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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. Prices are $10 for ten days or $20 for
the full season.
Remember to check the Yellowstone fishing
regulations regarding permits, permanently closed areas, and special
fishing regulations before venturing out to the water.
Lewis Lake
Fishing very well. Streamers fished on full sink lines are picking up
lots of browns and mackinaw along shelves, points, and wooded banks. Try
Beadhead Peacock Buggers (size 8), black mohair leeches (size 10-6), Red
Mini Leeches (size 10), and large Beadhead Prince Nymphs (size 10-6).
A Type II full sink line is the best bet overall, though Type I's and
III's also have their place. A medium speed, erratic retrieve is very
effective, with trout often hitting the fly on the pause.
If you're in the right place at the right time you may run into a pod
of browns feeding on emerging and adult midges, but this type of
activity has been sporadic thus far. Mornings and evenings have been
best for finding surface feeders.
Very soon we expect the Mahogany Dun hatch to begin at which point
the dry fly fishing will improve dramatically.
Yellowstone Lake
As opposed to last year's June 1 opener, Yellowstone Lake will be
opening on June 15 in 2001.
The purpose of the June 1 opening was an effort to harvest
non-indigenous Lake Trout which were "discovered" inhabiting
Yellowstone Lake in 1994. However, declining populations of the native
Yellowstone Cutthroats has precipitated a change of heart on the part of
the National Park Service, which is now more concerned with protecting
cutthroats than harvesting Lake Trout.
Nevertheless, we don't expect reports of declining cutthroat
populations to be all that noticeable, at least for this year, and the
Yellowstone Lake opener rarely disappoints. Expect excellent fishing
with Woolly Buggers (black or olive, size 6). Beadhead Peacock Woolly
Buggers are also deadly. Floating lines are OK, though full sink lines
can sometimes be more effective.
Please keep in mind...all cutthroats caught anywhere in Yellowstone
National Park must be released unharmed and all Lake Trout caught in
Yellowstone Lake must be killed.
Firehole River
The Firehole is fishing much like it always does this time of year,
that is, quite well. 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.
Other effective patterns include Light Spruce Matuka, Copper John's,
Royal Coachman Wet, Parachute Caddis, and the Glassy Caddis Pupa.
Start looking for the salmon flies in the Firehole Canyon.
Yellowstone River
Closed to fishing until July 15.
Yellowstone
Fishing Report Archives
Guy Turck
Head Guide -- High Country Flies
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