Misty mornings, roaring caldrons, whimsical blurping paint pots, animals so close you can count whiskers, sparkling
rivers and streams, rainbow colored hot pools, enough waterfalls to last a lifetime - all part of the wonderment of
Yellowstone. Scenery looking like a combination of Disney and Steven King . . . with fish!
A Little History: John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, is credited with being the first white man in the Yellowstone area. His tales of what he saw in the early 1800’s gave the name “Colter’s Hell” to the region.
Bannock indians were the last of the tribal people to live in the area. Named “Sheep Eaters” by other tribes, the Bannock’s thought many of the natural attractions were spirits.
A large number of native people lived in the park prior to the Bannocks. Carbon dated Obsidian, used for spear and arrowheads, from Obsidian Mountain in the park has been dated to 1200. Pieces of the Yellowstone Obsidian were carried by native traders as far as Ohio.
Jim Bridger, famous western explorer who found a way through the Rocky Mountains which still carries his name, Bridger Pass and Bridger Trail also explored the area in the 1830’s.
Reports of the natural attractions in the region were not accepted by most people. But interest was arroused, and the Washburn Expedition of 1870 verified the tall tales were reality.
Members of the expedition were so enthralled by the sights they decided to start a campaign to preserve the area when they returned to Washington D.C. They urged congress to make the region a nation’s park.
Congress established Yellowstone Park in 1872 as “a national park and a pleasuring ground.”
The Fishing: Longtime friend and fly angler, (and owner of our favorite fly shop in West Yellowstone Montana,) Bob Jacklin provides us with recommendations and suggestions for this Spring Season in Yellowstone country.
Spring Season: Late May to June 20th By Bob Jacklin
Each year in late May, on the Saturday before Memorial Day, the general fishing season opens in Yellowstone National Park. The Firehole river, named for its many geysers and hot springs, is one of the best early season streams in which to entice that acrobatic rainbow or cagey bronw. The temperature of the water plays an important part in the hatching of aquatic insects. The Firehole’s general temperature is warm, but not constant, for it may vary greatly from one section to another. Hatches are usually of short duration, but they are frequent. Small dry flies like our Pale Morning Parachute, our Thorax and Compara Dun, sizes 16 and 18, are a great match for this early season hatch of Pale Morning Duns. Another early season fly that is a staple on this river is the Blue Wing Olive, sizes 16 and 18. One of the best all around flies for early season fishing is our little bead headed Olive Wooly Bugger, sizes 8 and 10.
Also in late May and early June many of our alpine lakes around “yellowstoneland” will start to break up. “Ice Out” is a prime time for the fly fisherman. Trout will feed on or near the surface and often. Remember, June is still spring in the high country, many of the lakes may still be frozen and the trails snowbound. Check with us here at the shop for all the current information on all the waters in the area.
Another great fishery in full swing in early June is the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. With flows controlled by Island Park Dam, the river below is one of the greatest tailwater fisheries in the world. It is known for its great mix of water types, prolific hatches of aquatic insects, and some of the best dry fly fishing in the world for wild rainbow trout.Our guide service is one of only two in the West Yellowstone area licensed to operate in Idaho and the Targhee National Forest. The Box Canyon section of Henry’s Fork is an early season delight with hatches of giant salmon flies, (happening this week,) and caddis, and lots of smaller stoneflies and mayflies. Our guides float this section of river every day where the rules are Catch and Release on all fish and barbless hooks
What a thrill to hook and land one of these giant rainbows on a dry fly or a nymph. The best flies are the Jacklin Salmon Fry Dry, sizes 4 and 6, as well as the Jacklin Golden Stone Dry, sizes 6 and 8, and Bob’s new Salmon Fly Nymph and Mark’s Box Canyon rubber Legs, sizes 4 and 6.
After the river flows through the Box Canyon, the water changes into a giant meadow stream and flows past Last Chance, Idaho, through Harriman State Park, and on to Riverside Campground where it changes again into canyon water. Our guides conduct walk-wade and float trips on this ten-mile section of fantastic dry fly fishing below Box Canyon.
Around the middle of June, the fishing in Yellowstone Lake opens for the season. Fishing along the shoreine with a small nymph or Wooly Bugger will produce the Yellowstone Black Spotted Cutthroat Trout, which are Native to the Yellowstone drainage only. The average size of these trout will range from 14 to 18 inches. When fishing in Yellowstone Park, remember to stop by the shop to purchase your Park fishing permit and to obtain a copy of the current Park fishing regulations.
If you have questions, or would like a copy of our catalog, call me at 406-646-7336, or email
your questions or comments to me.
~ Bob Jacklin
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Originally published c. 2002 on Fly Anglers Online by Bob Jacklin.
