With warmer, drier weather in the forecast, conditions should improve rapidly over the coming week. Expect more waters to come online over the next couple of weeks, and don't hesitate to give us a call or stop by the shop for the latest updates on your favorite Yellowstone fisheries.

FIREHOLE

With this year’s snowpack in the headwaters now gone, and warm weather settling in, water temperatures on the Firehole River are routinely rising above 70 degrees in the lower sections. It’s time to give this iconic Yellowstone fishery a well-earned rest until cool weather returns in the fall. 

It’s been a great spring season, with the early opener on May 1 affording Firehole aficionados three extra weeks of classic dry fly fishing and soft hackle swinging. 

For those die-hards who need to squeeze out just a few more of those classic dry fly eats, the furthest upstream reach of the firehole, between Biscuit Basin and the Old Iron Bridge at the Fairy Falls Trailhead, will offer a short window of morning fishing with pale morning dun spinners (rusty and olive, size #16-20) and egg-laying caddis (tan, size #16). Water temps remain cooler here for a bit longer into the summer, as this section is upstream of the geothermal inputs at the major geyser basins below. 

If you venture out to the Firehole for the last of the spring sessions, be sure to carry a good stream thermometer, and keep a watchful eye on water temps. If you encounter water above 70 degrees, wrap it up and give the fish a break.

GIBBON

The Gibbon continues to be one of the Park's best bets this week. The upper meadow stretches have been especially productive during morning Pale Morning Dun spinner falls, while afternoons are a great time to hunt for subtle bank sippers or prospect with an ant or beetle pattern.

Like its neighbor, the Firehole, water temps will become a concern the further downstream you get on the Gibbon. Carry a stream thermometer and use it often to monitor water temperatures throughout the day. If the river reaches 70 degrees, it's time to move on to cooler water.

GALLATIN

The Gallatin in the Park has been in good shape for some time now, but cold water temperatures have kept fishing inconsistent. This week's warmer weather has finally brought the river to life, with the first meaningful caddis hatches beginning in earnest.

Expect conditions to improve steadily over the coming week, with the Gallatin reaching its stride by the end of the month. While we wait for Pale Morning Duns, green drakes, salmonflies, and golden stones to get going, plan on fishing nymphs or a dry-dropper rig. Keep an eye out for rising fish during afternoon and evening caddis hatches, as those windows should become increasingly more consistent with each warm day.

GARDNER

On the other side of the Gallatin Range, the Gardner River has also dropped, cleared, and begun to warm. For the moment, nymphs and dry-dropper rigs will produce the most consistent action, but salmonflies are knocking on the door. This river is poised to enter one of its most exciting stretches of the season over the next week or two.

Summer is just getting started, and each week brings another fishery into its prime. If we can help you choose the right destination, dial in your fly selection, or answer questions about current conditions, don't hesitate to give us a shout in the shop (406) 646-7801 for the most up-to-date info.

We hope to see you in the shop, and more importantly, on the water!