The final days of Yellowstone's fishing season are upon us, and there's still plenty to look forward to before the Park closes to fishing on October 31. Another round of unsettled weather is headed our way, bringing clouds, rain, and cooler temperatures that should set the stage for some excellent late-season Baetis hatches and streamer fishing. Migratory brown trout and rainbows continue to move into the Park from Hebgen Lake, offering some of the season's best opportunities to connect with a big fish. Sunshine and drier conditions return for the weekend, but another shot of weather early next week could provide one last round of prime fall fishing conditions. With just nine days remaining, now's the time to make every opportunity count!

HERE ARE THIS WEEK'S STANDOUTS.

FIREHOLE RIVER

The Firehole continues to be worth your time on overcast afternoons, when fall Baetis hatches bring fish to the surface in the river's classic dry fly waters. As you might expect this late in the season, these trout have become challenging targets, rising cautiously to tiny size 20–22 emergers. Stealth, patience, and a delicate presentation are essential to finding success.

Sunny days have been a tougher proposition on the Firehole, with limited hatch activity and few rising fish. When the skies are bright, you'll likely find better opportunities on the Gibbon, Gardner, or Gallatin, where nymphing and other subsurface tactics can provide more consistent action.

MADISON RIVER

The last stretch of cool, wet weather produced some excellent fishing for lake-run browns and rainbows on the Madison in the Park. Sunny skies and warmer afternoons have made opportunities a bit tougher to come by, but the next round of scuzzy weather should kick things back into high gear, just in time for the final week of the season. With more migratory fish moving into the river and favorable conditions returning, there's still plenty of potential for some of the best fishing of the fall.

GIBBON RIVER

The Gibbon below Gibbon Falls remains a great option for anglers looking to target larger trout moving upstream from Hebgen Lake. Migratory browns and rainbows continue to filter into the river, and the deeper pockets, slots, and softer edges throughout this stretch are all worth exploring.

Nymphing deep runs and working small, heavily weighted streamers through the pocket water will be your best bets, especially during periods of bright sunshine. The resident brown trout population should provide plenty of action between encounters with larger migratory fish. With another round of cool, unsettled weather on the way, the Gibbon could be one of the better options for the final days of the season.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER 

Both the Caldera stretch and the lower reaches of the Black Canyon near Gardiner are worth exploring during these final days of the Park season, especially for anglers who enjoy swinging large soft hackles and streamers. The return of cooler, overcast weather could also bring some afternoon Baetis hatches and rising trout into play, so be sure to keep those dry fly boxes handy.

GALLATIN RIVER

With overnight lows routinely dipping into the 20s, the daily window of opportunity on the Park stretch of the Gallatin continues to shrink. That said, there's still some good fishing to be had during the warmest part of the afternoon. Sparse Baetis hatches may bring a few trout to the surface, while nymphing deeper runs and pockets will provide the most consistent opportunities. Focus your efforts on the afternoon hours, once water temperatures have had a chance to warm and fish become more active.