If you are here for the fly fishing, breakfast is secondary. All you will need is a cup of coffee, an apple and a bagel to go. Get an early start and head out to some of the best fly fishing in the country.
The Henry’s Fork
The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River has been called “The finest dry fly stream in the country.” It is known best for its smooth currents, prolific insect hatches, and large, selective trout. More than sixty miles long, the Henry’s Fork offers a stretch for beginners and experts alike. While most other rivers are still clouded with snowpack runoff, the Henry’s Fork gets going in early June.
Two ideal spots on the Henry’s Fork are the Railroad Ranch and Box Canyon. The Ranch is flat water fishing, which casts to large trout that feed on insect hatches like green and brown drake hatches, which are there in late July. "The Box" is home to some of the largest trout in the Yellowstone area. Rainbows weighing more than five pounds have been caught. Early season in the area is flocked with hatches of giant salmon flies, caddis, stoneflies and mayflies. As with many area rivers, the Henry’s Fork fishes best in the early morning, trailing off a bit during the afternoon hours, and goes out with a bang in the late afternoon and early evening. Often, presentation is crucial, so make that first cast count.
The Madison River
Just over the Continental divide lies the world-renowned Madison River. Rainbows and browns lurk behind every rock, tree and bend. The Madison offers the best fishing both early and late season. July has been noted as the “month of the Madison.” The stretch of river in Yellowstone Park fishes especially well in the fall, during the run of the browns, when large brown trout come into the river from Hebgen Lake in preparation for spawning. Easy access is available to the Madison in Yellowstone as a park highway runs along the river. In August, the waters of the Madison warm-up, causing fish to stick to deep holes and pockets. It’s best to use nymphs to hook into the lunkers at the bottom. Try using a big dry fly as a strike indicator, with a nymph tied on as a dropper.
Outside of the park, at the Reynolds Pass Bridge, huge boulders on the Madison form deep pockets full of wild rainbows and browns. The water is swift and presentation is less critical, making it an ideal area for both novice and experienced fishers. In August and September, terrestrial patterns are on so use ants, beetles and grasshoppers. In the evenings, you’ll find great action on caddis and mayflies. In some areas, the Madison has sustained some damage from the impact of whirling disease. The rainbow population has dropped considerably, which has led to the disappearance of some fly fishers. Despite the decline in rainbows, excellent fishing remains on the Madison River.
The best way to fish both the Henry’s Fork and the Madison is in a boat. Local guides are both highly skilled and abundant. Roadside sportsmen access areas are also terrific. There are enough trout in the waters of the Henry’s Fork, Madison and West Yellowstone area rivers to allow everyone to spread out and enjoy the fishing without crowding fellow anglers. To be courteous to other anglers, give the person up or downstream at least 50 yards (150 feet) on the left and right side. Once you find your peaceful spot, enjoy the beauty of the area, its scenery, its rivers, and its fish.
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