Part 2
Summer Season! June 20 to August 1 By Bob Jacklin
The upper Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon Rivers in the Park,
are good choices during late June and the first part of July. Small mayflies and
caddis will hatch almost every morning and evening. Hatches are short, but
frequent. Look for surface activity and match the hatch, or use small nymphs and fish
the riffles. Since the fires of 1988, the Firehole River has been fishing extremely
well in the spring and fall.
One of my favorite evening fisheries for this time of year is
the Madison river in Yellowstone Park. This fourteen miles of river from Madison
Junction to the West entrance is one of the largest limestone streams in the world.
Great evening hatches of caddis and Rusty Spinners bring the big fish to the
surface. Fishing the Upper Madison is both challenging and rewarding.
The upper Gibbon River, also in the Park, is another great
evening fishery. Just the opposite of the Madison, the Gibbon is a cold meadow stream.
After a warm day in late June or early July, the coolness of the evening triggers the
mating dance of the mayflies. The Western Brown Drake emerges along the slick
glides and silty bottom of this classic meadow stream. At the same time, the
Henry’s Fork offers some great Brown Drake evening fishing on the Harriman
State Park section. About June 20th of each year, the ever popular Green
Drake Hatch occures on Henry’s Fork. My new Natural Drakes, Green drake,
size 12, and the Brown Drake, size 10, were among the top flies last season for
these two great hatches.
July has been noted as the “Month the Madison Goes Wild.”
Usually, around the last week of June and over the Fourth of July weekend, the
renowned “Salmon Fly Hatch” will start on the lower Madison River, from
Earthquake Lake downstream to Ennis Lake, a distance of approximately
40 miles. Each day, the giant Stone Fly hatch will progress upstream from
Ennis over a two-week period, the average duration for the hatch. Trout will
feed on either the nymph or the adult stage of this large aquatic insect. As on
Henry’s Fork, our large Salmon Fly Nymph and Mark’s Box Canyon Rubber
Legs, sizes 4 or 6 weighted, will produce when all others fail. The Jacklin’s
Salmon Fly and Golden Stone, sizes 4 and 6, work best when adult Salmon
Flies are present.
The most practical way to cover the river is to float. Our
guides float the river every day. In most cases, the boat is used primarily for
transportation, which allows the angler to cover thoroughly the choicest water.
Fishing from drift boats is also rewarding. The guide maneuvers the boat into
position allowing the angler to place his fly in those hard-to-reach areas where
the trout are holding.
Mid-July offers an abundance of fishable water. The high
water of early spring has spent itself to an even flow in most of our streams.
Alpine Lakes are open and in prime shape for the back-country fisherman.
All of the smaller rivers and streams have warmed and cleared, and will have
good hatches of insects. The lower Madison River offers some great dry fly
fishing and using the Elk Hair Caddis, sizes 14 and 16, can bring lots of action.
Another great fly on the lower river is the Adams Parachute, sizes 14 and 16.
Evening fishing can be the most fun of all with lots of emerging caddis. Use
our Olive Caddis Emerger, size 14, and hang on for some fast action. As the
summer’s long and warm days give up the last of the great hatches on the
Madison, our focus turns back to Yellowstone Park for a chance to fish
some of the great hatches all over again on the Yellowstone River.
July 15th is the normal opening of the Yellowstone River within
Yellowstone Park. From its outlet at Yellowstone Lake to the Upper Falls, the river is
a large body of water with an even flow. Here the river parallels the road for approximately
twelve miles. This unique fishery is in reality a wild native hatchery of Yellowstone Black
Spotted Cutthroat Trout averaging in size from 14" to 18". Set aside as a no-kill area, this
portion of the upper Yellowstone River has a gravel bottom in some areas with muddy clay in
others. Insect hatches are quite predictable, and the brilliant Cutthroats are not usually selective.
Some of the most productive flies are the Adams, Goofus Bug, Elk Hair Caddis, and the
Gray Wulff, sizes 12, 14, and 16. Small nymphs like the Prince Nymph, the Green Rock
Worm, and Soft Hackles are all good choices. Just after the opening on July 15, expect
to see salmon flies, caddis, small stone flies, and all sorts of mayfly activity. The fishing is
crowded and somewhat of a circus, but, if you like large trout rising to dry flies and lots
of insects hatching, the Upper Yellowstone River is a must. I have often said “If the Lord
gave me one day left in which to fish, I would fish the Upper Yellowstone River in
Yellowstone National Park. It has got to be the closest thing to heaven there is for a fly
fisherman.”
After the Salmon Fly hatch is history on the Madison River, the
fishing isn’t over there. Caddis, mayflies, and small stone flies hatch at various times.
