Yellowstone National Park Fishing Report

Yellowstone National Park Fishing Report

10/11/2024

Remember that you CANNOT have felt boots, barbed hooks, or lead in the park. Keep your wits about you when fishing in the park and carry bear spray. It is common to see Bison and Bears while fishing in the park.

Fishing in Yellowstone National Park in CLOSED, however, this year, fishing will be open year-round for the first time on the Madison and Gardner River, all other areas will close effective October 31st. You can learn about the new fishing season information HERE. You can buy a Yellowstone National Park Fishing License HERE.

Firehole River: Closed to fishing.

Gibbon River: Closed to fishing.

Madison River: This is the place to hit if you plan on swinging flies. The wet fly fishing during the Fall can be incredible as fish begin to head upriver as the water begins to cool. Keep your flies relatively small and focus on the largest runs before making a change.

Gallatin River: Closed to fishing.

Dries: Chubby Chernnobyl #8-10 (gold, royal, purple), Parachute Adams #12-16 (para-wulff, sparkle, natural, and copper haze are variations we like to have in the box), Double Vision PMD #16-18, Sparkle Flag PMD #16-18, Hi-Vis Elk Hair Caddis #16-18, X Caddis #16-18 (tan, olive)

Nymphs: Pat's Rubberlegs #8-12(olive, tan, coffee), Nitro Caddis Pupa #14-16, Chewy Caddis #14-16, Perdigons(lite brite, green, pearl, black), Little Green Machine #14-18 (pheasant tail, green, gray), Lil Spanker #16-20 (purple, green, silver)

Park Fishing Licenses: Yellowstone National Park has implemented an online licensing service this year. You can buy a YNP license here. 

Looking for a Bozeman-based Montana fly fishing adventure? You’ve come to the right place! Our fly shop located one hour south of the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and a great many of our guides live within minutes of the airport we are an easy choice. Check out our guided fly fishing trips or if you’re looking for a lodging and fishing package. Feel free to email us at [email protected] or drop us a line at 406-995-2290. Open 7 days a week! 

Our Fly Fishing Guide School has helped lots of anglers achieve their dream of being a fishing guide. With monthly schools throughout the spring, summer and fall, there is likely a week of fishing that will fit your schedule. 

Even the NY Times has caught wind of the growth of women in the fly fishing industry. Gain the skills to fish confidently on your own in our Montana Women’s Fly Fishing School.