Fly Fishing in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park conveys visions of bigboth good bets. Though always pay attention to
trout guzzling stoneflies and mayflies, pristine watersbears. Do not get close to a bear, or between a sow
and unlimited vistas. As much as I like fishing inand her young. You should give every wildlife a wide
Yellowstone, it is difficult to focus simply on fishingberth. Most creatures have a comfort zone and
with all beautiful landscapes and wildlife at yourprovided you do not pass beyond said zone, then
fingertips.they will not, in any way, threaten you.
However, the Yellowstone River is a must for anyThe Madison River is the favorite of several fly
full-fledged fly fisherman. It's a vast, swift river thatfishermen. Just within the west entrance is a series
has numerous Yellowstone cutthroats. These waterof well-known pools, which often produce good fish.
loving creatures are not that difficult to catch, butPerhaps more brown trout can be caught, but
because of the size and the extent of this body ofrainbows are on the swim as well. In autumn, some
water and the nature of the migration of fish, theylarge trout jet up the river coming from Hebgen Lake
are not at all times feeding in the exact spots. Youand you may even be surprised by a few real
can do well at a certain spot one day and entirelytrophies.
strike out on another even though you are in theThe Firehole River offers a good climate for fishing,
same spot.but because of hot springs that flows through the
A Yellowstone cutthroat is a striking fish with itsriver, the temperature is too hot in summer.
spot, not to mention its amber and orange slashesSome small streams like Gibbon are ok, but in humid
positioned at the gill plates. You may catch 16 "to 18"weather, some of these may be closed to prevent
in the park and perhaps a bigger one.stressing the fish.
Unfortunately, they are helpless against illegal stockingPart of the Gallatin is inside the park and offers very
of trout at Lake Yellowstone. The trout get muchgood fishing at some point in time. Water is not that
bigger and prey upon the cutthroats. If you catch adeep, which may result to few catches because it is
trout, you are asked to keep it or puncture its airhard to obtain fish from shallow waters, but the
bladder and just allow it to sink into the lake.reward is certainly worth the effort.
No boats are allowed in Yellowstone River and anyThere are many lakes and streams that provide
fishing is wade fishing. You can use a float tube or agood fishing, but you'll have to check with the local
boat on Yellowstone Lake.fly shop or park service to update any information.
The river Lamar is a good place, but the storms ofYellowstone country is beautiful and is a fly
may blow off fishing for a couple days. There are afisherman, as well as a photographer's dream. If you
few good tributaries that stream into the Lamar thathave yet to see this, then you must include it in your
are a good bet. Slough Creek and Soda Butte areto go list.