Firehole River Fishing Forecast
Unique geothermally-heated meadow stream in Yellowstone with classic hatch-matching
Opens Sat of Mem Day wknd
YNP fishing permit required. Thermally influenced - runs too warm Jun-Sep in many sections
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 7:58 PM
59°F
224 CFS
12 AM - 2 AM
Cress Bug
Free forever • No signup required • Hourly updates
Quick Facts
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout
freestone
36°F - 45°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Early hatches begin. Look for BWOs.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Geothermal sections fish year-round. Park closed Nov-May.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Deep nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
| February | 33-40°F | Midges, Small nymphs, Deep pools |
| March(Now) | 36-45°F | BWO dries, Streamers, Early stonefly nymphs |
| April | 40-50°F | Skwala dries, BWO patterns, Streamers |
| May | 45-55°F | Mother's Day Caddis, Nymphing, Streamers |
| June | 50-60°F | Salmonfly dries, Golden Stones, PMDs |
| July | 55-68°F | PMDs, Hoppers, Caddis, Attractor dries |
| August | 55-70°F | Hoppers, Tricos, PMDs, Terrestrials |
| September | 48-58°F | BWOs, Streamers, Hoppers |
| October | 40-50°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg patterns |
| November | 35-42°F | Streamers, Deep nymphs, Egg patterns |
| December | 32-38°F | Deep nymphs, Midges, Slow presentations |
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.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Firehole River
Biscuit Basin
Upper river access near geysers.
Midway Geyser Basin
Access near Grand Prismatic.
Firehole Canyon
Canyon access below falls.
Madison Junction
Confluence with Madison.
How to Fish Firehole River: Tips & Tactics
The Firehole River flows through Yellowstone's geyser basins, offering unique fishing for brown and rainbow trout amid thermal features.
Best Times of Day
Fall is the best season after summer thermal heating. Spring fishing before thermal warming is excellent. Summer waters can be too warm.
Recommended Techniques
Match the prolific hatches. The Firehole has unique insect life due to thermal influence. Stealth is essential.
Water Conditions
Thermal inputs warm the water in summer. Fall cooling brings the best fishing. Unique fishing among geysers.
Fly Selection
BWO patterns work well. Caddis hatches are prolific. PMD and sulfur patterns. The Firehole has unique hatches.
Local Knowledge
The Firehole is uniquely influenced by geothermal features. Fall fishing after summer warming is best. This is unique fishing.
Local Tips
West Yellowstone is the gateway. Fall is the prime season. Fishing among geysers is unique.
When is the Best Time to Fish Firehole River?
Spring
Excellent fishing before thermal warming.
Summer
Water can be too warm. Fish early morning only.
Fall
Prime season as water cools. Best fishing.
Winter
Closed - Yellowstone winter access limited.
Recommended Equipment for Firehole River
Rod
9-foot, 4 or 5-weight.
Line
Floating line for dry flies.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Watch for thermal features.
Essential Flies
Firehole River Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Yellowstone National Park regulations.
Limits
Catch-and-release for wild trout.
Special Regulations
Park fishing permit required.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
Yellowstone National Park regulations apply.
Always verify current regulations with Wyoming fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Firehole River
Local Fly Shops
- Blue Ribbon Flies - West Yellowstone
- Madison River Outfitters
- Parks' Fly Shop
Guide Services
- Yellowstone Guides
- Blue Ribbon Guides
- West Yellowstone Anglers
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Wyoming Trout Rivers
North Fork Shoshone
Green
Snake River
North Platte River
Gibbon River
Ready to Fish the Firehole River?
Get real-time forecasts with AI-powered fly recommendations, live water conditions, and hatch predictions.
Get Your Forecast