West Yellowstone Fly Fishing

Big blue skies. The sound of nature. And lots of fish- 3,000 per mile in the best Yellowstone Country streams! Come discover the clear waters of West Yellowstone, Montana. In Yellowstone Country, 1,000 miles of blue ribbon trout streams provide anglers with hours of fishing pleasure. The waters of Yellowstone are clean and clear, promising tranquility and incredible views. For more private fishing, test the hundreds of miles of virgin waters where wild trout have not learned the tricks of the anglers. You may want to cast from the shores of the Golden Trout Lakes, or test your luck in Yellowstone National Parks Slough Creek. These quieter waters swimming with fish are not packed with people, so an angler can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing fishing venture. In addition, visit the popular Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Madison Rivers and cast into Montanas beautiful Wade, Cliff, Hidden, Elk, Earthquake, and Hebgen Lakes. Within a short drive, anglers can test the waters of Henrys Lake, and Henrys Fork and also the 220,000 acres of water in Yellowstone National Park.

Highlighted Rivers and Lakes:

Slough Creek rises in the Beartooth Range and meanders to the Lamar Valley. The stream is filled with cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. Animals and birds, along with breathtaking scenery, make your fishing experience enjoyable and memorable. The beauty of nature soothes and calms. A trip to Slough Creek will take the wrinkles out of your soul.

Henrys Fork of the Snake River is perfect for the angler who hates crowds and longs for solitude in exquisite surroundings. Charles E. Brooks, author of Fishing Yellowstone Waters, describes Henrys Fork as " the best trout stream and lake in the forty-eight lower states." Along with Snake River, numerous camping opportunities exist.

Quake Lake is the aftermath of the powerful earthquake of 1959. The Madison Rivers continues through the lake to the peaceful Madison Valley. Brown and Rainbow trout are the main catch at Quake Lake. Campgrounds, docks, and boat ramps are available to all visitors.

Madison River is one of the regions best-known rivers. Mountain whitefish, rainbow trout and brown trout are abundant in the flowing waters. Conveniences including vehicle access, campgrounds, restrooms, and boat ramps are available.

Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing river in the lower forty-eight states. Some of the finest fishing is found between the banks of the Yellowstone due to the large numbers of mountain whitefish, cutthroat trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and burbot. Catch fish and stay overnight! Campgrounds, vehicle accesses and boat ramps are available for daily and overnight guests.

Gallatin River - Visit the Gallatin River and its brook trout, mountain whitefish, brown trout, and rainbow trout. The Gallatin River provides campgrounds, vehicle access with some motor restrictions.

General License Information:

All anglers 15 years of age and older are required to obtain a Montana fishing license and conservation license. (Restrictions apply to non-resident anglers under the age of 15.) The license year runs March 1st through the last day of February of the following year. Licenses are available at ranger stations, visitor centers, service stations, all offices of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and, in the Yellowstone Park area, Hamilton General Stores and Bridge Bay Marina.

The Yellowstone National Park fishing season begins the Saturday of Memorial weekend and continues through the first Sunday in November.

For general information, license fees, regulations and restrictions contact:

Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks State Headquarters
1420 E. Sixth Ave.
Helena, Montana
59758
(406) 444-2535
FAX: (406) 444-4952