Yellowstone National Park
This is the best time of the year for hike in fishing inside the Park. There are countless miles of streams an easy day hike from the roads inside of Yellowstone. Almost all of these rivers are clear from run off. Lace up the hikers, grab a pack and see some of the best fishing the Park has to offer.
Madison River (Yellowstone National Park) 7-22-09
With the exception of the morning and evening hours, there are better places to fish than the Madison River inside Yellowstone. Mornings have seen some fish rising to Caddis, a Bogus Beetle has been effective at bringing fish up to the surface as well.
Firehole River 7-22-09
It is time to give the Firehole and its trout a break. Other waters in the Park offer better fishing until the river cools in mid to late September.
Gibbon River 7-22-09
Attractor dry fly fishing has continued to pull up fish in the Gibbon. It isn’t a prime destination right now, but if you need a river to kill a few hours in, the Gibbon can be fun. The area around the Falls is closed to fishing due to the construction, so make sure to steer clear of that stretch of river.
Gallatin River 7-22-2009
The Gallatin is still fishing very well in the afternoons. Anglers heading up there should be sure to come prepared to deal with large numbers of biting flies and mosquitos. Deet, Insect Shield clothing and maybe even a head net on the windless days can make for more comfortable fishing. When not swatting at flies, anglers can happily watch trout rising to Caddis. Iris Caddis and E/C Caddis are working great during these hatches. Stimi’s and Parachute Adams are must have flies as well. Focusing on places that are tough to get a good dead drift in can yield larger fish, provided that the one holding the fly rod can accomplish what other anglers cannot.
Slough Creek 7-22-2009
Slough is still fishing very well and is one of the best fisheries inside Yellowstone Park. Anglers returning from the second and third meadows have reported excellent fishing, with fish willing to eat a wide range of patterns. Where the river is more accessible, the trout require more exact imitations of the PMDs, Grey Drakes and midges that are hatching. Beetles and Ants are becoming more effective as the season progresses.
Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek 7-22-2009
A big rain put the Lamar out of shape but Soda Butte kept its clarity. Anglers are once again commencing their two month assault on Soda Butte’s native Cutthroat. Fishing has been quite good and the trout are very willing to feed on the surface. Good drifts with reasonably sized flies generally get eaten or at least inspected. If refused, just change flies and get a better drift, chances are good that a Cuttie won’t be able to keep its jaws off.