We pray for scuzzy weather in the fall, and that’s exactly what we got this week. A winter storm arrived today with a healthy dose of rain, snow, cold temps and great fall fishing. Conditions look to return closer to “normal” for late-October with highs getting back into the 50’s by the weekend before another period of unsettled weather begins next week. 

Our two local fall favorites, the Firehole and Madison Rivers, will be continue to be a strong choice. A terrific day can be made chasing migratory fish in the mornings and evenings on the Madison, and hunting heads on the Firehole in the afternoons. Today and tomorrow have the best chance of cloud cover and will likely produce the best mayfly hatches. While this coming weekend's sunny afternoons won’t produce the strong hatches we saw earlier in the week, sparse hatches of fall Baetis mayflies will still occur, and prompt fish to feed. As is always the case at this time of year, keep in mind these fish have been playing the game since June, and are in no mood for sloppy presentations, clumsy approaches, or the wrong pattern. Take your time, plan your approach, and step up to the plate with your best swing.

We’ve reached the point in the fall season where migratory fish will be on the move anywhere they are found in YNP, including fun fall fisheries like the Gardner, Yellowstone, and Lewis-Shoshone channel.

We've also reached the time of year where some of those big brown trout that we all love are transitioning from migrating to spawning. Absolutely DO NOT target trout that are on or near redds. No hero shot is worth threatening the reproductive success of a wild trout. If you see fish doing their thing, just stay back so as not to disturb them, and enjoy one of natures great spectacles that few folks get to experience. It’s time to be extra aware of your surroundings, and tread lightly. When wading, keep an eye peeled for that clean gravel as accidentally stomping on trout eggs is every bit as bad as fishing for actively spawning fish.

New for the 2024 season, the Madison and Gardner Rivers in YNP will remain open to year round fishing extending angling opportunities beyond the traditional fishing season for as long as the weather will permit. The Madison River will remain open from the Park boundary to the MT/Wy state line, and the Gardner will remain open from the park boundary up to Osprey Falls.

The YNP fishing season will close on October 31 for all other Park fisheries. So get out there and enjoy some fall fishing while you can!