Best Times & Seasons to Fish in the Yellowstone Area

The Yellowstone area of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana offers some of the best fly fishing in the world. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in Yellowstone can greatly impact your success.

The best time to fish in the Yellowstone area generally ranges from late May to September, with each specific body of water having peak seasons that align with hatches, runoff conditions, and individual species behavior.

Month	Yellowstone Area Fishing Location
January	Yellowstone River – Below Yellowstone Lake for winter fishing opportunities targeting trout near the lake outlet.
February	Madison River – Between Hebgen Lake and Quake Lake for winter midge hatches and the chance to catch large trout.
March	Firehole River – Midway Geyser Basin area for early spring fishing with midge hatches and possible blue-winged olive activity.
April	Gibbon River – From Gibbon Falls to Madison Junction for early season fishing with nymphs and streamers as fish start to become more active.
May	Slough Creek – Upper sections for excellent spring fishing with dry flies and nymphs targeting cutthroat trout.
June	Lamar River – Lamar Valley for prime early summer fishing with dry flies and nymphs for cutthroat trout and the chance to spot wildlife.
July	Yellowstone Lake – West Thumb area for lake trout fishing from boats and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish.
August	Gardner River – Mammoth Hot Springs area for productive late summer fishing with dry flies and nymphs for cutthroat and brown trout.
September	Snake River – Pacific Creek to Jackson Lake for fall fishing with streamers targeting large brown and cutthroat trout.
October	Gallatin River – Below Gallatin Gateway for late fall fishing with nymphs and streamers as trout prepare for winter.
November	Lewis Lake – East Thumb area for late fall fishing with streamers and nymphs for trout before the lake freezes.
December	Henry’s Lake – Near the state line in Idaho for winter fishing opportunities targeting large trout under the ice.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in the Yellowstone area. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish in the Yellowstone Area

Firehole River, Upper Geyser Basin – July to August, fishing for Brown Trout.

Madison River, West Yellowstone – May to June for large Rainbows and Browns.

Lamar River, Lamar Valley – August for Cutthroat Trout.

Gallatin River, Big Sky – May to June, Rainbow Trout.

Yellowstone River, Paradise Valley – August to September, native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.

Slough Creek, Lamar Valley – June to July, Cutthroat Trout.

Snake River, South Entrance – July to September, Cutthroat and Brown Trout.

Henry’s Fork, Island Park – June for prolific hatches targeting Rainbow Trout.

Lewis River, South Entrance – May to June, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Gardner River, Mammoth Hot Springs – September, Brown Trout during the spawn.

Soda Butte Creek, Northeast Entrance – July to August, Cutthroat Trout.

Gibbon River, Madison Junction – June to July, Rainbow and Brown Trout.

Stillwater River, Absarokee – May to June, Rainbow and Brown Trout.

Boulder River, Big Timber – June to July, Rainbow Trout.

Ruby River, Alder – July to September, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Bechler River, Bechler Ranger Station – September, Brown Trout.

Yellowstone Lake, Bridge Bay Marina – June to July, Cutthroat Trout.

Blacktail Deer Creek, Blacktail Plateau – May to June, Rainbow and Brown Trout.

Cache Creek, East Entrance – June to July, Cutthroat Trout.

Hellroaring Creek, Tower Junction – June to July, Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout.

Best Times: Lake Fishing in the Yellowstone Area

Yellowstone Lake, Bridge Bay – Best in June to July for native Cutthroat Trout.

Heart Lake, South of Grant Village – Excellent from August to September for Lake Trout.

Lewis Lake, South Entrance – Try in June to July for Brown Trout and Lake Trout.

Shoshone Lake, West Thumb – Ideal in July to August, targeting Lake Trout.

Hebgen Lake, West Yellowstone – August to September for Rainbow and Brown Trout.

Madison Arm, Hebgen Lake – Excellent in May to June for large Rainbow Trout.

