Gallatin River

Madison, Firehole, Gibbon - If you are one of those eager to target lakers on their way out of Hebgen, now is the time to brush the dust off that two-hander and get out there. I went out on the Madison earlier this week and had success with softhackles (in green and orange) and streamers alike. Finding a good stretch of water all to yourself is key, so prepare to go for a little stroll away from the crowds.

Gallatin - As of 9/11; Terrestrials are still the way to go on the Gallatin. A smaller hopper or ant would do the trick, especially on the sunny afternoons. When those fish aren't looking up, a flashy nymph like a rainbow warrior has been doing well!

Northeast Corner - With this rain, the Lamar is officially blown once again. Slough and Soda Butte should be at the very least clouded up a fair bit, so I would stick to the western side of the park if you want to fish within Yellowstone. If you find yourself in the area, a small leech (or very large hopper) should be enough to entice a cutty or two.

Gallatin - Terrestrials are still the way to go on the Gallatin. A smaller hopper or ant would do the trick, especially on the sunny afternoons. When those fish aren't looking up, a flashy nymph like a rainbow warrior has been doing well!

Madison, Firehole, Gibbon - It is still quite early to start hunting for those lake fish coming out of Hebgen, and the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon are still reaching temperatures where fishing is simply unethical. By the middle of September, it should be down to a more comfortable level, and we will start seeing those big browns.

Yellowstone River - As of 8/21; Above the falls, fish are rising pretty well, mainly in golden or natural colors. The river is quite busy, though, so once you find a riser, throw the rotation of different flies at it until it eats. Heavier droppers like a stonefly nymph are a good option as well if that's your thing.

Northeast Corner - As of 8/21; Soda Butte, Lamar, and Slough were fishing really well before the rain, but definitely got hit by a good amount of water and dirt. From the gauge, it looks to be on course to return to pre-rain levels within the next day or two, but more rain is forecasted, so... might be back to where we started on that front.

Gallatin - As of 8/21; In between showers, the dry fly bite should still be alright, but nymphing is definitely going to be the most productive as this cooler weather starts up again. Try throwing around some terrestrials, and if that isn't working out, I would try either a small streamer or nymphing something flashy.

Madison, Firehole, Gibbon - As of September 4th;
The closures on the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon have been lifted. Anglers may fish these rivers from sunrise to sunset per park regulations. The Madison between the YNP boundary and Hebgen Lake is still under a Hoot Owl (2 pm-sunrise) closure. It is still quite early to start hunting for those lake fish coming out of Hebgen, and the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon are still reaching temperatures where fishing is simply unethical. By the middle of September it should be down to a more comfortable level, and we will start seeing those big browns.

Yellowstone River - As of 8/21; Above the falls, fish are rising pretty well, mainly in golden or natural colors. The river is quite busy, though, so once you find a riser, throw the rotation of different flies at it until it eats. Heavier droppers like a stonefly nymph are a good option as well if that's your thing.

Northeast Corner - As of 8/21; Soda Butte, Lamar, and Slough were fishing really well before the rain, but definitely got hit by a good amount of water and dirt. From the gauge, it looks to be on course to return to pre-rain levels within the next day or two, but more rain is forecasted, so... might be back to where we started on that front.