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Opening Day for the 2000 fishing season in Yellowstone National Park
is Saturday, May 27. While a Wyoming fishing license in not required in
Yellowstone, a Yellowstone fishing permit is. They can usually be
obtained at entrance stations, Old Faithful, Grant Village and other
locations throughout the park.
Remember to check the Yellowstone fishing
regulations regarding permits, permanently closed areas, and special
fishing regulations before venturing out to the stream.
Preseason Forecast for Southern Yellowstone
Lewis Lake
Lewis Lake is normally a solid sheet of ice on opening day, with
ice-out occurring in the first week of June. What will happen this year
is anybody's guess, but when the ice does come off fishing is typically
very good to excellent. The ice is already off of Yellowstone Lake and
Lewis may well be ice free on opening day this year. Leeches, Bead-head Price Nymphs, and Woolly
Buggers can all be effective.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is often covered with ice on opening day as well,
but not this year. The ice came off several days ago. Expect fishing to be red
hot from the get go. Woolly Buggers in black, olive, or peacock with or
without bead-heads are about the only fly you'll need. Remember, Yellowstone
Lake doesn't open until June 1.
Firehole River
The Firehole can provide excellent fishing from Opening Day through
June. Pale Morning Duns in sizes 16 and 14 along with a size 16 Charcoal
Caddis are the predominant hatches. Be sure to have a good selection of
emergers and adults to match these hatches as the fishing can be quite
technical. Fine tippets and good presentation are the order of the day
when the trout are feeding on the surface.
Royal Coachman and Partridge and Peacock wet flies can be very
effective when there is no hatch. Bead-head Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tail
Nymphs, and Zug Bugs in sizes 16-12 are staples of the nymph fisherman.
Swing the wet flies and dead drift the nymphs.
Yellowstone River
Closed to fishing until July 15.
Guy Turck
Head Guide -- High Country Flies
Last Updated: April 20, 2000
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