Cicadas on the Scene

One hatch that's turning heads this season is the cicada. While not always present in strong numbers, these buzzing terrestrials are especially prolific throughout YNP this year. Roll your windows down as you drive through the Park, and you’ll hear the telltale drone of male cicadas serenading their mates. Like grasshoppers, cicadas only end up in the water by accident—but when they do, Yellowstone trout are more than willing to take advantage. You won’t find them everywhere, but it’s a smart move to carry a few cicada imitations for the coming weeks. Two of our go-to patterns are the Category 3 Churnobyl UV and the Woomfa—both high-floating, visible, and trout-approved.

Yellowstone River – Caldera Stretch

The iconic waters of the Yellowstone River in the Caldera stretch (between Chittenden Bridge and the limit below Fishing Bridge) opened for the season on July 1, and anglers were greeted with very fishable flows, prolific Salmonflies, and willing Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. This section will likely be the crown jewel of Park fishing over the next few weeks as the parade of hatches continues with Green Drakes, Grey Drakes, PMDs, Caddis, Flavs, and Golden Stones all joining the lineup.

Northeast Corner – Slough, Soda Butte & Lamar

The Northeast Corner has officially awakened. We’re seeing varying degrees of good fishing on all three of the famed Cutthroat Triumvirate: Slough Creek, Soda Butte Creek, and the Lamar River. Green Drakes, PMDs, Caddis, and Salmonflies are all in play and driving solid dry fly opportunities.

• Slough Creek is currently offering the best water clarity and the most consistent action.

• Soda Butte and the Lamar are still dealing with fluctuating turbidity due to recent rains. Keep a close eye on USGS flows and don’t hesitate to call or stop by the shop before making the drive across the Park.
  We expect Slough Creek to fish well through the weekend, while conditions on Soda Butte and the Lamar may deteriorate if storms continue.

Gallatin River

The Gallatin continues to show off both its abundance of wild trout and its remarkable hatch diversity. Salmonflies, Green Drakes, PMDs, Caddis, Flavs, and Golden Stones are all active, with afternoon and evening sessions offering the best dry fly windows. With a forecast calling for unsettled weather over the next few afternoons, be ready for thick emergences of PMDs, Green Drakes, and Flavs—especially in the periods right before and after thunderstorms. 

Gardner River

Salmonflies are on the way out on the Gardner, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Prospecting the river’s pocket water stretches with a Golden Stone or Cicada pattern can produce, and morning PMDs and evening Caddis hatches offer bonus opportunities for dry fly anglers willing to put in the time.