Lamar River Fishing Forecast
Remote Yellowstone valley with native Yellowstone cutthroat - Americas Serengeti
Opens Sat of Mem Day wknd
YNP fishing permit. Opens with park general season. Native cutthroat C&R
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 1:17 AM
33°F
-999999 CFS
2 AM - 4 AM
Zebra Midge
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Quick Facts
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout
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. Memorial Day-first Sunday November.
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.
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 Lamar River
Lamar Valley
Main valley access - wildlife viewing.
Soda Butte
Tributary confluence access.
Slough Creek
Famous tributary access.
Tower Junction
Lower river access.
How to Fish Lamar River: Tips & Tactics
The Lamar River flows through Yellowstone's wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, offering excellent fishing for native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
Best Times of Day
Summer offers the best fishing when the valley is accessible. The hopper season in late summer is excellent. Fall brings aggressive cutthroat.
Recommended Techniques
Dry fly fishing is the tradition. Match the hatches and terrestrials. Sight fishing to rising cutthroat is the highlight.
Water Conditions
The Lamar Valley is famous for wildlife. Clear water and willing cutthroat. Bears and wolves are often seen.
Fly Selection
Hopper and attractor patterns. PMD and caddis for hatches. Cutthroat are willing dry fly feeders.
Local Knowledge
The Lamar Valley is the best wildlife viewing in Yellowstone. Slough Creek is a legendary tributary. Native cutthroat are the prize.
Local Tips
The Lamar Valley is wildlife paradise. Native cutthroat are a treasure. Bear safety is essential.
When is the Best Time to Fish Lamar River?
Spring
Park opens. Runoff can affect fishing.
Summer
Hopper season is prime. Excellent fishing.
Fall
Cutthroat become aggressive. Great conditions.
Winter
Closed - limited park access.
Recommended Equipment for Lamar River
Rod
9-foot, 4 or 5-weight.
Line
Floating line for dry flies.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Bear spray required.
Essential Flies
Lamar River Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Yellowstone National Park regulations.
Limits
Native cutthroat must be released.
Special Regulations
Park fishing permit required.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
Native Yellowstone cutthroat are protected.
Always verify current regulations with Wyoming fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Lamar River
Local Fly Shops
- Parks' Fly Shop - Gardiner
- Yellowstone Angler - Livingston
- Blue Ribbon Flies
Guide Services
- Yellowstone Guides
- Lamar Valley Anglers
- Parks' Fly Shop Guides
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
500 - 1500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Wyoming Trout Rivers
North Fork Shoshone
Green
Snake River
North Platte River
Firehole River
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