Yellowstone (inside YNP) Fishing Forecast
World-famous trout river
Opens Sat of Mem Day wknd*
YNP fishing permit required (not state license). YNP Yellowstone River opens July 1. Other park waters open Sat Mem Day wknd. Park-specific regs
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 6:31 PM
42°F
970 CFS
4 AM - 6 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout
freestone
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Access Points & Parking for Yellowstone (inside YNP)
Fishing Bridge
Historic area near Yellowstone Lake outlet.
Buffalo Ford
Famous section with quality fishing.
Canyon
Above the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Tower
Northern park access.
How to Fish Yellowstone (inside YNP): Tips & Tactics
The Yellowstone River inside Yellowstone National Park is the birthplace of western fly fishing. Native Yellowstone cutthroat trout swim in these historic waters.
Best Times of Day
The park opens July 15th for fishing. Summer offers excellent dry fly fishing. Fall brings larger fish and fewer crowds.
Recommended Techniques
Match the prolific hatches - PMDs, caddis, and Flavs. Dry fly fishing is the tradition. Native cutthroat are willing but require presentation.
Water Conditions
July 15th opening protects spawning cutthroat. Summer offers ideal conditions. Wildlife viewing is incredible.
Fly Selection
PMD and Flav patterns essential. Caddis throughout summer. Hopper patterns late summer. Traditional patterns work well.
Local Knowledge
July 15th opening date protects spawning fish. Native cutthroat are a treasure. Combining fishing with wildlife viewing is special.
Local Tips
This is where western fly fishing began. Native cutthroat are special - handle carefully. Wildlife viewing is incredible.
When is the Best Time to Fish Yellowstone (inside YNP)?
Spring
Closed until July 15th to protect spawning.
Summer
Prime season after July 15th opening. Excellent hatches.
Fall
Larger fish, fewer crowds. Park closures may limit access.
Winter
Most sections closed. Limited access.
Recommended Equipment for Yellowstone (inside YNP)
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight is traditional.
Line
Floating line for dry fly fishing.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Watch for wildlife while fishing.
Essential Flies
Yellowstone (inside YNP) Fishing Regulations
Season
Opens July 15th. Check park regulations.
Limits
Native cutthroat must be released.
Special Regulations
Park fishing permit required. Special regulations.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
Yellowstone National Park has unique regulations - read them.
Always verify current regulations with Montana fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Yellowstone (inside YNP)
Local Fly Shops
- Parks Fly Shop - Gardner
- Yellowstone Angler - Livingston
- Blue Ribbon Flies
Guide Services
- Parks Fly Shop Guides
- Yellowstone Guides
- Montana Trout Guides
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
3000 - 8000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Montana Trout Rivers
Bitterroot
Blackfoot
Madison
Missouri (below Holter)
Big Hole River
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