Free Resource · Updated 2026
The Yellowstone River through Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic wild trout fisheries in North America. Native Yellowstone cutthroat trout rise freely to dry flies in a pristine wilderness setting.
Yellowstone River Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
The Yellowstone River from Yellowstone Lake through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone holds native cutthroat trout that have never been stocked. These fish are aggressive dry fly takers and provide exceptional catch rates during summer hatches. The setting is unmatched anywhere in fly fishing.
The salmonfly hatch in late June and early July brings the biggest fish up. PMD and caddis hatches through July provide more technical dry fly fishing. Hopper season in August is excellent throughout the meadow sections. Trico spinner falls in late summer round out the hatch calendar.
Fishing in Yellowstone National Park requires a park fishing permit. The Fishing Bridge and Grand Loop sections are easily accessible. The Thorofare region downstream requires backcountry travel and provides the most remote wild trout fishing in the lower 48.
See the full Wyoming Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Wyoming's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Yellowstone RiverWhat to Fish
Pteronarcys californica
The salmonfly hatch on the Yellowstone River is one of the great dry fly events in the park. Native cutthroat trout throw caution aside and take large dries aggressively along the bank edges.
Recommended: Salmonfly Dry #4-6
Acrididae
Hopper fishing through the meadow sections below Yellowstone Lake is excellent in August. The cutthroats here see fewer hoppers than fish on rivers closer to ranch country, and they respond eagerly.
Recommended: Dave's Hopper #8-12
Ephemerella infrequens
PMD hatches in July draw selective feeding in the calmer sections of the Yellowstone. This is the most technical dry fly fishing of the summer on the river.
Recommended: PMD Parachute #16-18
Paraleptophlebia spp.
Mahogany dun hatches in September extend quality dry fly fishing into fall. The Yellowstone cutthroats feed heavily before the season closes, and these duns draw consistent risers.
Recommended: Mahogany Dun Parachute #16
Common Questions
Yes. A Yellowstone National Park fishing permit is required in addition to a Wyoming license. Permits are available at visitor centers and ranger stations throughout the park.
Yes. The Yellowstone River in the park holds native Yellowstone cutthroat trout that have never been supplemented with hatchery fish. These are among the most pristine wild trout populations in North America.
Most of the Yellowstone River in the park opens to fishing on July 15. The Fishing Bridge area and some other sections have different opening dates. Always check current Yellowstone National Park regulations.
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
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