Yellowstone River Basin
About the Yellowstone River Basin
The Yellowstone River Basin is hallowed ground in the world of fly fishing. The Yellowstone River itself is the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States, offering a completely natural flow regime. This basin includes the legendary waters inside Yellowstone National Park and the famous "Paradise Valley" stretch in Montana.
Key Sections
- Yellowstone Park (Hayden Valley): This slow-meandering section is famous for opening day (July 15 season opener in this section) and the hunt for massive Cutthroat Trout rising to PMDs and Drakes.
- Paradise Valley: From Gardiner to Livingston, the river flows through a spectacular valley. It is big water best fished from a drift boat, known for heavy hatches and heavy Brown Trout.
- Lamar River: In the Northeast corner of the park, the Lamar and its tributaries (Slough Creek, Soda Butte) offers perhaps the finest meadow fishing for Cutthroat Trout on the planet.
Iconic Hatches
- Salmonfly: The Salmonfly hatch (late June/July) on the Yellowstone is a bucket-list event.
- Green Drakes: In July, cloudy afternoons bring heavy drakes and rising fish.
- Hoppers: August and September are all about terrestrial fishing. Splashy rises near cutbanks are the name of the game.
Fly Fishing Rivers in the Yellowstone River Basin
Boulder River - Big Timber
Montana
Firehole River - West Yellowstone
Wyoming
Firehole River - Upper Yellowstone
Wyoming
Gibbon River - Madison Junction (Yellowstone Park)
Wyoming
Lamar River - Tower Falls Area
Wyoming
Shields River - Livingston
Montana
Slough Creek
Wyoming
Soda Butte Creek
Wyoming
Stillwater River - Absarokee
Montana
Yellowstone River - Fishing Bridge
Wyoming
Yellowstone River - Livingston
Montana
Yellowstone River - Paradise Valley
Montana
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fly fishing rivers in the Yellowstone River Basin?
The Fly Fishing Yellowstone River – Fishing Bridge is widely considered the crown jewel of the Yellowstone River Basin, but the area offers many excellent options. Be sure to explore the various tributaries and sections listed in our guide for diverse experiences.
When is the best time to fly fish in the Yellowstone River Basin?
While summer (June-September) offers the most consistent dry fly action, the Yellowstone River Basin has productive fishing year-round. Fall brings aggressive brown trout and excellent streamer fishing, while spring sees important hatches like Blue Winged Olives. Winter tailwater fisheries can also be excellent.
What fish species can I catch in the Yellowstone River Basin?
Anglers can primarily target Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, with Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout available in higher elevation streams. Some waters also hold Mountain Whitefish and other species.
