Fall Fishing In Yellowstone National Park

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Fall Fishing in Yellowstone Park

June, July And August bring the highest number of human visitors to Yellowstone National Park. But it's during the fall, when the nights have grown chilly and most of the tourists have gone home, that the big brown and rainbow trout decide to tour the park.

They come out of Hebgen Lake and migrate up the Madison River and the Firehole, providing great fishing opportunities. The browns spawn in the streams, then return to the lake. Many rainbows stay in the rivers through the winter, spawn in the spring, then return home. Brown trout also congregate in the Lewis River, between Lewis and Shoshone lakes.

Hordes of fishermen flog the surface of the park's world-famous waters during the summer months, then vanish as fall sets in and the big fish grow hungry. But a few wary anglers know this secret and enjoy fishing these sacred waters during the fall, in relative solitude.

On the Firehole River, where geysers and hot springs spew boiling water into the river, the trout become lethargic during the heat of summer. But crisp fall nights moderate water temperatures, allowing the trout and other aquatic life to become more active. That can result in excellent fishing, according to Dan Hull, co-owner of Madison River Outfitters, a fly shop and guide service that specializes in Yellowstone National Park fishing adventures.

Mayfly patterns, sparkle duns in particular, fish well on the Madison and Firehole during the fall. Standard nymphs and woolly buggers also work well for the big browns.

The Madison below Quake Lake also fishes well in the fall, Dan said. Small nymphs and Baetis mayflies are standard fare.

During early September, summer conditions prevail and terrestrials (hoppers, beetles and ants) usually provide the best action.

By mid-September, cooler weather usually sets in and things start to change. Smaller mayfly imitations become important, along with some terrestrials on warmer days. The Lamar, Slough Creek and the Yellowstone River fish very well at that time.

In late September or early October, nights start getting cold and the spawners start moving out of the lakes. That's when action picks up on the Madison, Firehole, and on the Lewis River between the lakes.

The spawning channel above Lewis Lake fishes well with streamers. It's mostly sight fishing and you must hike or canoe into the area. (Boats with motors are allowed on Lewis Lake, but not on the river. The first section of river above Lewis Lake can be navigated by canoe, but on the upper stretch canoes must be pulled or carried through the shallower, rocky water.)

Snow is common in Yellowstone during the spring and fall, and can also fall during the summer. Unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather. Always be equipped with a wide range of clothing options. Be sure to bring a warm jacket and rain gear, even in the summer.

Most waters in Yellowstone Park are open for fishing from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the first Sunday in November. A permit from the park is required to fish and can be obtained at visitor centers or ranger stations. Lead sinkers are not permitted. Always check regulations for the specific water you will be fishing.

Park roads usually close in early November and stay closed until late April.

The park is full of legendary waters. Romantic waters. They say mountain men were fascinated with the Yellowstone area, and the Firehole River in particular, because they could catch a trout from one side of the stream, then cook it in boiling water on the other side.

With cooperation from anglers, these beautiful waters will continue to enchant anglers for generations to come.

Fall Fishing in Yellowstone Park

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