Fall River Facts

Location:

The Fall River is formed leaving Beula Lake in the southwest corner of the park.  Fall River spends roughly 22 miles in Yellowstone National Park before it heads into Idaho to join the Henry’s Fork of the Snake. 

The Fall River is well named.  Waterfalls and drops abound on the Fall.  The topography alternates between deep canyons and more open, more heavily forested runs. 

Features:

With an average descent of 50 feet per mile, most of the Fall River is inclined sharply downhill.  Wading in the Fall is difficult.  The rocks are slick and the water is strong.  Be careful.  The upper river, above Cave Falls, holds mainly cutthroats and the lower river features rainbows. 

Most of the fish are between 9-15 inches with some larger fish approaching 20 inches.  The tributaries of the Fall River also feature some great fishing.  Fishing the Fall gives the angler a great chance to get some experience fishing pocket water. 

Seasonal Strategies:

The Fall River clears from spring runoff by late June in most years, but it can last longer.  The best time to fish the Fall is late summer and early fall.  Stoneflies and Golden Stones hatch just as the water is clearing.  Caddis are available all season long.  Baetis, PMDs, and Green Drakes offer good summer fishing. 

Various mayfly hatches and Tricos appear in the fall.  Terrestrials such as beetles, ants and hoppers are prevalent from July until October.

Special Regulations:

Cutthroat and cuttbows are catch and release only.  Check the Yellowstone fishing regulations for more information regarding the Fall River.  

Access:

Hiking is the best way to access the Fall River, and the abundance of trails and campgrounds makes this fun and easy.

Special Cautions:

This is prime Grizzly bear country.  Take the usual precautions when hiking and camping in bear country.

Links:

Fall River Blog Entries and Updates

Fall River Flows near Squirrel, Idaho 

For the most current fly recommendations and hatch information, click on the Fall River Blog Entries and Updates