Well Folks, warm temps and low flows on many of our favorite waters in Yellowstone have forced Park officials to implement Hoot Owl closures.

Beginning July 29, Yellowstone National Park’s rivers and streams will be closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise due to high water temperatures and low stream flows. These restrictions are in addition to the existing full fishing closures on the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers that have been in effect since July 15. 

What will be closed?  

• Fishing on all park rivers and streams will be prohibited daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day. 
• Fishing remains temporarily prohibited on the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers. 
• These closures will remain in effect until conditions improve to protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries.   

What will be open?  

• Anglers can fish on most park rivers and streams daily from sunrise to 2 p.m. 
• Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.  

You can read the full press release from the Park Service HERE. 

Despite these limitations, there remains some good opportunities in the Park this upcoming week. With daily warm temps and afternoon thunderstorms, mornings have been the time to find the best fishing.

We ask everyone to take extra care these days when handling fish. Do your best to land them quickly. Keep them wet when releasing. Try to take a picture or video of the fish in the water, in the net, or during the release, or choose to skip the photo all together.

Be sure to carry a stream thermometer and call it quits when water temps reach 70 degrees.

So, set those alarm clocks, pour yourself a cup of strong coffee, and get through the gate early to take advantage of cool temps and rising trout in the mornings. Then find some shade and crack a cold one on those hot afternoons.

HERE'S THIS WEEK'S STANDOUTS. 

YELLOWSTONE RIVER

Many anglers who have been fishing the Yellowstone in the Caldera Stretch have already been practicing a Hoot Owl schedule by virtue of the fact that most of spinners and rising fish are naturally done by early afternoon.

Water temperatures and flows remain good in this reach, and morning spinner falls of Green Drake, Gray Drake, and PMD mayflies should continue to bring fish to the surface, making this a great option this week during Hoot Owls.

SLOUGH CREEK

Slough Creek has been resilient to recent thunderstorms with consistent clean water, and the chance to sight fish for large Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Expect to find selective, technical fish rising to midges, PMD spinners, and small terrestrials like ants and beetles in the early morning hours. As the wind picks up around midday, try prospecting with hopper patterns in the deeper runs and pools.

LAMAR RIVER & SODA BUTTE CREEK

The Lamar and Soda Butte will also offer good morning fishing, but please be extra mindful of good fish handling as these waters are running especially low for this point in the season.

As always, keep a close eye on the forecast as these waters have been off color more than not recently due to passing thunderstorms. Give us a shout (406-579-6440) or swing by the shop for the latest report on stream conditions.

GALLATIN RIVER (in YNP)

This refuge of cold water fishing remains an excellent choice during the upcoming week's warm weather. The Gallatin may have cooler water than most other rivers in the area, but Hoot Owl restrictions still apply in the Park stretch (upstream of mile marker 31), and we urge everyone to maintain good fish handling practices. 

Look for Pale Morning Dun mayflies and caddis in the mornings. In absence of consistently rising fish, prospecting with small hopper and ant patterns can be productive, as well as dry-dropper fishing.  

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!