On the Fly Magazine: The Greater Yellowstone Fishing Guide

Fishing Report
Tuesday, May 29 2007 / 4:22 PM

Location: Greater Yellowstone Area

Took another drive over the holiday weekend and found that most of the regional rivers, at least the ones along the road, are running fairly clean. The Snake here in Jackson Hole is still high and has a greenish tint but it could be fishable with streamers. The Snake River tributaries are also clearing nicely. The Buffalo Fork still has some time but the Gros Ventre and Pacific Creek would be worth a try. However, there is still some snow in the high country so with the warmer temps in the forecast, expect all Jackson Hole streams to rise a little over the next week before they come into play.

The Madison both inside and ouside of Yellowstone National Park was looking good for the opener. Don’t have any reports but it looked fantastic. The 50 mile riffle section also looked to be in good shape. So head on over if you get the chance.

Last weekend was the general opener up in Yellowstone as I mentioned. There were LOTS of anglers out and about when we drove through. In fact too many to comfortably fish any of the pull-off stretches on Memorial Day. The Firehole was looking to be in prime condition as was the Gibbon. The Lewis was a little high but had good clarity.

This is the earliest we’ve seen the rivers around here come into shape in a long time. Yes, summer fishing is here and will get good soon but it should raise a question in your mind regarding climate change and our fisheries. Many of our freestone rivers may be too warm and too low to fish by late summer. Irrigation demands wil likely take their toll in a bad way on tailwater fish and freestone fish. Keep that in mind as you are fishing throughout the season, where ever you are. Play fish quickly, release them immediately, and, as always, please use barbless hooks. Later in the summer, don’t hesitate to check the water temperature. If it is too warm, don’t fish!
For now, get out and enjoy some great early fishing! Feel free to contact us at On the Fly if you have any questions about the regional fisheries, guides, flies, etc… Email us at stuff@ontheflymag.com. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

Cheers,
Andy