Henry’s Lake, Idaho – Best in May and June for big Brook Trout and Cutthroat.

Quake Lake, West Yellowstone – July to August for Brown Trout.

Ennis Lake, Ennis – June to July, targeting Rainbow Trout.

Gallatin Lake, Gallatin Range – August for native Cutthroat Trout.

Swan Lake, North Entrance – Excellent from July to August for Rainbow Trout.

Wade Lake, Cameron – Perfect in July to August, targeting Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Cliff Lake, West Yellowstone – May to June for Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout.

Island Lake, Cooke City – August to September, Cutthroat Trout.

Riddle Lake, South Entrance – June to July for Cutthroat Trout.

Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Helena – May to June for Walleye and Rainbow Trout.

Trout Lake, Northeast Entrance – Best in June for Cutthroat Trout.

Grebe Lake, Norris – Excellent in August for Cutthroat Trout.

Avalanche Lake, Geyser Country – Perfect in July for Cutthroat Trout.

Ice Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs – June to July, targeting Cutthroat Trout.

Best Times: Great Fishing Spots in the Yellowstone Area

Yellowstone River

This is one of the major rivers running through the park, offering great fly fishing opportunities. Cutthroat trout are the main species here. The best time to fish in the Yellowstone area is generally from late spring through early fall (June through September), with prime fly fishing often occurring just after the spring runoff subsides and river levels decrease to a medium flow, and during overcast or drizzly days when insects are most active.

Madison River

It is a highly popular river among anglers known for its big brown and rainbow trout. The optimal time for fishing the Madison River is typically during the late spring through early fall (June to October), with the best periods occurring post-spring runoff when water levels reach a moderate flow, and during overcast or lightly rainy conditions that stimulate insect hatches and active feeding by trout.

Firehole River

Named for the geothermal features that heat its waters, this river is home to rainbow and brown trout. The Firehole River in Yellowstone is best fished during the late spring and early summer (May and June) when water levels are moderate and during fall (September and October) before winter freeze, with prime fishing often happening on overcast days or following light rain which induces insect hatches and prompts active feeding by fish.

Gibbon River

Another great fly fishing spot, the Gibbon River has brown, rainbow, and brook trout. For the Gibbon River, the optimal fishing periods are generally during the late spring through early fall (June to September), with the most productive times occurring after spring runoff subsides and water levels stabilize at a medium level, as well as during overcast or lightly rainy conditions which encourage insect activity and subsequent feeding by fish.

Gallatin River

This river flows from Yellowstone National Park to the Missouri River in Montana. It’s well known for rainbow and brown trout fishing. The Gallatin River, located near Yellowstone, is best fished from late spring through early fall (June to October), with peak fishing usually happening when the spring runoff has decreased, and water levels are moderate and during overcast or light rain conditions that stimulate insect hatches and active feeding by trout.

Slough Creek

Slough Creek is a popular spot for catching cutthroat trout in the Lamar River valley. Slough Creek offers prime fishing opportunities from late spring through early fall (June to September), with the best periods often occurring after the spring runoff when the water reaches a moderate level, and during overcast or rainy days, enhancing insect hatches and encouraging active trout feeding.

Lamar River

This river runs through the Lamar Valley and is also known for its cutthroat trout fishing. The best time to fish the Lamar River is typically during the summer months (June through September), especially once the spring runoff has subsided and the water levels reach a moderate flow, with overcast or lightly rainy conditions stimulating insect activity and subsequent active feeding by fish.

Yellowstone Lake

The largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Lake is an excellent place for lake trout and cutthroat trout. Yellowstone Lake offers prime fishing opportunities from late spring to early fall (June through September), with peak activity often occurring during overcast or light rain conditions that induce insect hatches, prompting trout to feed more actively.

Lewis Lake

This is the third-largest lake in the park, and it offers a variety of species including brown trout, lake trout, and brook trout. For fishing on Lewis Lake in Yellowstone, the best times are generally late spring through early fall (June through September), with peak fishing often occurring during overcast or light rain conditions that stimulate insect hatches and active feeding by fish.

