Yellowstone Park - An Angling Introduction

Yellowstone Cutthroat (click image for detail)

Yellowstone Park - An Angling Introduction

By: Matt Klara

With the fishing season right around the corner in Yellowstone (the general season begins May 26 this year) we thought we'd get everyone fired up to fish in the first National Park.  I began fishing in Yellowstone about 20 years ago.  May things have changed since then.  You have to pay for a license now, and the rivers are more crowded than they used to be, but many argue that the angling in the park is better now than it has ever been.  A couple of years back my friend Joe Evancho asked me to write a chapter for his book Fishing Idaho: An Anglers Guide (available from the Cutthroat Press) on fishing in Yellowstone Park.  I was excited to do it, and flattered that someone considered me knowledgable enough to do a good job.  The article here is essentially that chapter and it presents the basics for fly fishing in Yellowstone Park. 
Remember to check out our Yellowstone Park page and our photo gallery for more great shots from Yellowstone.

Licenses and Regulations

     The general fishing season in Yellowstone National Park runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to the first Sunday in November.  Fishing is allowed between the hours of 5am and 10pm. There are quite a few exceptions to the general season so be sure to check the specific regulations for the water(s) you intend to fish. If you have any specific questions about regulations, feel free to contact us.
     A valid Yellowstone National Park fishing license is required for all anglers over 12 years of age.  Licenses are available at local fly shops and at Park Ranger facilities. You should be given a regulation booklet with your license.  If not, you should ask for one as it contains important and detailed information about fishing in Yellowstone Park.
     All types of floating vessels including motorized and non-motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, and float tubes require a permit for use in the Park. Check the current YNP Fishing regulations for locations where boat permits can be purchased.  Floating vessels are not allowed on any river or stream in Yellowstone Park except for the Lewis River between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes.
     In Yellowstone, the health of the ecosystem takes precedence over angling. Fish are used extensively by animals such as ospreys, grizzly bears, and otters for food.  Fisheries management plans have been designed to assure that there are enough adult fish to ensure a wild population large enough to support the needs of these and other animals.  Management plans also emphasize recreational angling for wild fish in a natural setting instead of providing fish as a human food source (stocking of fish ceased in the mid 1950s). As a result, regulations are often complex concerning fishing seasons, temporary and/or permanent area closures, tackle restrictions, and species specific number and size limits. Bait fishing is generally not allowed, some waters are designate fly fishing only or closed altogether, and only lead-free weight is allowed. It is your duty as an angler to inform yourself of the regulations that apply to the water or waters that you plan to fish when visiting Yellowstone. Again, if you have questions, please feel free to contact us. It is also important to be able to positively identify the various fish species that inhabit the waters you plan to fish so that Park regulations can be followed appropriately.


Invasive, Non-native Species
(from the 2004 YNP Fishing Regulations)

     Yellowstone fisheries are threatened by two potentially damaging invasive species.  The whirling disease parasite has been implicated in the decline of wild trout populations in the Western United States.  Widespread infection has been confirmed in Pelican Creek, one of the largest tributaries of Yellowstone Lake.  New Zealand mud snails occur in many park streams, impact aquatic insect communities, and ultimately affect the angling experience.  HELP PREVENT FURTHER SPREAD OF THESE INVADERS [my emphasis] by thoroughly cleaning mud, plants, and debris from your fishing equipment and footwear BEFORE leaving your angling site.  Drain livewells and clean fish ONLY near the same body of water in which they were caught.  Preservation of aquatic resources and quality angling depends on you.
      In addition, non-native lake trout have been discovered in Yellowstone Lake.  They pose a great threat to the future of the lake’s native cutthroat trout.  ALL lake trout caught in Yellowstone Lake, its tributaries, and the Yellowstone River must be killed.

