We continue to fly through prime dry fly season in Yellowstone National Park. In any direction on any given day you can find a stretch of water with trout anxious to rise to a dry fly.

Here's this week's standouts. 

Yellowstone River – Caldera Stretch

Calling all Headhunters, If you’re looking for classic Yellowstone dry fly fishing, the upper Yellowstone River in the Caldera continues to deliver. Conditions have held steady, and morning and evening spinner falls remain the main event. Rising fish have been keyed in on Grey Drake, Green Drake, Flav, and PMD spinners, along with a mix of emerging PMD's and Drakes. Be sure to carry a well-stocked box with olive and rusty patterns in sizes #12–16, but also be prepared with ants and hoppers. 

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake continues to offer some of the most unique dry fly fishing in the region. Callibaetis hatches are bringing trout to the surface on calm, warm mornings, especially in shallower zones.

Gull Point remains a top spot for sight-fishing to cruising fish. If surface eats are slow, don’t hesitate to switch it up with a slow-stripped Callibaetis nymph just below the surface.

Northeast Corner – Slough, Soda Butte & Lamar

The rivers of the **Northeast Corner—Slough Creek, Soda Butte Creek, and the Lamar River—**are still fishing strong and offering some of the best dry fly action in the Park. PMDs, Caddis, and Drakes are keeping fish looking up, and terrestrial season is definitely underway. Make sure your fly box includes some ants, beetles, crickets, and hoppers, especially after the wind picks up in the afternoons.

Gallatin River

The Gallatin River remains a reliable mid-summer option, particularly on hot afternoons. With cold, clean water and a steady mix of PMDs, Caddis, and terrestrials, it’s a solid bet for consistent dry fly fishing. Look for rising fish in riffles, seams, and shady pockets, and enjoy this beautiful stretch of water at its peak.

Warm water temperatures and low river flows prompt fishing closures on select Park waters.

Effective Saturday, July 12, 2025, select Yellowstone National Park rivers will close to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. This closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and remain in effect until conditions improve.

What will be closed?

• The Madison River and all associated tributaries.
• The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.
• The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.
• The closure will be reassessed when water temperatures cool and flows return to more typical summer conditions.

These rivers naturally experience high water temps in summer as they drain the thermal basins of Yellowstone. We’re glad to see the Park Service taking proactive steps to give these beloved fisheries a rest during the warmest part of the season. Cooler days will return soon enough, and we’ll be back on these waters come fall.

Currently, these are the only waters in the park under restriction, but conditions can change quickly. Be sure to 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!