Just when we were ready to shift gears into summertime, another strong spring storm rolled through the region, bringing six days of cold temps, soaking rain, and over a foot of fresh snow to the high mountain peaks in Yellowstone. 

A month ago, we thought the summer season was imminent. Now, at the start of July, our favorite summertime fisheries in the Park are still slow to crank up, thanks to a steady procession of storms in June. 

The upcoming forecast is trending warmer, with high temps in the upper 60s to low 70s in the high country, but a chance of moisture, especially afternoon showers remains. So, fishing will remain dynamic this week in Yellowstone. 

If you could use some help making sense of these weather and water conditions, or looking for the freshest reports from the park, give us a shout at the shop (406) 646-7801, or swing by at 39 Madison Ave in West Yellowstone. 

YELLOWSTONE RIVER

The famous caldera stretch of the Yellowstone River opened to fishing on July 1 with favorable water conditions and cooperative Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Flows continue their gradual decline but remain around 3,000 cfs, leaving most of the river too high for comfortable crossings. While a handful of experienced anglers may find a safe route at established crossing locations, this is not the time to force the issue. Fortunately, plenty of excellent water remains accessible from the near bank, and as flows continue to drop over the coming weeks, more of this iconic fishery will gradually open up.

Look for hatches of Pale Morning Duns, Green Drakes, Flavs, caddis, golden stones, and the last of the salmonflies throughout the coming week. If the weather cooperates, each passing day should bring stronger hatches, more actively feeding cutthroat, and steadily improving fishing.

The Yellowstone is just beginning to hit its stride, and this iconic fishery will only get better as we move deeper into July.

FIREHOLE RIVER

If you had asked me at the start of the season, I would have said there was no way the Firehole would still be an option in the first days of July. Yet here we are, approaching the Fourth of July, and water temps at Old Faithful spent the last five days below 60 degrees. The downstream gage ran about 10 degrees warmer through this cold spell, but water conditions river-wide have been great for the past several days. 

This will be short-lived as the weather warms over the upcoming week, but cool water temps should hold in the upper sections of the river (above Midway Geyser Basin), especially in the mornings, for at least a few more days. 

Look for spinner falls and egg-laying caddis to bring fish to the surface on calm mornings, and be certain to carry a stream thermometer. As soon as you see water temps creeping up to 70 degrees, it's time to wrap it up and head elsewhere. 

GALLATIN RIVER

The return of warmer weather will benefit the Gallatin over the upcoming week with the return of prolific evening caddis hatches, and one last push of salmonflies and golden stones. Expect to see afternoon emergences of Pale Morning Dun, Green Drake, and Flav mayflies, particularly when clouds build, and rain showers threaten. 

Flows and water clarity are ideal throughout the Park stretch, and the next few weeks should offer some of the best dry fly fishing of the season. When fish aren't consistently looking up, a dry-dropper rig beneath a salmonfly, golden stone, or large attractor will keep you in the game. Be prepared to adjust your dropper to match the incredible diversity of insects currently available, from #18-20 midges to #12-18 mayflies and caddis, all the way up to #4-8 stoneflies.

SLOUGH CREEK

Slough Creek is finally beginning to wake from its long spring slumber. Water conditions are clear and gradually warming, and with a return to more typical July weather, expect the first consistent hatches of the season over the coming week. Pale Morning Duns, Caddis, Grey Drakes, Green Drakes, and Salmonflies are all potential menu items. 

LAMAR RIVER & SODA BUTTE CREEK

These perennial favorites in the northeast corner still need a little more time. The latest storm bumped flows and added some color to both the Lamar and Soda Butte, but conditions should improve quickly as warmer, drier weather returns.

Keep an eye on Lamar River flows HERE, and don't hesitate to give us a call before making the drive. We'll happily steer you toward whichever Yellowstone fishery is fishing best that day.