I may get a chance to spend a couple days in Yellowstone in the middle of October. Basically, it would be one good solid day of fishing.
Would it be worthwhile to try fishing the park during that time of year?
Thanks in advance,
Jeff
Jeffn,
One thing for sure, you’ll have all the waters to yourself. We used to do Jackson, Grand Teton and Y’Stone in late September thru early October but now since last year we are there in early thru late October and lemme tell ya you can count on unpredictable weather. Usually tough and blustery. I personally don’t mind it cause the fishing is GREAT, but apparently everyone else does cause they’re GONE.
Mark
OKAY! Try this again, YES, fishing should be great, don’t know if services will be available, check on the Yellowstone park website. They will have that info and how to get a park liscense. If the park services are closed, there are several places just outside of the park that are open till late in the year, And they are very helpful with info. Jackson Hole, Cody, West Yellowstone, Idaho, all the chambers of commerce have connections and info to help you plan.
Do know, if you fish outside the park, hunting season is on so a florescent orange vest is not a bad idea.
Jeff,
There is never a bad time to go to the park. I fished the last 4 days of September last fall and had the time of my life. Not busy, tons of fish and beautiful weather. That said, I have seen nights in the 20’s in August, so be prepared. Where else can you stand in a stream with bison and elk on either side with a geyser steaming away behind you?
Go for it and have fun.
Rex
Jeffn,
All of the above AND as Byron noted, all park services will be closed except for the speeed traps. Also, you must obtain a Y’Stone Park fishing permit along with either a Wyoming and/or Montana fishing license to fish the park. The Y’Stone permits are available at entry points into the park. Grand Teton requires only a Wyoming license. There are some GREAT deals for lodging in Jackson at about that time too. PM me and I’ll tell ya where.
Mark
PS: And do remember the bear spray, cause they ain’t quite asleep yet.
I would never turn down an opportunity to fish there - at that time of year it’s worth it just to hear all of the elk bugling. Fished there in the middle of Oct 2 years ago. Week before there they had 8 inches of snow; when we got there it was 65 degrees every day and sunny - not good weather to catch runners coming out of Hebgen or for BWOs on the Firehole, but we found fish in other parts of the park. NE corner fished pretty well using nymphs/streamers; no dries though. Lewis/Shoshone channel worth the hike. Rivers outside of the park are another option if the weather turns on you.
Regards,
Scott
I’ve been to YNP 3 times, but have never fished there. Would it be better to hire a guide if I only have a couple days and have never fished the area before? Anyone have any good stories about guides in the area? (I don’t really care about the bad ones, just the good ones 
)
Thanks,
Jeff
Incorrect
The last time I went, all that was required was the park permit…$10 if I’m remembering correctly. A few years ago.
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
I stand corrected on my license requirements statement to fish within the park. In fact, only a $15 permit fee is required. BUT, when fishing boundary waters, it would be advisable to obtain these (Idaho, Montana,Wyoming) licenses.
Mark
Jeff,
I fished YNP on my own for a few years and did pretty well. Then my wife got me a trip with a guide for my birthday - went to a stream that I’d fished a number of times and thought I knew, and it was like I was fishing a completely different river. He showed me so many different aspects and techniques in 10 hours that would have taken years on my own to learn. I’d say it’s worth the money; you can get some good info just talking to the folks at the flyshops, but it’s not the same, especially if you’re not familiar with the water. There’s lots of good shops/guides in W Yellowstone (I like Blue Ribbon, but the others have good reps. I’d say stop at Slide Inn just below Quake Lake, but I believe they’re closed by then. Please feel free to PM me for some specific names if you’d like.
Regards,
Scott
Scott,
I think I sent a privet message to you. I’m kind of new on this forum and am not sure if I did it right.
Jeff
Your only consistent hatches will be on the Firehole, though there will be scattered bugs on the Gardner and Madison as well. For streamer fishing or chasing fall browns there are other options I’d prefer not to post on an open forum. You can message me for more info. I should disclose that I’m head guide at Parks’ Fly Shop in Gardiner.
You can also check our trip planner at www.parksflyshop.com/planner.htm . There’s river and hatch guides, a checklist on clothing to bring, etc.
Longs for Cutts,
PM Sent.
Thank you for the reply.
Jeff
I didn’t get it. My e-mail addy is on the PFS site. Just contact me that way.
Walter,
Good to see you over on this forum. Your input will be greatly appreciated. Hope your knee is better.
Regards,
Scott
The joint is fine but my muscles are still weak. When I get back to Gardiner I’m going to get a membership at the “gym” (aka the Eagles Club basement). I can’t afford it here, but there it’s only $20/month if I buy 6 months in advance. That and clambering around the canyons should get me strong quick. The doc says I have to wear my sport brace (I’ve taken to calling it my exoskeleton) until late June. I’ll be glad to get rid of it. Our bookings are looking great, so I should make up some of what I lost last year.
Be prepared for any kind of weather, ranging from wonderful to wretched, and you won’t be disappointed.
John
Thank you all for the great response. Very helpful.
Jeff