Yellowstone National Park Waters

In the over 2.2 million acres, there are over 200 fishable rivers, streams and creeks in Yellowstone National Park, which anglers have been exploring for over a century.

The Lamar, Gibbon, Firehole, Madison and Yellowstone Rivers are just a few favorites of anglers. There is virtually no "float or boat" fishing allowed in Yellowstone, so most fishing is done by shore casting or wading into the water. Rainbow and Cutthroat trout are in abundance, and it is not uncommon to share your part of the stream with passing elk or bison.

Lamar River, Soda Butte Creek and Slough Creek
These wild and scenic waters in the Lamar Valley are located in the northeast corner of Yellowstone Park. The Lamar Valley has been called the “Serengeti of North America” due to the plethora of wildlife and vast expanses. Fishing options include the Lamar River, which can be accessed easily off the main road or via a hike to reach the Lamar Canyon and Lower Lamar sections, Soda Butte Creek, which is framed by the stunning Beartooth Mountain Range, and Slough Creek, which is noted for large Cutthroats.

Firehole River
The Firehole originates not too far from Old Faithful Geyser in the western section of Yellowstone. This spring fed stream spans over 20 miles and travels through the Upper, Midway and Lower Geyser Basins before it meets the Gibbon River to form the famous Madison River. It is easily accessible for more of its journey and is a fantastic River to fish in June. One of the earliest accounts of fishing the Firehole was written in 1910 by Klahowya in Fly Fishing in Wonderland: The Fire hole is a companionable river. Notwithstanding its forbidding name, it is pre-eminently a stream for the angler, and always does its best to put him at his ease. Like some hospitable manorial lord, it comes straight down the highway for a league to greet the stranger and to offer him the freedom of its estate. Every fisherman who goes much alone along streams will unconsciously associate certain human attributes with the qualities of the waters he fishes. It may be a quiet charm that lulls to rest, or a bold current that challenges his endurance and caution. Between these extremes there is all that infinite range of moods and fancies which find their counterpart in the emotions. The Firehole possesses many of these qualities in a high degree. It can be broad, sunny and genial, or whisper with a scarcely audible lisp over languid, trailing beds of conferva; and anon, lead you with tumultuous voice between rocky walls where a misstep would be disastrous.

Gallatin River
The Gallatin begins its journey at 10,000 feet out of the Gallatin Lake and hosts some of the coldest waters in the Park, which makes for rewarding fishing. A fishing experience on the Gallatin in the Park offers a fantastic opportunity for guests to split their time between hiking and fishing. July and August are the best months to fish the Gallatin and explore the high alpine meadow terrain.

Madison River
The Madison is not only renowned for its legendary fly fishing, but the headwaters are also where the idea of America’s first National Park was sparked by the Langford-Washburn-Doane expedition. It is one of the most renowned fly fishing rivers in the United States. About 20 miles of the River are located in the Park before it flows into Hebgen Lake, Earthquake Lake and begins its 50-mile riffle journey on its way to Ennis Lake. The Park sections of the Madison are easily accessible and hosts runs of large spawning trout making their way up from Hebgen Lake.

Gibbon River
As one of the two rivers that form the Madison, the lower sections of the Gibbon River are known for its sizeable trout. The River begins at Grebe Lake and flows a short distance into Wolf Lake. These sections are a little more challenging to access, but the two mile or so hike pays off when you hook a rare grayling. The River meanders through meadows, where undercut banks and pools are holding waters for some sizeable brown trout and then flows through the Canyon before it hits Gibbon Falls.

Explore our World Class Waters

• Yellowstone National Park waters
• Gallatin River
• Madison River
• Yellowstone River
• Missouri River
• Hebgen Lake
• Private Spring Creeks
• High Alpine Lakes and Streams

Operated under Montana Fishing Outfitters, Outfitter #7878.