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Now is the time to change gears and strategies for fishing in our
nations first national park. with the runoff nearing an end
we can move from the lakes to the rivers and streams for some of the
best trout fishing that the west has to offer. As always, remember
that a Wyoming fishing license in not valid in Yellowstone and a Yellowstone fishing permit is required. 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 stream.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is closed for fishing until July 15th. Here is
a preview of what could be happening in case you have plans to make the
opener (you lucky dogs).
Because this is turning out to be a low water year for the Yellowstone
ecosystem the chances of catching the Salmon Fly hatch are minimal. The
Golden Stones should still be out and about and are typically a size 10.
Look for Grey Drakes in the slower water throughout the middle of the
day. As is always the case on the Yellowstone River nymph fishing is the
way to go when you don't see any actively rising fish. Try large
stonefly nymphs such as Simulators, Kaufmanns Golden Stone Nymphs and
Halfbacks in sizes 8 and 10. For the smaller nymphs tie on Bead head Pheasant
tails and Serendipities in #14 and #16.
In the evenings there could be large hatches of charcoal caddis. If
the fish get keyed in on them on the surface nothing more sophisticated
than a #16 Elk Hair Caddis would be necessary. Other great patterns
include the Schroeder's Para Caddis and the LaFontaine Sparkle
Caddis Pupa.
Finally, don't be afraid to try some streamers like black and brown
wooly buggers into the deeper holes.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is still fishing very well. A new development on the
lake is the steady emergences of Callibaetis that have been seen in
parts of the lake. This hatch can offer some very technical sight
fishing to Yellowstone Cutthroat right in the shallows near the banks.
Look for a #14 mayfly, gray in color, with spotted or Mottled
wings.
A slow to medium strip retrieve of Woolly Buggers
and Mini Leeches in brown and dark red colors (sizes 12, 10 and 8) is as
effective a technique as any. Be ready, because Yellowstone
Cutthroats will often hit the fly as it sinks.
Sinking lines can be helpful, especially considering the fact that
lead shot is not allowed on a leader (or even in possession) anywhere in Yellowstone.
Boats or float tubes are helpful, but not necessary as trout will cruise the
shoreline and can be caught in places where there is room for a good
backcast. Many such locations exist, such as Sand Point near Bridge Bay
Marina and Pumice Point between Grant Village and Bridge Bay. These fish
are never very deep either, preferring to stay in 15 feet or less of
water.
Madison River
The Madison River in Yellowstone National Park is primarily geyser
fed and, like it's main tributary the Firehole River, can slow down in
the summer months. We still have some time before the river turns off
however. Look for Pale Morning Duns in the mid morning and mid day and
reserve the afternoons for hopper fishing. By evening the PMD's should
be back on the water to lay their eggs. Matching this mayfly's size (14
or 16) with a Rusty Spinner and looking for rising fish can save a slow
day and put the icing on the cake of a good one.
Gibbon River
The often overlooked tributary of the famous Madison River is
the Gibbon. The section below Gibbon Falls has been fishing very well
and should continue to for some time. Generally the Gibbon is an
attractor fishery. That is to say it is most productive to fish the
water, looking for good holding water instead of actively rising fish. Some
good choices for patterns include: Royal Wulffs, Snake Drakes, and Elk
Hair Caddis.
Yellowstone
Fishing Report Archives
Ned Hutchinson
High Country Flies
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