Update: Yellowstone lifts remaining fishing restrictions for Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. – Effective Friday, Sept. 4, the remaining fishing restrictions on the Firehole, Madison, and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers and all associated tributaries will be lifted due to cooling weather and water temperatures. Anglers will be able to fish these rivers, in addition to most other park rivers, streams and lakes, daily from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.

Full fishing closures on these rivers were initially implemented July 15, then scaled back to partial restrictions Aug. 28 as conditions improved. The restrictions and closures were necessary during a period of low water flows and high water temperatures exceeding 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) that can be lethal to fish.

Staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. Temporary restrictions or closures may be implemented depending on condition assessments. 

HERE'S THIS WEEK'S STANDOUTS. 

SLOUGH CREEK

Warm, sunny September days are a great time to sight-fish for Yellowstone Cutthroats on the flat, technical meadow water of Slough Creek. Bring some flying ants, beetles, baetis, and Hecuba imitations, along with some patience and a delicate presentation. 

LAMAR RIVER

Water conditions are in good shape in the Lamar Valley. Keep an eye on the forecast this weekend. If any significant rain develops out of Saturday night's storm, we may see some cloudy water return. You can check the flows HERE and call the shop (406-646-7801) for current conditions. Ants, small hoppers, and Hecuba mayflies (size #12) will be at the top of the rotation here as well. 

GALLATIN RIVER

Terrestrial season is waning on the Gallatin in the Park, but good fish can still be found by prospecting an ant in all of the tight, juicy lies up against the bank. Cool, cloudy weather will produce baetis hatches, and nymphing will remain productive when the dry fly bite is off. 

FIREHOLE RIVER

It's great to be back on the Firehole again for the start of the Fall season. Bright, sunny days haven't produced much for exciting fall hatches yet. Though there have been some sparse baetis mayflies and white miller caddis around. Small terrestrials like hoppers, beetles, and ants can produce good fishing, especially in areas with grassy, undercut banks like those below Biscuit Basin. 

MADISON RIVER

As it does each autumn, our attention becomes firmly focused on the Madison in the Park and its fall run of migratory fish from Hebgen Reservoir. It's still early, but there are a few lake fish in the system, and some great browns and rainbows have been caught so far. Bright conditions have limited the addition of many new fish to the river and made the ones already there a bit stale. So, focus your efforts on the early morning and late evening hours when light levels are lowest, and keep your fingers crossed for some scuzzy weather. 

YELLOWSTONE RIVER – CANYON STRETCHES

The canyon stretches of the Yellowstone remain a great option for anglers willing to cover some ground and fish a variety of water. Terrestrials continue to be important, and hoppers like Pavlovich’s Sweet Dreams Hopper are a good choice for prospecting along banks, through riffles, and around structure.

If significant rain develops in the Northeast Corner late this weekend, remember that the Lamar River can affect clarity in the Yellowstone downstream from its confluence. Water upstream of the Lamar will remain unaffected, making the upper canyon stretches a valuable option when the lower river gets dirty.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER – CALDERA STRETCH

September marks a noticeable transition on the Yellowstone River in the Caldera. The number of large Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout remaining in the river continues to diminish as fish make their way back toward Yellowstone Lake, but there are still some impressive fish in the system for anglers willing to cover water and hunt for them.

Sight fishing remains the name of the game here. Morning spinner falls of small mayflies can provide opportunities when conditions are calm, making size #16–20 rusty and olive spinners important flies to carry. Flying ants like Heames’ Honey Ant and hoppers like KK’s Henneberry Hopper remain excellent options, particularly as the day warms and afternoon winds begin moving terrestrials around.

Sunny conditions make spotting these fish considerably easier. If clouds arrive with the anticipated weather change late this weekend, sight fishing will become more challenging, but those same conditions could bring Baetis and other fall mayflies like Heptagenia (size #16–18) into play.

EXPLORE THE BACKCOUNTRY

September is still prime time to explore Yellowstone National Park's backcountry. Trails have dried out, the peak of the biting fly season has passed, and meadows are alive with the buzzing and clicking of terrestrial insects.

For anglers willing to lace up their boots and hike into remote waters, few places offer more rewarding opportunities than Yellowstone. We’ll leave the joy of discovering these hidden gems to you; that’s half the fun, after all. But rest assured, all of our favorite fisheries in the Park begin somewhere in the backcountry. A little time spent poring over a map of these headwaters is almost guaranteed to lead to memorable fishing.

September weather does require a little more preparation. A warm, sunny afternoon can turn into a cold, wet evening remarkably quickly, and overnight temperatures are increasingly dipping toward freezing in the high country.

So grab your pack, lace up, and hit the trail. Backcountry fishing in Yellowstone is as much about the journey as it is the fish. 

BACKCOUNTRY ESSENTIALS

Whenever you venture into the Yellowstone backcountry, be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. At a minimum, we recommend carrying:

• Bear spray—and knowing how to use it
• Water and/or a water filter
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Rain jacket
• Extra warm layer, such as a lightweight puffy
• Basic first-aid kit
• Emergency snacks
• Map, digital or printed—and knowing how to use it.

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!