New Yellowstone Fishing Report- Hoot Owl and Hoppers!

So far the 2021 season has been anything but “normal.” We had our famous Salmonfly hatch around June 20 this year (about 2 weeks early!), but the water was clear and the FISHING was great. Our Rivers in the north-east corner of Yellowstone, the Lamar, Slough, and Soda Butte, started to fish around the first week of July. There have been A TON of Hoppers out there and the fish have been looking up! We are currently under “Hoot Owl” restrictions on the Yellowstone River, Madison River, and Yellowstone National Park to help protect our fish during the hottest times of the day. Our rivers are low right now, and they are getting warm after 2pm. Also, as of late after 2 pm it has been either SCORCHING hot or Pouring rain, so it is best for the anglers to be off the water, then too! Please read more info about the Hoot Owl fishing below. August is here! The past week, we have been seeing afternoon rain showers (which is awesome!) and the temps have been cooler and in the 80s. Our guides have loved fishing with all of our guests in June and July, and we are really looking forward to seeing our August guests out in the Big Sky Country this month!

Great hopper eating Cut-bow from a float trip on 7.26.21!

What do “Hoot Owl” restrictions mean and how will it affect my fishing trip to Montana?

-Hoot Owl restrictions require that all fishing stops between 2pm and midnight to give the fish a break during the hottest water temps of the day. This is a good thing for the fish!

-Are we still allowed to fish? ABSOLUTELY! We are meeting clients as early as 6am to get on the water early and maximize fishing time. This creates the best situation for the Anglers and the fish because it has been really pleasant fishing during the coolest times of the day.

-Just BECAUSE the fishing stops at 2, it doesn’t mean the Trip stops! You can still float and hike after 2, so let the adventure continue!

-The fishing has been good as of late, so get on the water early! We expect the fishing to get a little tougher throughout August (as it often does), so be sure to practice your casting before you come!

Getting ready for a day on the LAmar River!

What is Yellowstone River Outfitters doing to adapt to the lower/warmer water this season?

-We are getting on the water early! We would love to meet you at the boat ramp at 6am! If you want to meet at at 7 or 7:30 instead, no problem! Just let your guide know when you check-in the night before your trip.

-If you prefer or your guide thinks it will be a better experience, we are happy to switch Float trips to Yellowstone National Park adventure Walk-wade trips….. or Vise versa. The cost of the trip is the same. Our guides are all experts both floating the river and wading in Yellowstone National PArk. We like to be flexible and able to adapt your trip at a moments notice!

-For clients who wish, we have started doing a “working Lunch” to maximize fishing time on the water. We are more than happy to pull over and set up the chairs in the shade for guests to enjoy lunch, but with a 2pm time-sensitive mission…. we are also happy to hand you your sandwiches on the go!

-We are keeping the fish wet. If you want a quick picture, get in the water with the fish!

Yellowstone RIver Fishing Report 8.1.21

-In the morning it is best to fish smaller bugs such as caddis and mayflies. size 16 purple hazes have been getting eats on good, drag-free, drifts.

-In the late mornings and early afternoons, Hopper/droppers have been the name of the game. Yellow seems to be the color of choice, but what the fish really want is a good drift and presentation!

-If the fish are not looking up, nymphing with stone-flies and pheasant tails has produced.

-There have been several mud-plugs from afternoon rain storms in the Park. Be sure to check the gauges and fish water with at least 18 inches of visibility.

Can you spot the Brown Trout? — CAn you spot the Brown Trout?

Yellowstone NAtional PArk Fishing Report 8.1.21

We are blessed to have the largest PIECE of public access fishing in the lower 48 states right here in our own BACKYARD! The PArk has broken visitation records each month this year. Get off the road, go for an adventure, and find water where no one else has fished!

The GArdner River- We are starting to see some very nice brown trout in the GARDINER River as they come up for their early pre-spawn ritual. Attractor dry-dropper rigs have been the successful. Cast, move, climb over rocks, and repeat on this river. If you like moving fast and pocket water fish the Gardner above the boiling river. Below the Boiling River is too hot.

Slough Creek- This water is not for the beginner anglers, but is sure is an amazingly gorgeous spot! Come prepared with PMD dries sizes 16-20, green drakes, and hoppers!

Lamar River- The Bison rut is starting, so keep extra distance from the bison through August. Fish hoppers/ants in the riffles. Look for Green Drakes…. And keep your head on a swivel for Bison!

Soda Butte- Same as the Lamar, but don’t be afraid to fish above the Box CAnyon where there are normally fewer anglers.

Fish On! Big smiles and tight lines on the Yellowstone River!

See you in The Canyon! — See you in The CAnyon!

We will be updating our blog as conditions change THROUGHOUT the month of August/September. Montana is still the “LAst Best Place” to go on an adventure! Feel free to give us a call or contact us to book a fishing trip. We are excited to see you on the water.

Tight Lines,

Yellowstone RIver Outfitters