Henry’s Lake

Just outside the park in Idaho, this lake is known for large rainbow and cutthroat trout. Henry’s Lake, just outside of Yellowstone in Idaho, provides the best fishing opportunities typically from late spring through early fall (June through September), with optimal fishing often happening during overcast or light rain conditions that enhance insect hatches and promote active feeding by trout.

Gros Ventre River

Located closer to Grand Teton National Park but within a slightly longer drive from Yellowstone, the Gros Ventre River offers exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for cutthroat and brown trout.

Fishing the Gros Ventre River is typically most productive from late spring to early fall (June through September), especially once spring runoff has decreased and water levels are at a medium flow, and during overcast or light rain conditions, which induce insect hatches and active feeding by trout.

Soda Butte Creek

A tributary of the Lamar River, Soda Butte Creek offers excellent cutthroat trout fishing opportunities. The optimal time for fishing Soda Butte Creek in Yellowstone is during the summer months (June through September), particularly after spring runoff when the water levels stabilize to a medium level, and during overcast or light rain conditions that enhance insect hatches and promote active trout feeding.

Gardner River

It’s a great spot for rainbow, brook, and brown trout. The section where it meets the Boiling River is also popular. The Gardner River in Yellowstone provides the best fishing opportunities from late spring to early fall (June through September), particularly once the spring runoff has receded and water levels are at a moderate flow, and during overcast or light rainy conditions that stimulate insect hatches and active feeding by trout.

Snake River

A bit further out but within the hour’s drive limit, this large river is known for its cutthroat trout. For fishing the Snake River near Yellowstone, the best time is typically from late spring through early fall (June to October), especially when water levels have subsided to a moderate flow following the spring runoff, and during overcast or light rain conditions which can trigger insect hatches and active feeding by fish.

Heart Lake

Heart Lake offers lake trout and cutthroat trout fishing in a remote corner of Yellowstone. Heart Lake, located in a remote corner of Yellowstone, is best fished during the summer months (June through September), with prime fishing often occurring during overcast or light rain conditions that induce insect hatches and stimulate active feeding by fish.

Madison Lake

Another backcountry lake that offers good fishing opportunities for cutthroat trout. Madison Lake, a backcountry lake in Yellowstone, offers the best fishing opportunities from late spring through early fall (June to September), particularly during overcast or light rain conditions that enhance insect hatches and stimulate active feeding by fish.

Hebgen Lake

Outside West Yellowstone, this lake is known for rainbow and brown trout. Hebgen Lake, located just outside of Yellowstone, provides excellent fishing prospects from late spring through early fall (June to September), with optimal fishing often occurring during overcast or light rain conditions that trigger insect hatches and encourage active feeding by fish.

Nez Perce River

A smaller creek that can be a good choice for brook trout and brown trout. Fishing the Nez Perce Creek, a smaller tributary in Yellowstone, is generally most productive from late spring to early fall (June through September), particularly after the spring runoff has subsided and water levels are at a medium flow, and during overcast or lightly rainy conditions which stimulate insect hatches and provoke active feeding by fish.

Blacktail Deer Creek

This smaller creek can offer some secluded fishing opportunities for cutthroat trout. The best time to fish the Blacktail Deer Creek in Yellowstone is typically during the summer months (June through September), particularly after the spring runoff when water reaches a moderate level, and during overcast or light rainy days that enhance insect activity and encourage active feeding by fish.

Bechler River

This river is home to brook, rainbow, and brown trout in the park’s southwestern corner. Fishing on the Bechler River in the southwestern corner of Yellowstone is typically most productive from late spring through early fall (June to September), especially once spring runoff has decreased and water levels stabilize at a moderate flow, and during overcast or light rain conditions which stimulate insect hatches and active feeding by fish.

