Yellowstone National Park Fishing Report

The Yellowstone National Park opener started with things very normal. But with unseasonably high temperatures last week water flows went pretty crazy. Wednesday, May 25th, the Lamar was running 11,000 CFS. That is extremely high, actually scary. As of late some of the rivers have come back to a much more manageable state.

The Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison are all fishing to different degrees. Look for PMD's, Caddis, and Little Yellow Sallies on the Firehole and Madison. Evenings have been consistently good, especially on the Firehole. We should be seeing salmon flies in the Firehole Canyon any day. On the lower Gibbon stick with simple attractor dries and nymphs. Humpies, Wulff's, Parachute Adams, and Elk Hair Caddis for dries and Red Fox Squirrel's, Prince Nymphs, Serendipities, and Hare's Ears for wets. It’s not a bad idea to try these nymphs in the Bead Head version.

Lewis Lake

Ice has gone off Lewis Lake and it has been producing well with Woolly Buggers, Mohair Leeches, and JJ Specials. A little tip for those of you chasing the Mackinaw in Lewis Lake, (matter of fact Mackinaw anywhere) don't overlook streamer patterns in chartreuse. Macks like chartreuse. White and yellow can also be very effective.

Yellowstone Lake will open June 15th and typically fishes well right off the get go. At this time of year things can change daily if not hourly in Yellowstone Country. So be prepared to adjust your fishing techniques and also the way you dress. Definitely dress in layers and have rain gear. From here on weather and water should start to tame down and fishing in Yellowstone will just keep getting consistently better.