Gibbon River Fishing Forecast
Yellowstone meadow and canyon stream with restored native westslope cutthroat and grayling
Opens Sat of Mem Day wknd
YNP fishing permit required. Some sections may have additional closures
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 4:20 AM
42°F
67 CFS
1 AM - 3 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and Arctic Grayling
freestone
36°F - 45°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Early hatches begin. Look for BWOs.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Park closed season. Fish after Memorial Day opener.
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.
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.
Westslope Cutthroat
Spawn months: June, July
Native to northern Rocky Mountain streams. Spawn later than other cutthroat due to high-elevation habitat and colder water. Particularly sensitive to hybridization with rainbow trout.
Access Points & Parking for Gibbon River
Norris
Upper river access near Norris Geyser Basin.
Gibbon Meadows
Meadow fishing access.
Gibbon Falls
Below falls access.
Madison Junction
Confluence with Firehole.
How to Fish Gibbon River: Tips & Tactics
The Gibbon River flows through Yellowstone, offering small stream fishing for brook, rainbow, and brown trout in beautiful meadows and canyon.
Best Times of Day
Summer offers the best fishing with diverse hatches. Fall brings excellent conditions before park closures. Match the prolific hatches.
Recommended Techniques
Small stream techniques work well. Match the hatches carefully. Stealth is essential in clear meadow water.
Water Conditions
The Gibbon has diverse character from meadows to canyon. Clear water demands careful approach. Wildlife is abundant.
Fly Selection
Caddis and mayfly patterns. Terrestrials in summer meadows. Small nymphs in faster water.
Local Knowledge
The Gibbon offers more intimate fishing than the major rivers. The meadow sections are particularly beautiful. Wildlife viewing is excellent.
Local Tips
The Gibbon offers intimate fishing in Yellowstone. Meadow sections are beautiful. Wildlife is abundant.
When is the Best Time to Fish Gibbon River?
Spring
Park opens. Fishing improves with warming.
Summer
Prime season with hatches. Fish all day.
Fall
Excellent conditions. Browns active.
Winter
Closed - Yellowstone winter access limited.
Recommended Equipment for Gibbon River
Rod
8 to 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight.
Line
Floating line for dry flies.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Wet wading possible.
Essential Flies
Gibbon 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 Gibbon River
Local Fly Shops
- Blue Ribbon Flies - West Yellowstone
- Arrick's Fly Shop
- Parks' Fly Shop
Guide Services
- Yellowstone Guides
- West Yellowstone Anglers
- Gallatin Guides
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
100 - 300 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
Firehole River
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