Species Guide: 

Cutthroat Trout             CT
Rainbow Trout              RT
Brown Trout                 BT
Brook Trout                  BK
Lake Trout                   LT
Grayling                       GY
Mountain Whitefish        MW





Madison River  (RT, BN, MW, GY)


      The Madison offers good access and a variety of angling opportunities.  The river is formed at Madison Junction, where the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers meet.  The river winds its way downstream through one of the prettiest valleys on earth before exiting the Park near West Yellowstone.  Along the way anglers have easy access to about 10 miles of the river.   In some sections the Madison is like a large spring creek where the clear water, tranquil flows, and wary trout will challenge even the most accomplished angler.  A stealthy approach and a knack for matching the hatch is required if you hope to hook one of the river’s larger trout.  Other sections are dominated by shallow riffles that offer good fishing at certain times of the year.  Using a dry-and-dropper rig is a great way to search these sections for feisty browns and rainbows.  The Madison also has its share of good (and popular) runs and pools.  Fishing a nymph or streamer through the depths of these sections can produce good action for whitefish and smaller trout when the rest of the river is fishing tough.  Be ready though, on the right day any pool might produce a few surprises!
      The Madison fishes best early and late in the season (Opener through early July and late September through Close).  In recent year the river has been closed to fishing during the middle of the summer due to elevated water temperatures.
      Note that the Madison is a fly fishing only river.  Spinning rods are allowed, but they must be used with a casting bubble or bobber and a fly.




Firehole River  (RT, BN, BK)



      The Firehole is truly a unique river, offering good access, fine dry fly fishing opportunities, and an opportunity to fish alongside all the wonders of Yellowstone Park.  Thermal features line the river, and animals such as elk and bison are seen in large numbers.  The Firehole fishes best early and late in the season when water temperatures are below 70 degrees.  In fact, in recent year the river has been closed to fishing during the middle of the summer due to elevated water temperatures.  Brook trout dominate in the reaches upstream of Old Faithful while rainbows and browns are common downstream of Biscuit Basin.  Important hatches include several species of mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, midges, and even damselflies.  Check in with us to get up to the minute information on the hatches when you arrive.  When the trout are rising, matching the hatch is the best way to fool the trout.  Otherwise, fishing small nymphs and soft hackles, dead drift or on the swing, will likely produce a few grabs.
      Take note that the Firehole River is designated fly fishing only. Spinning rods are allowed, but they must be used with a casting bubble or bobber and a fly.  Also note that the area around Old Faithful is closed to fishing to protect thermal features.  Many of the Park’s thermal features are located on or near the Firehole.  These thermal features are dangerous as well as beautiful, so use caution when walking the banks of the Firehole.


 
Gibbon River  (RT, BN, BK, MW, GY)

      The Gibbon offers up a variety of fishing options and water types unmatched by many rivers 10 times its size.  It is a small river, but along its length one can find placid meadow reaches, fast and steep canyon water, and classic riffle-run-pool habitat all mixed in with spectacular water falls and interesting thermal features.  The road runs along most of the Gibbon’s length, making access relatively easy.  Typically, easier fishing can be had in the faster sections or in the headwater reaches, where the trout run a bit smaller and less picky about your offerings.  Attractor dries and nymphs work well in these areas.  The meadow reaches hold fish of all sizes, but landing any trout over 14 inches will prove a formidable challenge.  Approaching the river stealthily and matching the hatch is critical.  There is no substitute for experience when it comes predicting hatches and fooling a large trout on the Gibbon!
      Take note that the Gibbon River downstream of Gibbon Falls is designated fly fishing only. Spinning rods are allowed, but they must be used with a casting bubble or bobber and a fly.


Gallatin River  (RT, BN, MW, CT, BK, GY)
      The Gallatin offers good access and a mix of water ranging from willow lined meadow reaches to quick, pocket-filled runs and riffles.  The Gallatin runs ice cold and usually comes into fishing shape in early July when hatches of mayflies, caddis, and stoneflies put fish in the feeding mood.  Match the hatch if you can, or fish attractor dry flies with small dropper nymphs.  Later in the season fish feed on terrestrial insects that fall into the river off of overhanging vegetation, so be prepared with hopper, beetle, and cricket patterns.  The fish you are most likely to catch on the Gallatin is a medium sized rainbow trout that runs and jumps with reckless abandon.  Larger fish are also present, especially in lesser fished areas.  The Gallatin can be a fickle river, fishing great one day and poorly the next.  It is often necessary to cover a lot of water before finding that day’s “honey hole”.


