The Madison and Gibbon Rivers re-opened to fishing this week after several weeks of closure due to seasonally warm temps. The Firehole River also re-opened, but remains on a partial Hoot Owl closure from 2pm to sunrise the following day. 

We heard good reports from the Madison and Gibbon Rivers by those fishing hoppers in meadow sections from mid-morning to early afternoon. This fishing should continue through the upcoming week with the warm dry conditions in the forecast. 

There are pockets of terrestrial fishing to be found on the Firehole River in the mornings, especially in the furthest upstream reaches, but, in large part, it's still best to let this fishery rest until waters temps are routinely lower. 

The Cutthroat Corner Triumvirate of Slough Creek, Soda Butte Creek, and the Lamar River will benefit from this extended period of warm, dry, stable weather. Drake Mackerel mayflies (Timpanoga hecuba), flying ants, crickets, beetles, and hoppers remain at the top of the menu here. Keep in mind, as we slide further along into September, the nights gradually become longer and colder, and cutthroat trout take longer and longer to become active each morning. With nighttime lows dipping into the low 30's, you may not see considerable fish activity in this part of the park until 11:00am or later. So, don't break any land speed records getting across the park, and make sure you plan to stay late enough to take advantage of the warmest period of the day. 

The upper Yellowstone River in the "caldera stretch" (between Yellowstone Lake and the Canyon) remains a good option for anyone looking to sight fish for large technical cutthroat trout. A good number of fish still remain in the river (many have returned to Yellowstone Lake) at this point in the season, and the water levels allow for good access throughout the river. Hatches are beginning to wane, however mayfly spinner falls can still be found in the mornings and evenings, and terrestrials like hoppers and ants continue to bring fish to the surface. As we get later into the season we will naturally see fewer and fewer fish in the river as they return to Yellowstone Lake where they will winter over and prepare to return upriver next Spring to spawn. Be prepared to hunt for your targets, and cover a lot of water looking for fish. When you do find a fish, it will most likely be a large, old cutt that has seen a thing or two in its day. So, take your time, and bring your A-game. 

If you have any questions about the fishing closures in YNP, or good fishing options in the upcoming week, please don't hesitate giving us a ring in the shop (406) 646-7801. We'd be happy to help you make the most out of your YNP fishing.