Here's this week's Yellowstone National Park Fishing Report. 

While the federal government is currently in a shutdown, Yellowstone National Park remains open. Roads, trails, and rivers are accessible to the public, though some visitor services may be limited. For anglers, that means it's still full steam ahead for fall fishing in the Park.

There’s something undeniably special about fishing in Yellowstone during these final weeks of the season. With winter creeping in, every day on the water feels like a gift. Days are marked by crisp mornings, golden hillsides, bugling elk, and trout that seem to know time is running out.

This is a time for memorable fish and meaningful days on the water. Maybe it's a lake-run brown sliding up into the Madison from Hebgen Lake, a selective rainbow sipping size #22 Baetis on the Firehole, or that last Cutthroat of the year rising gently on Slough Creek or the Yellowstone River. No matter what you're hunting for, now is the time to chase it.

The days are growing shorter, the weather more volatile, and the countdown is officially on—Yellowstone’s fishing season ends October 31. So grab your gear, get out there, and savor every cast. These are the days that stick with you.

Firehole River

The Firehole has been great of late with fine opportunities for both dry fly and soft hackle enthusiasts. With weather moderating this upcoming week expect sparse hatches of baetis in the afternoons. Still, we’re far enough into the season that these diminutive mayflies have no choice but to emerge, even under brighter skies. You may not see blanket hatches, but there should be fishable numbers of bugs most afternoons. It’s also important to remember that the Firehole is uniquely influenced by geothermal features, creating a mosaic of microclimates along its length. Water temps can vary significantly depending on your location, so if you’re not finding bugs or rising fish, don’t hesitate to move upstream or down. Sometimes just a short relocation can put you in the sweet spot.

Madison River (in YNP)

As the season winds down on the Madison in the Park, we find ourselves in the final chapter of this storied fishery’s fall saga, and like most years, it only gets better and better at the end. It’s a stretch of water that endures, revealing more opportunities to those who keep showing up through the final casts of October.

This past week brought more signs of lake-run browns and rainbows filtering up from Hebgen Lake. Some runs have shown signs of fresh fish, and while the push hasn’t been overwhelming, it’s been steady, classic behavior for this point in the fall.

With a break from the scuzz on deck, this is a time for swinging soft hackles, stripping streamers low and slow, and embracing the pace of the season. Mornings are cold, mid-days can feel slow, but those willing to put in the time may just connect with a fish that reminds them why we wait all year for October on the Madison.

Northeast Corner – Slough, Soda Butte & Lamar

Like my beloved Philadelphia Phillies, the wild and native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout of the Northeast Corner have seen their season come to an end.
Both had strong runs, gave us thrilling moments, and kept us on the edge of our seats right up to the finish. But in the end, a cold streak settled in, and just like that, it was over for both. 

Up in the Cutthroat Corner, Slough Creek, Soda Butte, and the Lamar River, the temperatures have dropped, the hatches have dwindled, and the window has officially closed. It was a stellar season full of eager risers, vibrant wildflowers, and that unmistakable Northeast magic. But now it’s time to hang up the terrestrial box, tip your hat to those beautiful native trout, and turn your attention to the rest of the Park as we wind down October.

Now, if you found yourself in a life-or-death situation that required catching one last Yellowstone Cutthroat before the season ends, you might still have a shot. Slough Creek could deliver a late-game, bottom of the ninth, 2 out, based loaded sort of miracle, especially on a calm afternoon when fall Baetis are in the air. But make no mistake, it won’t be easy. You’ll need to cover ground, hunt carefully, and be ready to present a perfect drift to a highly selective fish sipping size 22 mayflies.

It’s a long shot, but hey, that’s what makes it memorable.

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!