Yellowstone River  (CT, RT, BN, MW)


      The section of river from Yellowstone Lake down to Chittenden Bridge opens on July 15.  Access is excellent as the road parallels the river for the entire stretch.  This area offers the angler opportunities to fish for native Yellowstone cutthroats with dry flies as well as nymphs and spinning tackle.  The hatches on this section of river are often complex, and match-the-hatch fishing is common.  Consult with a local fly shop about hatches and river conditions when you arrive.
      Below Chittenden Bridge the mighty Yellowstone plunges over two spectacular waterfalls and begins its journey through the Grand and Black Canyons before exiting the Park at Gardiner.  Downstream of the lower falls you will find native Yellowstone cutthroats as well as a few Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Mountain Whitefish.  This section of river has very little easy access and is usually only fished by adventurous anglers who enjoy hiking as much as fishing.  Large attractor dry flies and nymphs are most effective in the turbulent canyon pocket water.
      In all sections, the Yellowstone is big water and anglers should exercise caution when fishing and wading.


Lamar River  (CT, RT)
      Located in the northeast corner of the Park, the Lamar offers both road and backcountry access to anglers.  Runoff often lasts until late July, making the Lamar the last river in the Park to become fishable each year.  Even when runoff is complete the Lamar is often muddied by thunderstorms in its headwaters.  If you arrive to find the Lamar muddy, check out the nearby Slough Creek.  Though hatches of mayflies and caddis bring fish to the surface when conditions are right the majority of fishing on the Lamar is done with large attractor dry flies, terrestrial insect imitations, and standard nymphs. 
     The Lamar Valley is a favorite location for viewing wildlife as well as fishing.  Bison, pronghorns, grizzly bears, and even wolves are commonly seen in this area.  Use caution while fishing and enjoy the wildlife from a safe vantage point.  


Slough Creek  (CT, RT)


      Slough Creek is a favorite of anglers in Yellowstone Park because of it surface oriented cutthroat trout, approachable size, and terrific scenery.  It is a large meadow stream for most of its length with steep canyon stretches separating the meadow reaches.  Road access is via the dirt road leading to Slough Creek Campground, but many anglers choose to hike from the trailhead near the campground upstream to the First, Second, or Third Meadow (one hour, two hour, and three hour hike respectively).  Fishing is best starting when the runoff subsides and lasts until the first snows kill off the terrestrial insects that the trout feed on later in the season.  Delicate presentations and hatch matching skills are often required.  
      Anglers should be cautious when fishing Slough Creek.  The high banks that offer great views of the fish are often crumbly and precarious.  Bears and other large animals are also common, especially in the backcountry meadows.


Yellowstone Lake  (CT, LT)
      Yellowstone Lake opens to fishing on June 15 and offers anglers nearly limitless opportunities to fish for native Yellowstone cutthroat trout and non-native lake trout. Fishing from shore with light spinning or fly tackle is a great way to catch fish.  Float tubing, canoeing, and motor boating are other effective ways to fish the lake.  Access to shore fishing is easy in many places where the road parallels the lake’s edge.  Woolly Bugger and leach patterns are all you really need to fly fish effectively, but the lake also offers some interesting dry fly fishing opportunities when conditions are right. 
      Yellowstone Lake is big and cold and bad weather can appear without warning.  Use extreme caution and exercise good judgment if you decide to fish from a boat, canoe, or float tube and always wear a life preserver.
      Note that all lake trout must be killed and not released in an effort to protect the native cutthroat trout.


