Yellowstone River Facts

Location:

The Yellowstone River is born high on Yount’s Peak in the Teton Wilderness.  The river flows through the wilderness for about 20 miles before entering the park.  In all, the Yellowstone River spends about 90 miles of its journey in the park.  The river flows 617 miles from its source to the Missouri River.  The Yellowstone is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states.  It pauses only once, at the massive Yellowstone Lake. 

In Yellowstone National Park, there are four sections to the Yellowstone River.  The first is above the lake.  Next is the section from Fishing Bridge to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.  The Grand Canyon consists of the next section.  The Black Canyon of the Yellowstone takes the river to the border of the park near Gardiner, Montana.

Features:

The Yellowstone River is perhaps the most hallowed name in western fly fishing.  Its fishing is famous throughout the world.  Anglers are treated to native cutthroat in an untouched wilderness setting.  Reaching the Yellowstone’s upper reaches above the lake requires a trip of at least four days.  The trip is well worth it.  Few fishermen ever make it this far.  The fish are large, averaging between 14-18 inches in this section. 

The fishing is best in August, when spawning cutthroats are returning to the lake.  The Yellowstone from Fishing Bridge to the Hayden Valley (which is closed to fishing year-round) is the most heavily fished section of the river.  There is good reason for that fact, from the July 15^th opener to August, spawning cutthroats averaging between 14 and 18 inches.  It is rare to catch a fish smaller than 14 inches in this period.  However, in August the spawners begin returning to the lake.  By September, this section of river is almost void of fish.  What trout remain are few and elusive. 

From Canyon almost all the way to Tower Junction, the Yellowstone flows through the impressive Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.  The river contains good numbers of native cutthroats 10-18 inches long.  The river runs fast and strong in the canyons, effectively ruling wading out.  Fishing from the banks works very well.  Several trails lead down into the Grand Canyon.  If you decide to camp in the backcountry, a reservation is required at the campsites ahead of time. 

From Tower to the park boundary, the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone guides the river.  This is a popular overnight hiking trip, offering good fishing and fantastic scenery.  Fishing the canyons is best in late June or early July when the stoneflies hatch. 

Seasonal Strategies:

The Yellowstone River from Fishing Bridge to Upper Falls opens on July 15.  This date brings fishermen from all over the world, so expect to share the river with hundreds of other anglers.  The rest of the river opens Memorial Day Weekend. 

Stoneflies begin hatching on the Yellowstone in late June and July, with the best action in the canyons.  The river above the Grand Canyon features many varied hatches throughout the year.  Stoneflies, caddis, mayflies, Baetis and Tricos provide action all season long.  During the summer, when a hatch is on, a fly in the right size with a good presentation is more important than an exact match. 

Terrestrials arrive in July and stay until the hard frosts of fall.  Fall fishing requires tiny flies with tiny tippets.  Attractors and terrestrials work well in the canyons during the summer.  Nymphs fished in the deep pockets and pools work well all season long.

Special Regulations:

The stretch from one mile above Fishing Bridge to Upper Falls is closed until July 15^th.  The rest of the river opens on Memorial Day Weekend.  The Season closes on the first Sunday in November.  Fishing is closed for one mile below Fishing Bridge.  No Fishing in the Hayden Valley.  All native species (cutthroat and mountain whitefish) are catch and release only.  Limit on non-native species is five daily, any size.  All lake trout caught must be killed. 

Access:

Access to the Yellowstone above the lake is a long, overnight trip.  Bring mosquito repellant, as the marshy area near the lake abounds with the insects.  The Grand Loop Road follows the Yellowstone from the lake to Canyon.  Pullouts are frequent, use them instead of pulling off on the side of the road.  The river from Canyon down is best accessed from trails. 

Special Cautions:

The Yellowstone River is fast and strong.  Don’t overestimate your wading strength and ability.  Fishermen drown every year on the Yellowstone.  This is bear country.  Travel in groups of three and observe all the usual precautions.  Give bison a wide berth.  They are very common above and below the Hayden Valley.  They are wild animals and can be dangerous when provoked.

Links:

Yellowstone River Blog Entries and Updates

Yellowstone River Flows at the outlet of Yellowstone Lake  

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