Yellowstone National Park
Inside of Yellowstone the road between Madison Junction and Norris is closed. This prevents visitors from the West Gate from driving through the north part of the Park without having to detour south around Yellowstone Lake. Getting to the Lamar Valley will now take between three and a half to four hours from West Yellowstone. Therefore we will no longer be guiding day trips to this part of the park, nor will the information on the fishing report be very detailed, as I won’t be fishing the water myself. Construction should be finished in time for the winter season and 2o10 should see things back to normal.
Madison River (Yellowstone National Park) 8-26-09
This is the time of year we start to hear reports of the first Hebgen Lake fish entering the Madison River in the Park. These big fish are always few and far between. Concentrate instead on the resident population of browns and rainbows. These trout have gotten through the summer in great shape, put on a little heft and are eager to rise. Tricos are happening first thing in the morning. #22 Calf Wing Spinners are both visible and effective. Later in the day, hoppers have been working very well when fished tight to the banks. Some surprising fish will come to the surface for the big dries, but the action isn’t fast paced.
Firehole River 8-26-09
The Firehole is peaking at just shy of 80 degrees in the afternoons. Fishing in the morning hours is certainly feasible and no longer lethal to the trout. Have a go with Beetles, small Wulffs, Ants and Caddis. Keep an eye on the river temps and call it a day if things heat up.
Gallatin River 8-26-2009
Rising fish can still be found on the Gallatin in the Park. Ants have been the most consistent producers of fish. Cinnamon Parachute and Foam Flying Ants in both #14 and #16 have been great flies. Fishing a beetle has also been very effective. Keep an eye peeled for pods of rising fish in pools and be sure to drift your fly through undercuts and around rocks.
Lamar and Soda Butte 8-26-2009
It doesn’t seem that the road closure has changed the amount of angling pressure in the northeast corner of Yellowstone all that much. Anglers who have made the long drive have reported a lot of fisherman and decent fishing on the Lamar and Soda Butte.