Yellowstone National Park Fishing Report

June 15, 2005

On the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers inside Yellowstone National Park little has changed since our last report. And for the things that have changed, it has all been for the good. Water levels have come down and all three rivers are in prime condition. Hatches have become very consistent. Now if the weather would cooperate, we couldn’t ask for much more.

Despite the unruly weather, the fishing has been excellent. Not only have the hatches been consistent but they have also been right on time. Caddis, Pale Morning Duns, Little Yellow Sally’s, have followed the traditional hatch chart and are happening as I write. A few Salmonflies have shown up in the Firehole Canyon and they should come out in force the first couple of consecutive warm days. Remember due to the fact that the Firehole winds it way through geo-thermal areas, its early season is relatively short. By Mid-July water temperatures can reach the 70’s and the fishing will deteriorate until cooler fall weather sets in. For this reason one should not dawdle, especially when it is fishing so well. Fish it now!

Another Yellowstone happening comes about today, June 15^th when Yellowstone Lake opens to fishing. Although in the last couple of years the fish populations have seemed to decline, the average size fish has definitely gone up. It is not uncommon to see 20-plus inch fish. Try Mohair Leeches in black, brown, and blood (burgundy), on Type III Sink-Tip or Full-Sink line.

For up-to-the-minute conditions don’t hesitate to contact us.

Until next time,

Howard Cole
High Country Flies

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