Summer fishing in the Yellowstone Region is what we all dream about. The big sky looms over blooming wildflowers, rutting bison, hoppers bouncing, gulpers gulping, and humming trout towns.
The Summer season is short in the Yellowstone Region, with July and August the only two months when we can rely on warm temperatures and consistent weather. We enjoy each day knowing the days are growing shorter, and fall is looming.
This summer has been hot and smoky, with many wildfires taking off across the West. The inevitable hoot owl restrictions remain in place, and the fishing has been spotty.
Despite the conditions, there is no place we would rather be than summer in the Yellowstone Region. There is so much opportunity to enjoy a summer day, whether it be on a backcountry trout stream with a puck of hoppers, a relaxing float with the family, or just an evening taking in the sunset with friends.
To celebrate the summer season, I put together a photo essay featuring some of my favorite shots capturing summer fishing in the region. I hope you enjoy it and that you’ve had an awesome summer so far.
Wildflowers bloom across the Yellowstone backcountry all summer long.
A three weight and a puck full of hoppers is what summer is all about.
The bison rut is a sight to see, starting in July and lasting through August.
The benefit of starting early is the epic sunrises.
The grey drake is a spotty but magnificent summer hatch in the Yellowstone Region.
Summer is prime time for creek fishing.
Wild huckleberries are a delight when fishing the Yellowstone backcountry.
Chasing cutthroat during the summer drake hatches.
The fish of summer, the cutthroat trout.
Checking water temperatures is paramount all summer long.
The trout towns of the Yellowstone Region are busy all summer long.
A morning of gulper fishing.
Callibaetis Spinner Fall
Waking up in the Yellowstone backcountry.
The days when you see more bison than anglers.
Hoping the wind stays down while rigging the boats for gulper fishing.
It doesn't get much prettier than a spotted cutthroat tail fin.
The elk have been out and in their summer bronze color.
If you're lucky, you may come across some epic dry fly fishing during damsel fly hatches on the regions lakes.
Callibaetis cripples, spinners, and duns for summer gulper fishing.
A callibaetis eating rainbow trout going back home.
No better way to end a day of summer fishing than a stop at the ice cream shop.
