With our first week of summertime conditions finally here, expect to see some fun fishing starting to fire up across the Park.

After one of the better “Spring” seasons we’ve seen in years on the Firehole, it’s about time to start focusing your efforts on other, colder fisheries, and give the Firehole a rest until temps cool down again in the fall.

The iconic namesake of our first national park, the mighty Yellowstone is quickly coming into good shape. The upper caldera stretch of the Yellowstone River from Chittenden Bridge upstream to Yellowstone Lake opened on July 1. This is among the best sight fishing venues in the sport, and it’s just coming into its prime. Flows are still a bit generous. So, don’t expect to cross anytime soon without a heroic effort. Luckily, you should be able to find some good targets from the bank with a little hunting. Expect to see Salmonflies, Golden Stones, PMD’s and Caddis with Gray and Green Drakes imminent.

The Canyon stretches of the Yellowstone River are still a great place to take an adventurous hike to fish Salmonflies and Golden Stones. Bring your bear spray, plenty of water, and some good hiking boots/shoes. There’s not much need for wading here as flows are still aggressive, and all of your opportunities will be right along the banks.

This is the time to start looking at Yellowstone Lake for Callibaetis spinner falls on any calm, warm mornings. The shallow weed flats near Bridge Bay, Gull Point, and Sand Point all provide opportunities for the wade fisherman to cast dry flies to cruising Cutts.

We’re finally seeing good water conditions and consistent fishing in the Cutthroat Corner on perennial favorites Lamar, Soda Butte, and Slough. As always, keep an eye on the weather, be wary of any thunderstorms or rain events as they will bring color to the water (on Lamar and Soda Butte), and check with the shop for up to date info before you make the trip.

Still a strong amount of water in Slough Creek, but it’s slowly coming down. Hatches of PMD’s, Caddis, and a few Gray Drakes will begin to bring Cutts to the surface. Biting flies are active here too. So, don’t forget your bug spray, long sleeves, and pants.

Both water levels and clarity have improved on the Lamar. Flows are low enough to wade throughout the valley. Stoneflies are active in the canyon stretches. Caddis, PMD’s and Green Drakes will be the main attraction out in the valley.