Our guides continue to float the Madison River throughout the season. The Royal
Wulff, Golden Stone, and Elk Hair Caddis are standard arms, with the Stone Fly
and Prince Nymph serving as heavy artillery. Action is usually steady on this
Montana Blue ribbon stream. Wild brown and rainbow trout, the Rocky Mountain
white fish, and the occasional Montana grayling share this fast-moving, powerful
river.~ Bob Jacklin
Originally published c. 2002 on Fly Anglers Online by Bob Jacklin.
Part 3
Here are the links and phone numbers for whose who
are heading for Yellowstone National Park:- For the park itself, this listing has hotels and all
campgrounds in the park. www.travelyellowstone.com/.
- The Livingston MT Chamber of Commerce
member listing for lodging. Be sure to check out the other regional information too. - Closer to the park, just outside the North Gate,
Gardiner
offers a wide variety of accommodations. - For lodging in one of the Parks, nine facilities, ranging from
rustic to the historic and updated Old Faithful Lodge, check out the link or call 307-344-7311. - West Yellowstone, Chamber of Commerce according to the local billing, does have the largest number and variety of places to stay.
Campgrounds are also listed. Phone numbers, and hot links with photos are available for most places.
~ DB
Originally published c. 2002 on Fly Anglers Online by Deanna Lee Birkholm.
Part 4
The long hot summer days of August
bring low-water conditions and a change in tactics for the
fisherman. The upper Madison River, Firehole River, and
many of our small steams are low and clear. Using Grasshoppers,
Ants, Crickets and other terrestrial imitations will produce some
great mid-day fishing. Through the month of August and well
into September, using grasshopper imitations is challenging and
rewarding. At midday, trophy-size trout will take up feeding stations
near the banks of rivers and streams to inhale grasshoppers which
have fallen in the water. We have our own Jacklin’s Hopper with
a light elk hair bullet head, sizes 8 to 10, which is easy to see and
works great. Remember, late summer is prime time for all small
streams. Here in Yellowstoneland, just about all rivers, streams and
even rivulets have a population of wild native trout. A short walk from
a roadside parking area will put you streamside and into a wild and
remote setting with great scenery, wild trout, and the big sky.
The upper and lower reaches of the Yellowstone
River in the Park are still in their prime with actively feeding fish and
good insect hatches. Caddis flies and Blue Wind Olives, sizes 16 and
18, work well. This time of year, I enjoy using a big Royal Wulff, size
10 or 12, just to fish the deep water. It works. Small nymphs are
also very effective, I like the Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, and the
Caddis Pupa. For the first time angler, this fishery is a must!
Starting in the high elevations of Yellowstone,
and flowing north into Montana along Highway 191, the Gallatin River is
a clear, cold mountain stream. Due to it’s late runoff and cold temperature,
the Gallatin River is most productive from mid-July through late fall.
Fishing this water at midday with bright sun is most effective. Hopper
imitations and large dry flies will produce even when there are no
emerging insects. The Jacklin’s Western Yellow Stone dry fly, size 8,
and my little Olive Stone, size 10, are both every effective on the
Gallatin at this time of year. The Gallatin River fulfills Webster’s
definition of a freestone stream, for there are lots of large rocks and
boulders along the Gallatin’s 40 miles of canyon water.
An interesting fishing opportunity develops
on Hebgen Lake during late July, August, and into mid-September.
During this period, a prolific hatch of tiny mayflies (the Trico) occurs
daily, if weather conditions are at all favorable. The sheer number of
flies on the water produce an amazing rise of sizeable trout. I have
caught wild browns and rainbows from 16" to 22" on small dry flies
and 6X tippets during this hatch. The primary method to fish for
these “Gulpers” is from a boat or float tube. Accurate casts of
30 to 60 feet are often required. A fly rod of nine feet or longer is
needed. I prefer a 5- or 6-weight forward floating line and a 12- to
14-foot leader for this fishing. Float tube rentals are available at
the shop. The best fly is our new “Paraspin” Trico, size 18 or 20.
Usually, the morning period with calm winds is the most
productive. When the hatch is on Hebgen Lake, it is readily
apparent why these fish are called “Gulpers.” The sound of the
trout working dries on the surface is a distinctly audible “gulp.”
It’s quite a thrill to tighten on one of these rises and have your
reel sing to the power of a three-pound rainbow. These exciting
fish are quaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Stop at the shop if you’d like an experienced
guide, appropriate flies, or more information on this fine still
water fishing opportunity.~ Bob Jacklin
Originally published c. 2002 on Fly Anglers Online by Bob Jacklin.
Part 5
The chill mornings and early sunsets of
September signal the beginning of fall. Because of the cooler
conditions in the high country at this time of year, much
of the insect activity is focused during the middle of the
day. Small mayflies and some caddis can hatch on the Firehole,
Madiso, Henry’s Fork and many of our smaller streams. In most
cases, these hatches will be short, lasting for an hour or
two. Mayfly and caddis imitations work best in small sizes.
