Fly Fishing the Yellowstone River in Montana and Wyoming

Above Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming), the Yellowstone River starts its journey and flows for hundreds of miles through breath taking scenery across Montana until it meets the Missouri River in North Dakota. This natural flowing river is one that brings anglers and visitors from all over the country to its banks each year.

Yellowstone National Park is by most standards the most popular park in the country. Its beauty was created an estimated 600,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption which left a gigantic area of Northwestern Wyoming covered in ash and molten lava. Through years of evolution, Yellowstone National Park has become a place consisting of mud bubbles, hot springs, geysers, two hundred plus foot waterfalls, and sheer beauty.

The upper Yellowstone River flows for approximately thirty miles before entering the Southeast arm of Yellowstone Lake. The upper reaches of the river are small, very remote and nearly impossible to access without a horse or canoe. The River above Yellowstone Lake is followed by Thorofare trail which will give access to those people who choose to horseback. Cutthroats are the only trout found in this part of the river.

Below the lake, the Yellowstone River flows through a beautiful canyon before reaching Gardiner which lies just on the outskirts of the park. The upper seven miles of this section to Sulphur Cauldron are the most popular. The first mile is closed to fishing because it is spawning habitat for the cutthroats. Below Sulphur Cauldron, the river flows over two sets of falls. One measuring over a hundred feet and the other over three hundred. The area around the falls is closed to fishing but is a spectacular area to visit.

Yellowstone Lake to Gardiner and other areas are also Closed to fishing & Special Regulations do apply. Below the falls, the Yellowstone flows through a large canyon and access can be somewhat difficult in areas. Access points in this area can be found by using include Tower Falls, Black Canyon, Hellroaring Creek Trail, Canyon Village, and by Gardiner. Access to this area of the river is done by using Grand Loop Road and hiking trails. The river can be dangerous and swift in many areas and you must be careful.

After leaving the park, the Yellowstone becomes a part of Montana. Below Gardiner the river fishes well all the way to Laurel. The most popular and productive stretch in Montana is from Gardiner to Livingston which is a little over fifty miles of water. The first part of this stretch from Gardiner to Corwin Springs is very productive for cutthroats which are in tremendous numbers here. Below Corwin Springs the river enters Yankee Jim Canyon where large browns inhabit this stretch in some of the deeper, faster moving pools. Most anglers choose to wade fish this area. If you decide to drift, it is very difficult water to navigate, and should be done by only the experienced.

Downstream from Yankee Jim Canyon, the river flows past the towns of Miner, Emigrant, Pray, Pine Creek, and Brisbin before entering Livingston. The stretch from just below Pray to Livingston is a wonderful and famous stretch. Rainbows and browns with quality hatches of insects and beautiful scenery make this an excellent piece of water. Floating is the first choice of most anglers although wade fishing is available in some parts. The section from Gardiner to Livingston is followed by Route 89.

Below Livingston the river has good numbers of brown trout and a few rainbows. This area usually receives less pressure and holds some impressive size fish. Fishing can be good all the way to Laurel, although many anglers limit their float to the upper half of this area. Route 90 follows the river from Livingston to Laurel.

Hatches on the Yellowstone include Blue-winged Olives, caddis(tan and black), Pale Morning Duns, stoneflies (including the large Salmon Flies), Tricos, and a few others. Terrestrials (especially hoppers) also work well during the late summer months. Streamers and nymphs make up much of the fishing on the Yellowstone River and produce some of the largest fish.

If you are planning a trip to the Yellowstone the closest commercial airport is in Bozeman. Billings has an airport which is also close enough to fit the plans for a trip here. This is a scenic area and the Yellowstone River makes it even better. Beautiful rivers, canyons, waterfalls, geysers and mountains are some of the attractions to this area making it one of the most spectacular portions of the United States. For more information on booking a trip, click the following for Lodging and Guides