Yellowstone National Park
Inside of Yellowstone the road between Madison Junction and Norris is closed. This prevents visitors from the West Gate from driving through the north part of the Park without having to detour south around Yellowstone Lake. Getting to the Lamar Valley will now take between three and a half to four hours from West Yellowstone. Therefore we will no longer be guiding day trips to this part of the park, nor will the information on the fishing report be very detailed, as I won’t be fishing the water myself. Construction should be finished in time for the winter season and 2o10 should see things back to normal.
Madison River (Yellowstone National Park) 9-9-09
A few more lake fish are showing up each day and our cool nights certainly will help to get more fish moving upriver. Focus your attention when the sun is off the water and don’t expect any big numbers of fish to come to your fly for at least two more weeks. If a lake fish or two every other day doesn’t meet your expectations than wait longer to fish the Madison in the Park. Covering water with streamers or soft hackles is the best way to find aggressive fish. Nymphing just isn’t that productive a use of time due to the large number of whitefish that will be encountered and the low density of lake rainbows and browns in the river.
Firehole River 9-9-09
The Firehole is only getting into the low 70’s during the height of the day’s heat. This, combined with cooler nightly lows, means that the Firehole is coming around as a productive fishery. On warm and sunny days, keep an eye on the temps in the afternoons, but for the most part the river should be safe for the trout to fish. White Millers, Baetis and Ants have been the story when it comes to fishing the Firehole. Carry a good imitation of each and you should be set.
Gallatin River 9-9-2009
The Gallatin is still fishing well inside Yellowstone. Cool mornings make for a slow bite until things warm up a bit, but once the fish get interested it is well worth being on the water. Ants, Rusty Orange Parachutes and Wulffs have worked well as attractors. Spruce Moth patterns continue to fool fish, though the number of these terrestrials is thinning. Baetis are hatching in small numbers. Cool and wet fall weather will increase the density of these insects if it ever decides to rain.