YNP Report - October 24, 2024

Well, we've made it to the final week of the 2024 fishing season in YNP, and it looks like we're finally going to get some proper fall conditions. After a sunny weekend, forecasts are showing a solid week of SCUZZ complete with rain, snow, and temps in the 30's - exactly what we're looking for!
As has been the case all fall, our favorite late-season fisheries, the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon Rivers will offer up the best fishing this final week. With scuzz in the forecast expect to see these fisheries at their peak.
The Madison River in YNP will benefit greatly after even the slightest bump in flows from precipitation, and some dark, overcast days. Migratory fish will once again be on the move, and aggressively looking to occupy holding water. For weeks we've seen the best success with small, sparse flies fished slowly. Now is the time to break out the larger, brighter flies, and strip them like they owe you money. If there is ever a time to get those savage eats from territorial brown trout it's in the next week.
Hatches of fall baetis mayflies will also be at their peak next week on the Firehole. Though, don't expect to see much action before 1:00pm, or later on the scuzziest days. This is a good time to keep in mind that water temps on the Firehole can vary drastically along the river depending on your proximity to thermal areas. On cold days, when conditions are ideal, it's always good to stay flexible and be ready to check out multiple locations if you're not finding bugs or rising fish. 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!