Yellowstone Park

[Phil Lilley]

Talking about taking a family vacation to Yellowstone next summer. We went 10 years ago in late August so I know what to expect that time of year. What about early? Mid May? Trying to avoid the crowds and of course fish! I'd think early would be good.

[Rusty]

What about the runoff? Or were you meaning you were going to avoid the fish too?

[Phil Lilley]

That's why I'm asking- didn't think about runoff. Is it not fishable in late May?

[Rusty]

When we were planning a kayaking trip, not a fishing trip, in Idaho on the Middle Fork of the Salmon, we were told not bother in May because the water was really blown out. But you have to take into concideration the snow that was received that season. We didn't go, I was just throwing out one of possible issues that could happen.

[Gavin]

Phil, the fishing season in the park doesnt open until Memorial Day and you cant fish the Yellowstone, Slough, Soda Butte, and the Lamar until July 15th.

Most folks fish the Madison and Firehole when the park opens, then they move over to Slough, Soda Butte,Lamar cuz the Y. Stone just below the lake really isnt worth fishing anymore. You can still find uncrowded fishing during peak season but your gonna have to be willing to fish different waters or hike for it.

Not sure what the runoff situation will be in mid-May. Y. Stone will probably be blown out, but you might be able to get some fishing in on the Upper or Lower Madison. Cheers.

[Phil Lilley]

I say May because of the crowds but I bet we go in August. We have to plan around everyone's schedule.

[Gavin]

August isnt a great month for the park..Lots of touristas, peak of fire season, Mammoth Hot Springs is usually dried, and youll have to contend with restricted fishing hours and/or stream closures.

The Firehole, Madison, and Gibbon below the Falls are usually closed to fishing due to high water temps in August, so most folks fish the NE Corner of the Park (Slough, Soda Butte, the Lamar). Spots near the road and 1st meadow at Slough are usually crowded, but you wont see anyone if you are willing to fish the back country..Some of my favs...

Hellroaring Creek, access the Y. Stone at Tower Falls, Trout Lake, Cache Creek, Pelican Creek.

Bring your bear bells and make sure you sign the trail register.

[damselfly]

Phil,

we went to Yellowstone the second week or so in June the year we went. Fished the Madison and the salmon fly hatch was going on up around Ennis (not were I was fishing unfortunately). we spent a week at a motel in west yellowstone and visited the park daily. the crowds were not bad at all. msybe this time frame would be better if you can get away?

[Crippled Caddis]

After Labor Day!

[flyfishinggolfer]

Phil,

If you are staying at the famous Jackson Lake Lodge, turn right as you exit the Lodge and head toward the dam. I forget the name of the dam. It is a big one. You will see a dirt drive way off to your left after the first intersection. Turn left and you will come to a nice area that is well fished but usually has a bite on. You will know the area because the river (I believe it is still the Snake) has a sharp bend to the northwest. I fished it in August of 2000 (I doubt much has changed around there since) and really hit a good bite every time. Hoppers were the fly.

Maybe you can do what I wasn't able to do on a return trip in 2001. At the north end of the park is the Grand Canyon. I hear there are numerous small creeks in the GC to fish. I hear bears share the creeks with fly fishermen only. When I return I am hiking into the Grand Canyon for a day.

Fly