The park remains a solid choice for anyone looking to find some classic mid-summer dry fly angling for wild trout in a stunning setting. 

Here's this week's standouts. 

Northeast Corner – Slough, Soda Butte & Lamar

Afternoon thunderstorms have hit this section of the park in recent days bringing the flows and turbidity up slightly on the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek. We don't expect this to deal a heavy blow to the fishing as rainfall was limited and localized. Flows should be back to normal within a day or so, but keep a close eye on the weather and stream flows before making the trip up to the Northeast corner.

When water conditions are good expect to find good terrestrial fishing on the Lamar and Soda Butte with hoppers, beetles, crickets, ants, and spruce moths. 

Slough Creek is in perfect mid-summer condition and remains unaffected by the afternoon thunderstorms. You will find tricky fish rising to midges, small mayfly spinners, and spruce moths  during the calm morning hours, and easier targets rising slowly to suck down hoppers, beetles, and ants 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 (hopers, ants, spruce moths), 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.

Yellowstone River – Caldera Stretch

Still a favorite for those looking to test their skill at sight fishing in flat water for beautiful Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, the Caldera stretch of the Yellowstone continues to provide dry fly opportunities in the mornings and evenings. Be sure to carry a well-stocked box with olive and rusty spinner patterns in sizes #12–16, but also be prepared with ants, hoppers, and spruce moths. 

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!