FLOAT or WALK-WADE?

Spring Creek Rainbow!

We are very lucky here in Yellowstone Country to have literally thousands of miles of rivers, streams, and lakes to target fish with a fly-rod. Big rivers like the Yellowstone, Madison, Boulder, Stillwater, Missouri, and Bighorn are definitely best fished from a boat . Smaller creeks and medium sized rivers, such as the Gardner River in Yellowstone, are fished by walk-wading along the banks. Between floating and wading, you could fish over a 1000 days in a row out here and never cast your fly in the same water twice. Yes, this is a pretty special place to fish! When talking with folks who are planning a Yellowstone trip, we get asked alot, “What is a better trip? Float or Wade?” When we get asked that question, we smile because it is kind of a trick question. Both are great trips for different reasons. It depends what type of experience you and your family are looking for. Do you like to hike? Do you want to target several species? Do you want to target one specific species? What time of year are you planning to come out and visit? We will go through the finer details of float vs. wade trips and let you decide for yourself!

Dogs are welcome on float trips!

TIME OF YEAR

One of the biggest factors in determining if you should do a float or wade trip is the time of year you come out to fish. We do a majority of our Walk-Wade trips in YELLOWSTONE National National PArk which has a specific fishing season from the 3rd Saturday in May through the end of October. On the other hand, the Yellowstone River is generally not fish able from May 10ish-June 20ish because of our Spring Run-off.

FLOAT

  • Our Pre-runoff season can be very fun float fishing on the Yellowstone. This time period is generally EArly April-the first week of May.

  • The end of June-July is very good float fishng on all of our Rivers. The Float season starts with our Salmonfly hatch and then moves into hopper/TERRESTRIAL fishing.

  • August is Hopper month! It can be a little warm here, so we may get on the water earlier to maximize the best feeding times. Hoppers, ants, caddis, etc. are all here in August!

  • September through October is our Fall fishing season. This is a great time of year to float. There are way fewer people, and the water is generally low and clear!



Bring the whole family!

Not a bad view!

Walk-Wade

  • Memorial day weekend kicks off our walk-wade season in Yellowstone. This is a fun time of year to fish in the Park BECAUSE we get to fish rivers like the Firehole and Gibbon that are thermally influenced with warmer water. This is also a great time to fish some of our High alpine lakes!

  • May 25-June 25ish We are fishing almost exclusively in Yellowstone National Park. In Yellowstone, there is only walk-wade fishing on streams and rivers. No floating is allowed. We fish many different rivers, creeks, and lakes as the snow melt starts to drop.

  • June 25-end of July is a great time to fish in the Park. Our Northeast corner fisheries (lamar, slough, Yelllowstone, Soda Butte, etc.) really come into shape.

  • August is a fun time to walk-wade in the park and chase some colder water!

  • September through October is our Fall fishing season. This is a great time of year to float. There are way fewer people, and the water is generally low and clear! Be sure to bring your bear Spray!

What EXPERIENCE are you looking for?

Both floating and wading offer different was to target fish. Are you wanting to fish several miles of river in one day? Are you looking to go on a hike and do some fishing? Here are some different experiences that you get with both float and Wade Trips.

Float

  • Fish bigger Rivers

  • We row, you fish!

  • Cover more water (5-12 miles or so)

  • both anglers get instruction from the guide at the same time

  • Effective way to fish larger rivers

  • 2 guests/boat

  • maximum time with flies on THE water

  • good for all athletic levels

  • Great for kids and adults

  • In Montana- Montana Fishing license required

  • We float the Yellowstone, Boulder, Madison, Stillwater, Missouri, Bighorn and Blackfoot Rivers!

Walk-Wade

  • More of a full adventure with fishing

  • hike to fish

  • Walk in/up the River/lakes

  • Can be more remote

  • Small creeks, medium sized rivers, alpine lakes

  • can fish 1-5 anglers with one guide

  • Great for kids and adults

  • the day consists of driving, hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing

  • No trail needed, we follow the river!

  • Generally in Yellowstone National PArk- YNP fishing license and enterance pass required

Big Smiles on the River!

About to head down the Yankee Jim CAnyon!

We are very lucky to have both options of floating and wading for our fishing trips here in Yellowstone Country. What do you think sounds like more fun? We think both wading trips and float trips are amazing experiences. You might just have to book 2 days and do both! Please reach out with any questions and to get your 2024 fishing trips on the books!

Tight Lines,

Yellowstone River Outfitters

No boat ramps here

Gardiner River Bliss

Secluded wading

Brogan Ballard