Idaho Fish Report

Yellowstone has been fishing well, all hoot owl restrictions have been lifted, and the fish seem to appreciate the cooler water temperatures. We have been starting to see runners in Madison. Remember, while targeting these fish, the most effective flies will be nymphs and streamers. The recommended flies are rubber legs, olive bullet quills, zebra midges, and leeches. You can also try your favorite streamer patterns; any baitfish imitation should yield some success. 

The Firehole has also been productive with caddis hatches here and there, as well as good nymphing and soft hackle opportunities. Recommended flies: White Miller Caddis, Baetis, Waltz Worm nymphs, and Pheasant Tails. 

The Gallatin within YNP is relatively low, but it is still fishing well despite that. Be stealthy with your presentation and consider sizing down in tippet—recommended flies: Terrestrials, Ants, Beetles, Hoppers. Consider dropping a small nymph off your dry; a CDC Pheasant Tail or olive bullet quills seem to get the job done on the Gallatin. 

If you want to find cutthroat trout predominantly, consider checking out the NE corner of the park. The Lamar, Slough Creek, and Soda Butte remain in good shape, with great opportunities for late-season terrestrial fishing. You may also come across some lovely drake hatches in this region—recommended flies: Hoppers, Ants, Beetles, Drakes. With the cooler nighttime temperatures we have been seeing, don’t be afraid to throw a dropper on in the morning on these rivers.