Fall River

Outside the park in Idaho, Fall River is known for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. For the Fall River outside Yellowstone in Idaho, the best fishing typically occurs from late spring to early fall (June to October), particularly after spring runoff when water levels reach a moderate flow, and during overcast or lightly rainy conditions that trigger insect hatches and active feeding by fish.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Near Yellowstone

These guides are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Atlas Outfitting – Bozeman	Bozeman, MT,
Fishtales Outfitting – Yellowstone River	Livingston, MT
River Knight Outfitters – Madison River	Ennis, MT

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Westslope Cutthroat Trout

The best time to fish for westslope cutthroat trout in Yellowstone is during the late spring to early summer months, particularly from May to June. These fish are most active early in the morning or late in the evening, which are perfect times to catch them. Some of the best places in Yellowstone to fish for westslope cutthroat trout are the Yellowstone River, Lamar River, Slough Creek, and Heart Lake.

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

The best time to fish for Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the Yellowstone area is during the summer months, especially from July to August. Early morning and late evening are the best times of the day for fishing, as that’s when these fish are most active. Some top places to fish for Yellowstone cutthroat trout include the Yellowstone River, Lamar River, Slough Creek, and Yellowstone Lake.

Snake River Fine-spotted Cutthroat Trout

The best time to fish for Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout in the Yellowstone area is during the summer months, from July to September. These fish are often most active and ready to bite in the early morning and late evening hours. Good places to try your luck fishing for Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout include the Snake River, Heart Lake, Bechler River, and Lewis River.

Brown Trout

In Yellowstone, the best time to catch brown trout is during the fall months, especially October and November, when they’re most active. You’ll likely have the best luck early in the morning or late afternoon when these fish come out to feed. Some of the best spots to try your luck fishing for brown trout are the Madison River, Lewis River, Gardner River, and the Yellowstone River.

Rainbow Trout

The best months to catch rainbow trout in Yellowstone are usually from May to June. These fish are most likely to bite early in the morning or late in the evening when insects are plentiful. Great places in Yellowstone to fish for rainbow trout include the Madison River, Gibbon River, Henry’s Fork, and Gallatin River.

Lake Trout

If you’re looking to catch lake trout in Yellowstone, the best months are usually during the summer, from June to August. The best times of the day are usually early morning and late evening when the fish are most active. Some really good spots for fishing lake trout in Yellowstone include Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake, Shoshone Lake, and Heart Lake.

Brook Trout

The best time to catch brook trout in Yellowstone is during the fall, particularly in September and October. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times to fish when these trout are most active. Some top spots to fish for brook trout in Yellowstone include the Firehole River, Gibbon River, Nez Perce Creek, and the Madison River.

Mountain Whitefish

If you’re looking to catch mountain whitefish in Yellowstone, the best months are typically during the late fall and winter, especially November and December. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish, as the whitefish are more active then. Great places to fish for mountain whitefish in Yellowstone include the Madison River, Yellowstone River, Gallatin River, and Firehole River.

Arctic Grayling

The best time to fish for arctic grayling in Yellowstone is summer, usually from June to August. These fish are most likely to bite in the early morning or late evening when they’re most active. Yellowstone’s best spots for arctic grayling include Grebe Lake, Wolf Lake, Cascade Lake, and the upper Gibbon River.

Golden Trout

The best time to fish for golden trout in Yellowstone is late summer, usually from July to August. Golden trout are most active and ready to bite in the early morning or late evening. Some of the best places in Yellowstone to fish for golden trout are high mountain lakes requiring hiking, such as Mirror Lake and Terrace Lake.

White Sucker

Spring is the best time to catch white sucker in Yellowstone, usually from April to June. These fish are most likely to bite in the early morning or late evening. You can find white sucker in various spots throughout Yellowstone, including the Yellowstone River, Madison River, Firehole River, and Lewis River.

