confluence, it will vary with the clarity of the Lamar which should remain clear except when the high elevations of its headwaters gets a lot of rain. Right now, the canyon below Yellowstone Falls through the Black Canyon to Gardiner is in good shape. It is one of your best bets to fish but takes a little extra effort to access its waters. . Gardner River (Above Osprey Falls): The headwaters of the Gardner River is in good shape with lots of smaller size rainbows and brook trout eager to take a dry fly. Gardner River (Below Osprey Falls to Gardiner): The River is still in good shape with lots of hatches including a few Golden stoneflies that are left to hatch, lots of Little Yellow stoneflies just starting to hatch, tons of Pale Morning Duns, Green DrakesSpotted Sedges and Green Sedges. In another week or two, you may want to try a small green hopper. Some areas of the river are lined with high grass holding lots of hoppers. Ants and Beetles will also work. Yellowstone River Above Yellowstone Lake and below the Lake to the Yellowstone Falls. Opened July 15th. It isn't what it used to be but it does offer up some nice size cutthroats. Pale Evening Duns, Little Yellow Stoneflies, Green and Spotted Sedges. Terrestrials are also working good here. Slough Creek: Slough Creek is in fine condition producing lots of trout. Gray Drakes, Pale Morning Duns, Spotted Sedges and Green Sedges, Little Yellow Stones in the fast water sections, hoppers, ants and beetles are some of the most important insects to match. Flavs, or Small Western Green Drakes are showing up. Soda Butte Creek: Soda Butte Creek is in good shape and producing well. The meadows are producing well and the upper sections are terrific. The upper sections are often overlooked, but far less crowded and with lots of eager, although smaller cutthroat trout. Insects are same as Slough above except no Gray Drakes. It also has some Pale Evening Duns. Lamar River: The Lamar River has off and on, meaning it has been clear and heavily stained off and on. For the most part, i has been producing well and should continue for the next month. Heavy rain in the headwaters will always mess it up for a day or two, but it usually clears pretty fast. Lewis River: The River is clear and in good shape. You will have less competition fishing it, but should have some good results. The section below the falls (Lewis Canyon) has cleared and should produce lots of smaller fish well. There are big browns in the upper, smooth section of the river, but a little difficult to fool. Watch for falling flying ants this month. Snake River: The Snake River is in good shape and producing some nice trout for the few that are fishing it. Yellow Quills, Golden Stoneflies, Little Yellow Sallies, PMDs and Spotted Sedges. Bechler River: The Bechler River of the Cascade Corner of the park is in good shape. It is less fished than many streams in the park but has some very nice size trout. It takes a little effort to reach, but is one of the most overlooked streams in the park. It should remain in good shape from the middle of July on for the next couple of months. The meadow area has lots of Pale Morning Duns, and Spotted Sedges. There are also some Gray Drakes, Green Drakes and Brown Drakes that hatch in the river. Fall River: The Fall River of the Cascade Corner of the park is also in good shape. It is very much under fished due its remoteness. Pale Morning Duns, Green Drakes, Yellow Quills, Spotted Sedges and Green Sedges are the main insects hatching right now. Streams Outside Yellowstone National Park: Madison River (from Hebgen Lake to Ennis): Weekly Updated Fishing Report Yellowstone River (Outside the Park) Weekly Updated Fishing Report Gallatin River (Outside the Park) Weekly Updated Fishing Report Henry's Fork Snake River Idaho: Weekly Updated Fishing Report |