It feels more like mid to late June throughout Yellowstone National Park than just the fifth of the month. Snow is rapidly disappearing from the high country, wildflowers are in full bloom down low, and water temperatures are already starting to creep up on classic early-season fisheries like the Firehole River.

Despite the accelerated timeline, fishing has been solid this week on the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison (in YNP). With good water conditions and actively rising fish, now is the time to take advantage of these unique early windows.

Hatches & Tactics

Pale Morning Dun mayflies in sizes #14–16, Salmonflies in #6–8, and tan caddis in #16 continue to dominate the menu across all three rivers. Late morning through early afternoon remains the best window for dry fly action, but don’t overlook the potential for extended surface activity on overcast days or following a passing thunderstorm. Cloud cover can prolong mayfly hatches and keep fish looking up well into the afternoon.

Weather & Water Conditions

After last week’s welcome break of cool temps and moisture, the forecast is trending warm and dry again, with daytime highs approaching 80°F. That means it’s time to start keeping a close eye on water temps, especially on the Firehole, where warmer conditions can arrive fast. If things start to heat up, head upstream above major thermal inputs near Midway Geyser Basin to find cooler water and happier fish.

Gallatin River Outlook

The Gallatin River in YNP is still running cold and full, but it’s very fishable. Our favorite dry fly hatches on this river are probably still a few weeks away (we think), but in the meantime, nymphing and streamer fishing have been producing well and should continue to offer good opportunities through the upcoming week.

Ice-Off Lake Opportunities

Many of the Park’s lakes—especially those at lower elevations on the west side—have shed their ice and are now fully fishable. The ice-off window is short but often spectacular, and those who time it right can be rewarded with some of the best stillwater action of the season.

Lakes like Cascade, Grebe, Shoshone, and Lewis are all accessible and showing signs of life. Look for cruising fish in the shallows feeding on leeches, scuds, and early-season chironomids. A black or olive leech pattern on an intermediate line is a go-to setup. On calm afternoons, you may also see fish sipping Callibaetis emergers—keep a few size #14 Skip Nymphs in your box and use a slow-hand retrieve to seal the deal.

Wildlife Reminder

Don't forget to carry bear spray and stay alert—bison, elk, and even the occasional grizzly are active and often share the same trails, meadows, and riverbanks as anglers this time of year. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your fishing day safe and enjoyable.

Northeast Corner Outlook

With all the talk about the advanced timeline this season and the shrinking snowpack, it might be tempting to make an early run to your favorite Yellowstone Cutthroat fisheries in the Northeast Corner—but don’t jump the gun. Before committing a full day to the Lamar River or Soda Butte Creek, check the USGS streamflow data here. Flows are still well above fishable levels (900 cfs) and likely a few weeks out. At the rate things are progressing, we do anticipate an earlier-than-usual start for these iconic rivers—but we’re not quite there yet.

As always, we’ll keep you updated weekly here on the blog, or feel free to give us a call at the shop for the most current on-the-ground report.

Stop By the Shop

Need flies? Gear? Advice? Or just a quick weather update? Swing by Big Sky Anglers in West Yellowstone, or check out our online fly shop to get stocked up before you hit the water.

Thanks for reading—and we’ll see you out there.