Mountain Sucker

If you’re interested in fishing for mountain sucker in Yellowstone, the best time is typically during the spring, from April to June. These fish tend to be most active early in the morning and late in the evening. You can try your luck fishing for mountain sucker in various parts of Yellowstone such as the Yellowstone River, Madison River, Firehole River, and Lamar River.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Wyoming, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Montana, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Idaho, check out this guide.

Best Fishing in the Yellowstone Area on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Yellowstone River (December to February): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Cold temperatures with low to medium water levels.
Madison River (December to February): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Cold temperatures with low to medium water levels.
Firehole River (December to February): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Cold temperatures with low to medium water levels.
Gibbon River (December to February): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Cold temperatures with low to medium water levels.
Lewis Lake (December to February): Targeted Species – Lake Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Frozen or covered with ice, suitable for ice fishing.
Yellowstone Lake (December to February): Targeted Species – Lake Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Frozen or covered with ice, suitable for ice fishing.
Henry’s Lake (December to February): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout. Water conditions – Frozen or covered with ice, suitable for ice fishing.
Bechler River (December to February): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Cold temperatures with low to medium water levels.
Slough Creek (December to February): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Cold temperatures with low to medium water levels.
Heart Lake (December to February): Targeted Species – Lake Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Frozen or covered with ice.

Spring

Firehole River (April to June): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for fly fishing with nymphs and dry flies.
Madison River (April to June): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, ideal for fly fishing with nymphs and streamers.
Lamar River (April to June): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with low to medium water levels, suitable for fly fishing with dry flies and nymphs.
Yellowstone River (April to June): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium to high water levels, ideal for fly fishing with nymphs and dry flies.
Slough Creek (May to June): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with low to medium water levels, suitable for fly fishing with dry flies and nymphs.
Gibbon River (April to June): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for fly fishing with nymphs and dry flies.
Gardner River (April to June): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, ideal for fly fishing with nymphs and dry flies.
Lewis Lake (May to June): Targeted Species – Lake Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for trolling and fly fishing.
Henry’s Lake (May to June): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, ideal for trolling and fly fishing.
Heart Lake (May to June): Targeted Species – Lake Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for trolling and fly fishing.

Summer

Yellowstone River (June to August): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout and Brown Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium to high water levels, suitable for fly fishing with dry flies and nymphs.
Madison River (June to August): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium to high water levels, ideal for fly fishing with streamers and nymphs.
Firehole River (June to August): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with low to medium water levels, suitable for fly fishing with dry flies and nymphs.
Slough Creek (June to August): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with low to medium water levels, suitable for fly fishing with dry flies and nymphs.
Gibbon River (June to August): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for fly fishing with dry flies and nymphs.
Lamar River (June to August): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with low to medium water levels, suitable for fly fishing with dry flies and nymphs.
Gardner River (June to August): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for fly fishing with dry flies and nymphs.
Yellowstone Lake (June to August): Targeted Species – Lake Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with high water levels, suitable for trolling and fly fishing.
Lewis Lake (June to August): Targeted Species – Lake Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for trolling and fly fishing.
Henry’s Lake (June to August): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, ideal for trolling and fly fishing.

Fall

Firehole River (September to October): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for dry fly and nymph fishing.
Madison River (September to October): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, ideal for streamer and nymph fishing.
Lamar River (September to October): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with low to medium water levels, suitable for dry fly and nymph fishing.
Yellowstone River (September to October): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium to high water levels, ideal for streamer and nymph fishing.
Slough Creek (September to October): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with low to medium water levels, suitable for dry fly and nymph fishing.
Gibbon River (September to October): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for dry fly and nymph fishing.
Gardner River (September to October): Targeted Species – Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, ideal for streamer and nymph fishing.
Lewis Lake (September to October): Targeted Species – Lake Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for trolling and fly fishing.
Henry’s Lake (September to October): Targeted Species – Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, ideal for trolling and fly fishing.
Heart Lake (September to October): Targeted Species – Lake Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Water conditions – Clear with medium water levels, suitable for trolling and fly fishing.