As we drift into the meat of July, fishing in Yellowstone National Park is beginning to reach its prime. Water conditions continue to improve across the park, and most of the iconic summer hatches are underway. 

This is an exciting time to be fishing in Yellowstone with a staggering number of options across the park, and good fishing to be had from the early morning hours all the way through sunset. 

With the possibility of record-breaking heat in the forecast this weekend, we expect the Park Service to limit fishing on Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison Rivers due to warm water temps. This is a common situation on these geo-thermal rivers, and we feel lucky to have had good water temps last as long into the season as they did this year. Stay tuned for updates from the Park Service HERE.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER

The iconic "Caldera Stretch" of the Yellowstone River opened for the season on July 1, greeting anglers with favorable water conditions, scattered but diverse hatches, and some spectacular Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

The river remained noticeably cold and pushy on opening day, flowing just over 3,300 cfs. Afternoon clouds and passing thunderstorms produced only sporadic mayfly emergences throughout the week, while salmonflies and golden stones continued to provide the most consistent dry fly opportunities, particularly in their usual holding water.

We have yet to see a significant emergence of Green Drakes or the first memorable Gray Drake spinner falls, although both have begun to appear in isolated numbers. As flows continue to recede by roughly 10% each week and water temperatures slowly climb, the stage is set for these marquee hatches to build in the coming days.

Look for Pale Morning Duns, caddis, Baetis, Flavs, Green Drakes, Gray Drakes, salmonflies, and golden stones to all play a role over the upcoming week. With improving water conditions and increasing insect activity, the Caldera stretch is only getting better as we move deeper into July.

GALLATIN RIVER

The Park stretch of the Gallatin remains an excellent option, especially with a blast of summer heat in the forecast this weekend. Flowing from high in the Gallatin range, it continues to offer some of the coldest water in the region and should fish well throughout the warm spell.

While the Green Drake hatch is beginning to taper off, Pale Morning Duns, Flavs, and caddis continue to provide excellent dry fly opportunities from mid-morning through the evening.

SLOUGH CREEK

Slough Creek is one of the world's great sight-fishing fisheries, and the coming weeks are when it truly shines. Fishing has been good, with hatches of Green Drakes, Pale Morning Duns, and caddis bringing selective cutthroat to the surface throughout the creek's winding meadow reaches. This legendary fishery will only improve as July progresses. Bring your bug spray and bear spray, then settle in for one of Yellowstone's classic angling experiences - carefully stalking rising cutthroat through lush meadows, along undercut banks, and over glassy currents beneath the Park's wide-open summer skies.

LAMAR RIVER

Water conditions have been oscillating between great and green this week, but Green Drakes have brought fish to the surface regardless. This weekend's warm, dry forecast should stabilize water conditions, and make for some great days of dry fly fishing in the wide-open Lamar Valley.

As always, keep a close eye on afternoon thunderstorms, as the Lamar can rise quickly and become unfishable after heavy rain. Be sure to check the latest streamflows before making the drive, or feel free to give the shop a call for the latest intel 406-646-7801.

SODA BUTTE CREEK

And finally, the last member of the cutthroat triumvirate in Yellowstone's northeast corner, Soda Butte Creek has been the slowest of the three to come into shape this summer. With warmer weather settling in, however, conditions are improving rapidly. Expect Green Drakes, Pale Morning Duns, and caddis to fuel some excellent dry fly fishing throughout the coming week.

Fish More, Stress Less- Tips for Summertime Visits to Yellowstone

We're in the throws of peak tourist season in Yellowstone. Millions of visitors flock to the world’s first National Park every summer, and crowded roadways are to be expected. If you’re planning to head in for a day of fishing, we have a few tips to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

START EARLY.

We can’t stress enough the value of an early start to your fishing day in the park even if the Hatch are hoping to find won’t begin until 10 or 11 AM it’s worth getting through the gate in West Yellowstone before 7 AM.

GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME, AND BE PATIENT.

Traveling through Yellowstone during peak tourist season can be a slow affair. Be sure to give yourself some extra time to reach your destination so you’re not sitting in a Bison jam while the hatch of the century is rolling off your favorite fishery.

STAY LATE.

Whenever possible, plan to spend the whole day in the park. Pack a bunch of food, some chairs, and your favorite beverages. There are tons of great picnic areas and vistas to enjoy a picnic dinner while you wait for the evening rush of traffic to leave the park. Evening fishing is also pretty good on most of our favorite fisheries.

BE A TOURIST.

Even if you have been in the park a million times, and you’re just on a mission to fish your favorite hatch on your preferred water, take some time to look around. Check out the visitors centers. Grab an ice cream cone. Go gawk at the Upper Falls. There’s a good reason millions of people come back to Yellowstone year after year.

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!