Little Black Caddis and Blue Wing Olive, sizes 16 and 18 and even
20, are the primary flies for dry fly fishing in the fall. Using
large dry flies such as the Royal Wulff, Goofus Bug, and
Jacklin Hopper will produce exciting action when fished over
the fast, shallow riffles on most of our waters at this time
of year. Trout of all sizes will hold and feed in these fast,
oxygenated portions of the streams. Look for fast, shallow
riffles and fish upstream with your large dry flies, covering
as much water as you can.
The “Gulper” fishing on Hebgen Lake is still
productive. Hatches of small Trico Mayflies occur during the
morning hours when the sun warms the water. Late morning and
into mid-day can see a good hatch of Callibates mayflies on
Hebgen. Our new Callibates “Para Spin”, sizes 14 and 16, will
bring these big rainbows and browns to the surface.
The Upper Yellowstone River may still yield some
Black Spotted Cutthroats. Using small Blue Wing Olives, sizes 16,
18, and 20, will tempt this now cagey trout. This time of year
a hatch of large may flies could occur, if so, you’re in for a
treat. Have some Adams and Gray Wulff patters, size 14, just
in case. These trout will feed heavily and accept your offering
without question.
About the middle of September the brown trout
in Hebgen Lake will have started their annual spawning run.
Fishermen from all over the country long for an opportunity to
fish for these migrating spawners. The average size spawner
is from two to three pounds with an occasional 4 - to 5 - pound
fish. I prefer to fish with a Cortland Intermediate line.
I cast downstream and across, with a medium to fast retrieve.
The Platte River, Light Spruce, and the Mickey Finn streamers
are my favorites, sizes 4 and 6. My little South Branch Chub
streamer, size 8, or the Soft Hackle flies, sizes 12 and 14,
will also work well in the early fall.~ Bob Jacklin
Originally published c. 2002 on Fly Anglers Online by Bob Jacklin.
Part 6
Along with the fall run of brown
trout out of Hebgen Lake, we have the added pleasure
of a fall run of hard-hitting, hard-fighting, and large
rainbow trout. These fall run rainbows will also average
from two to three pounds with some larger. Most of the
fishing in late fall is on the upper Madison River near
West Yellowstone. Both spawning brown and rainbow trout
will work upstream out of Hebgen Lake as they look for the
choicest spawning areas. The browns will spawn in late
October and November. The rainbows are also on a spawning
run, but they will not spawn until mid-winter, far up the
Madison River in Yellowstone Park.
The portion of the Madison River which
runs through Yellowstone Park is one of the spawning run hot
spots during October. From the junction of the Gibbon and
Firehole Rivers to the Park line and down into Hebgen Lake,
there is about 16 miles of quality water, most of which is
paralleled by a Park road. The Firehole, Gibbon, and the
South Fork of the Madison also have fall runs of brown
trout. This time of the year, the Firehole River fishes best
on cloudy, rainly, or snowy conditions. Have some Blue
Wing Olives, sizes 16, 18, and 20, for some great dry fly
fishing.
The Missouri River offers some great fall
float fishing for large brown and rainbow trout. This unique
and beautiful tailwater fishery presents the angler a rare
opportunity of catching large trout on dry and wet flies. The
fall run browns average three to four pounds, with the possibility
of even larger trout. Over the years, trout as large as 5, 6, and
even 7 pounds have been taken on our fall guided trips to the
Missouri. Along with the browns, the Missouri River also offers
the angler some of the best dry fly fishing for wild rainbows.
This fall is our twelfth year of guiding fishermen on the Missouri
River. I think it is one of the finest fisheries in Montana, and
our guides and I look forward to September and the fall fishing
on the big Mo.
The lower Yellowstone near Livingston,
Montana is a favorite fall fishery. Here the river is large
with deep runs and big brown trout, a grear river for floating.
Deep wading and long casting with big streamers are the ticket
here. Special regulations on this section of river are helping
bring back good population of wild Native Cutthroat Trout to
the lower Yellowstone.
Fall weather is unpredictable. One day the
temperature could be up in the 60’s, the next day there could be
five inches of snow. On cold days, the temperature can get
below freezing, however, the fishing is good. Insulated
underware, neoprene waders, a good warm hat, warm clothing, and
warm gloves are a good investment for such weather. The key
word here is warm, when fall fishing Montana and Idaho, the
area I call Yellowstoneland.
Stop at the shop if you’d like an
experienced guide, appropriate flies, or more
information on our fine fishing opportunities.~ Bob Jacklin
Originally published c. 2002 on Fly Anglers Online by Bob Jacklin.