Mid-July is the pinnacle of dry fly fishing in Yellowstone National Park. The sheer number of options can almost feel overwhelming, with active hatches and rising trout spread across rivers, streams, and lakes in nearly every corner of the Park. Pick a direction, grab a handful of dry flies, and go explore. There's a good chance you'll find fish looking up.

HERE'S THIS WEEK'S STANDOUTS. 

YELLOWSTONE RIVER

The iconic "Caldera Stretch" of the Yellowstone River in the park is in its prime right now. Flows continue to drop slowly, hatches are good, and fish are plentiful throughout the stretch. Green Drakes, Gray Drakes, PMDs, Flavs, Caddis, and Golden Stones are all present this week. Be especially aware of Flavs and Drake mayfly emergences during periods of afternoon thunderstorms. Clam, warm mornings following these stormy afternoons will have good spinner falls from the previous day's hatch. 

GALLATIN RIVER

The Gallatin was a great place to spend the day during our most recent heat wave, and it's ice cold water will still provide great fishing this week. Green Drakes continue to trickle off in the furthest upstream reaches of the park water, with PMDs, Caddis, and Flavs rounding out the bug soup. Keep an eye out for good mayfly emergences during afternoon thunderstorms here as well. 

Anyone fishing the Gallatin this week should come prepared for biting flies. Every summer for a week or two we see a hatch of insidious little biting flies. Whether you call them Snipe Flies, Buffalo Flies, or just "those little mother$*&#ers", you'll want to cover up with long pants, long sleeves, a buff, and some good bug spray. Pay extra attention to your hands, as these devilish flying carnivores have a knack for biting your digits, especially when you're casting at a rising fish. 

SLOUGH CREEK

Green Drakes have been a consistent source of great dry fly fishing each morning for the last couple of weeks on Slough. The hatch is waning, and soon we will be left with PMD's, midges, and spinners in the mornings, followed by the beginnings of good terrestrial fishing when the wind picks up in the afternoons.  

LAMAR RIVER & SODA BUTTE CREEK

Fishing has been great on these two Northeast corner favorites. Green Drakes are on the skids here too, but fish are more than willing to shift into terrestrial gear after daily hatches of PMDs and Caddis. 

As always, you will want to keep a close eye on the forecast and flows for Soda Butte and the Lamar. Near daily afternoon thunderstorms are predicted for the upcoming week. So, give us a call (406-646-7801) or swing by the shop for the most recent reports on fishing, and water conditions. You can also follow the flows on the Lamar HERE. Anytime you see a spike in flows on the chart, there is going to be muddy water. As soon as the graph returns to the level it was at before the spike, the water should be good to go. 

Warm Weather Brings Fishing Closures on Select Rivers in the Park

Well folks, we saw this one coming. Unseasonably warm conditions last week have prompted the National Park Service to implement temporary full closures to fishing on the Firehole and Madison rivers and their tributaries. The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground are also temporarily closed to fishing.

At the moment, these are the only waters in the Park under restriction, but that could change quickly. Stay tuned for updates from the Park Service HERE.

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!