Fishing In The Greater Yellowstone Region
The Greater Yellowstone Region is home to some of the finest trout fishing in the world. One could spend their whole life fishing in this region and fail to fish all the waters on their bucket list. Much of what I’ve learned in my young fly fishing life has come while fishing in the Greater Yellowstone Region, and this is an overview of the region and why it is so special.
Besides the fishing, the region is one of the most unique of its kind. Spanning over three states (see a map here), the Greater Yellowstone Region is home to a diversity of wildlife, geothermal features, vegetation, watersheds, and everything in between. It is within the boundaries of three fishy states including Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Within the region are two national parks, five national forests, and three wildlife management areas. Because of its unique characteristics and public accessibility, this region offers the angler a lifetime of fishing opportunities.
In this article, I touch on the main points one would need to know when fishing in the Greater Yellowstone Region. While I am not an expert on this region, I am learning with you and have spent years fishing it. I will go over when and where to fish, the hatches, and why this area of the world is so special to the fly fisherman and beyond.
When To Fish In The Greater Yellowstone Region?
Everyone asks “When is the best time to come and fish out there?” If you’ve ever been put in a situation to answer this question, you know how hard it is. An angler can catch fish every month of the year in the Greater Yellowstone Region. While certain months are easier for the angler, all four seasons offer a memorable angling experience.
The region is under a blanket of snow for most of the year. I count on snow storms and harsh weather between November and April in this region. December through February can be some of the coldest, darkest times. That’s not to say one can’t find open water and rising fish. It just takes a nice day with low wind to find bearable fishing. Some of my best days with a fly rod occurred in the dead of winter with no one around, catching rising fish on midge patterns.
Spring fishing conditions start in late March and last through most of June. This time frame offers some of the best fishing of the season. The rivers flow with cold water, the hatches begin, and the big trout are looking to put on weight. The spring brings many challenges, including high water and storm systems that make fishing difficult. Be prepared for inclement weather and outstanding fishing in the spring months.
Summer is prime time for fishing in the Greater Yellowstone Region, lasting from July through September. If I could only fish this region one month of the year, it would be July. The backcountry opens up, the rivers drop to fishable levels, and the hatches are abundant. Some of the most spectacular days of the season occur during this timeframe and it is when many anglers plan their fishing trips.
However, the summer season comes with its own set of challenges. Depending on the snowpack from the winter before, the rivers can be difficult to fish. With low flows and warm water temperatures, many rivers in the region are closed as water conditions are harmful for trout to be safely caught and released. Another challenge is the amount of people that visit this region in the summer. The crowds can be overwhelming and create real headaches when trying to get on the water. Take this into account when planning to fish in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
As we roll into late September, the leaves change color and the most beautiful time of year arrives in this region. Fall is not only a gorgeous time of year, but offers some of the best fishing opportunities. Like spring, the fall offers the opportunity for the biggest fish of the season. Depending on the watershed, crowds can be minimal with hunting season coming on and school back in session. In some years fall lasts several weeks into November. In other years we get two weeks of fall before the snow abruptly puts an end to the prime fishing season, often in October.
Overall, any month of the year offers great fishing for the willing angler. If planning a trip to the region, stay in tune with snowpack levels and expected weather trends. Call local fly shops to get an updated forecast for the year of fishing. Be prepared for all weather conditions no matter the season, and enjoy the region for everything it offers.
Where to Fish In The Greater Yellowstone Region?
The Greater Yellowstone Region is home to many legendary blue ribbon trout streams. When people ask where they should fish, I am tempted to reply with “Any blue line or dot on the map.” Almost any body of water in the region offers fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Famous rivers of this region include the Madison River, Yellowstone River, Snake River, and Gallatin River. This includes many of their famous forks and tributaries such as the Firehole River, Lamar River, Henry’s Fork of the Snake, and South Fork of the Snake to name a few.
When fishing the Greater Yellowstone Region, it is important to remember the lakes. A few of the famous lakes in this region include Jackson Lake, Yellowstone Lake, Hebgen Lake, and Henry’s Lake.
The best part about this region is the opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore. After fishing in this region for a few years, I have found the best fishing is not read in any article, website, or social media post. It’s found out on the water, so I encourage you to explore the region and find a place special to you.
Hatches
Fishing the Greater Yellowstone Region is so productive because of the abundant and diverse insect hatches the region is known for. Stoneflies, caddis, mayflies, terrestrials, midges, and everything in between shine throughout the season. It is a hobby in itself learning and chasing all of the insects trout feed on in this region. Come prepared with many flies and variations as the fish can be selective. Don’t forget the ample baitfish, sculpin, crayfish, shrimp, and other meaty sources that make for fast-growing trout in these watersheds.
Legends Of The Area
This area of the world is home to many of the leaders and innovators in the fly fishing world. Rene Harrop, Mike Lawson, Craig Mathews, Bob Jacklin, and many more (the list goes on) have made major innovations while fly fishing these waters. These icons have lifetimes of experience and information on this region and I highly recommend any books, articles, and videos they have created over the years.
Many still frequent their respective fly shops, which are shops I recommend when fishing in the Greater Yellowstone Region. They will have up-to-date information on what’s fishing and the hot flies. A few of the fly shops in the region that I recommend include Henry’s Fork Anglers, Big Sky Anglers, Blue Ribbon Flies, Trouthunter, and Galloup’s Slide Inn. There are many renowned fly shops in the region with exceptional service, though these are a few of my favorites.
Why Is It So Special?
Fishing in the Greater Yellowstone Region is so special for everything outside of the actual landing of a fish. The area is known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife. Within Yellowstone’s boundaries or not, there are many sights worth stopping for along your fishing road trip. Whether it be geothermal features, waterfalls, or mountain ranges. There is a lifetime of sights and sounds to experience in this region.
This region is also legendary in the fly fishing world. It’s hard not to feel nostalgic when wading into one of the many famous rivers in the area. Many talented, famous anglers have set foot in these waters. It is a blessing to experience a slice of it for yourself.
My favorite reason fishing in the Greater Yellowstone Region is so special is because of the wild and native trout. Many areas around the world have turned to supplemental stocking to keep their fisheries intact. This region has minimal stocking efforts, with many fish populations wild and naturally reproducing. As a steward of the environment, I am proud to fish waters full of naturally reproducing fish.
A few of the native species known to this area include the Yellowstone and Snake River Cutthroat, Westslope Cutthroat, Arctic Grayling, and Rocky Mountain Whitefish. You also have the opportunity to chase wild brown, rainbow, brook, and rainbow/cutthroat hybrid trout.
I hope this article gives you a better sense of why fishing in the Greater Yellowstone Region is so special. I look forward to exploring and continuing to learn about this famous region. Please reach out with any comments or questions as I love talking about this area of the world.
Conserve The Greater Yellowstone Region
I will add a quick note regarding protecting this region of the world. Because this region is so special, it has received mass amounts of human pressure over the last few years. This can be seen in tourist pressure as well as people moving to the area permanently. The impacts of human traffic and a variety of other issues this region is dealing with (climate change, invasive species, wildlife management) will continue to take its toll.
Each of us who live, travel, and fish in this region takes responsibility for these issues. Even writing this article and running this blog could negatively impact these issues. I am still working through how I feel about that.
I think everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy this region, though I would hope everyone takes responsibility for protecting it as well. Aside from caring for the area while you are in it, the best thing one could do for this region is to follow, advocate, and support one of the many organizations working to protect it. There are many great organizations out there protecting this region and the rivers within it. Here are just a few I keep up with or have personally contributed money to over the years. Thanks, and enjoy this region responsibly.