Lewis Lake  (BN, BK, CT, LT)
      Lewis Lake is a popular angling destination for both fly and lure anglers.  Motor boats are allowed, and access is easy via turnouts on the highway and from the established boat ramp at the Lewis Lake Campground.  The best fly fishing comes early and late in the season when the water is colder and the trout can be found in shallow water.  Wading can be effective, but float tubing offers access to more water and makes for unhindered back casts.  Hatches will bring fish to the surface when conditions are right but fishing a large streamer or leach pattern is an all around safer bet.  


Shoshone Lake  (BN, BK, CT, LT)
      At 8050 acres, Shoshone is the largest back country (no road access) lake in the continental US.  It fishes best early in the season, for about a month after iceout and again in the fall when the surface water temperatures cool down.  Fly anglers prefer large streamers and leeches when not matching the early season hatches.  Access is by foot via trails ranging from 3 to 5 miles in length or by canoe via the channel from Lewis Lake.  Only non-motorized vessels are allowed on this lake.
      Like Yellowstone Lake, Shoshone is big and cold and bad weather can appear without warning.  Use extreme caution and exercise good judgment if you decide to fish from a canoe, or float tube and always wear a life preserver.  


Backcountry Waters


      In this reading we have introduced you to 10 of the most famous and easily accessible fisheries in Yellowstone Park.  These waters are popular for good reason.  They offer excellent fishing opportunities while still providing challenges to all levels of anglers.  An angler could spend a lifetime of summers learning and mastering these waters alone.  But there are over 400 fishable waters in Yellowstone, most of which are located away from any road.  For anglers with strong legs and a hearty sense of adventure it is these waters which draw them back to Yellowstone year after year. 
      In the Yellowstone backcountry you can fish a wilderness river for large native cutthroats or float tube a small lake for arctic grayling.  You can sneak up a tiny creek and cast dry flies to eager brook trout or match the hatch on a secluded meadow stream in hopes of fooling a monster rainbow. Part of the fun of fishing the backcountry is the sense of discovery that accompanies each new adventure.  For this reason, we won’t name or describe any specific rivers or lakes in this section.  But the angling opportunities are endless.  we suggest that you pick up a detailed map of the Park, give it a good looking over, and remember that the majority of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds in Yellowstone hold trout of some kind.  Let your imagination run wild and when you visit the Park spend a day or two on some water off the beaten path.  You’ll be glad you did.
      Your own safety is a priority in the backcountry.  Yellowstone is a wild place, and many of the features that make it so special also make it fairly dangerous.  Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, bison, elk, deer, and even badgers can be dangerous if confronted or startled on the trail or stream.  It is important that you act appropriately in the backcountry to avoid incidents with animals.  Always travel in groups, make noise while you hike, and carry pepper spray.  Be informed and know what to do if you come in close contact with large animals. 
     Many of Yellowstone’s thermal features are also located in the backcountry.  While very beautiful, many springs are surrounded by thin or infirm ground that could collapse under a human’s weight.  Be careful and enjoy the thermal features from a safe distance. 
     Yellowstone’s location and mountain topography make for highly changeable and unpredictable weather.  A warm, sunny day can quickly turn into a cold, rainy or snowy one.  Always be prepared by carrying clothing that can be layered for warmth and can retain body heat even when wet.  Polar fleece and waterproof/breathable raingear are great items to pack.
     Be sure to bring enough food and water to get you through the day.  Drink plenty of water!  It is easy to become dehydrated during a long day on the trail.  Because you will probably be on a river or lake, a good option to packing lots of water is to carry a portable water filter in your day pack.  Make sure you store your food properly while fishing. Animals have been known to dig into an unattended pack in hopes of scoring a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Keep your food on you or hang it in a tree if there is a spot available.
     It is often ideal to camp in the backcountry so you can take advantage of a longer fishing day.  Camping is allowed at designated sites only and backcountry camping permits (free) must be obtained in advance at one of the many Park Ranger facilities.  Ask for more information on backcountry camping regulations at Park entrances or Ranger facilities.