Here's this week's Yellowstone National Park Fishing Report. 

Not much new in Park fishing this week as Yellowstone remains one of the most consistent options available to anglers visiting Big Sky Country. 

Northeast Corner – Slough, Soda Butte & Lamar

Warm, dry afternoons and cool nights bode well for consistent fishing in the Cutthroat Corner of Yellowstone Park. All three of these great fisheries are experiencing daily hatches of PMD's in size #16-20, as well as corresponding spinner falls. Terrestrials like ants, beetles, and hoppers should continue to be your go to in absence of hatching mayflies. 

As flows naturally drop over the course of the summer fish become concentrated in only the best pieces of holding water making it more and more important to cover a lot of water when fishing these fisheries, especially the Lamar River. Be prepared to walk a good bit between "fishy" spots passing up water that looks like it might hold a fish and focusing only on the spots that look too good to pass up.

Yellowstone River – Canyon Stretches

Consistent, warm weather has produced some great hopper fishing throughout the canyon sections of the Yellowstone River in the Park. There are many spots to access this rugged, beautiful canyon ranging from short 1-2 mile hikes to longer multi-day backcountry trips. Take a good look at the map and choose your adventure wisely. This is burly country and requires equal parts preparedness and physicality. If you're up for the effort, the rewards are some of the most breathtaking trout water in the world. Read below for some tips when exploring the backcountry. 

Yellowstone River – Caldera Stretch

This iconic fishery continues to pump out decent hatches deep into the summer season. While not widespread, Grey Drake Spinner falls are still the main event during the mornings and evenings. Each week we expect to see this activity taper off, and each week we are pleasantly surprised to see it hanging on. Eventually it will fade away, but for the next week it should remain a reliable producer of rising fish. When the spinner fall dies down in the afternoon turn your attention to hoppers and ants, and test your skill at sight fishing to one of those large, crafty Yellowstone Cutts. 

Gallatin River

Like a well-tuned Yamaha outboard, the Gallatin runs smooth and steady—reliable as ever, and always a solid bet, especially on a hot August afternoon. Hoppers, ants, and the occasional spruce moth should be in your quiver, and be sure to pay extra attention to any deep, undercut pieces of bank, even if they look just big enough for one cunning brown trout to call home.

Gardner River

This little gem is a great place to fish hoppers in pocket water for a variety or trout species including, browns, rainbows, brookies, cutts, and cutt-bows. Focus your efforts upstream of the boiling river as water temps below are warm by the afternoon. 

Explore the Backcountry 

As we enter the middle of August, it's officially prime time to explore the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. Trails have dried out, the peak of the biting fly season has passed, and meadows are alive with the buzzing and clicking of terrestrial insects. For anglers willing to lace up their boots and hike into remote waters, few places offer more rewarding opportunities than Yellowstone.

We’ll leave the joy of discovering these hidden gems to you—that’s half the fun, after all. But rest assured, all of our favorite fisheries in the Park begin somewhere in the backcountry. A little time spent poring over a map of these headwaters is almost guaranteed to lead to memorable fishing.

So grab your pack, lace up, and hit the trail. Backcountry fishing in Yellowstone is as much about the journey as it is the fish.

Backcountry Essentials

Whenever you venture into the wilds of Yellowstone, be prepared. The backcountry is as beautiful as it is unforgiving. Here’s a basic checklist of essential gear to keep you safe and comfortable:

• Bear spray (and the knowledge to use it)
• Water and/or a water filter
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Rain jacket
• Extra warm layer (like a lightweight puffy)
• Simple first aid kit
• Emergency snacks
• Map (digital or printed—and know how to use it)                                                                                                                                        

Warm water temperatures and low river flows prompt fishing closures on select Park waters.

Effective Saturday, July 12, 2025, select Yellowstone National Park rivers will close to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. This closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and remain in effect until conditions improve.

What will be closed?

• The Madison River and all associated tributaries.
• The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.
• The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.
• The closure will be reassessed when water temperatures cool and flows return to more typical summer conditions.

These rivers naturally experience high water temps in summer as they drain the thermal basins of Yellowstone. We’re glad to see the Park Service taking proactive steps to give these beloved fisheries a rest during the warmest part of the season. Cooler days will return soon enough, and we’ll be back on these waters come fall.

Currently, these are the only waters in the park under restriction, but conditions can change quickly. Be sure to stay tuned for updates from the Park Service here.

As always, check in with the shop for the latest conditions, fly recommendations, and river updates. We’re here to help you stay dialed in for your next adventure!