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How Our Reservation Service Works

Fishing in West is a
Matter of Hatch!

West Yellowstone is located in the heart of fly fishing country. Several of the most fabled streams and rivers in the world are a short drive away. One of them, the Henry's Fork of the Snake River, is just thirty-five miles to the southwest. The Henry's Fork is famous for prolific aquatic insect hatches that draw fly fishermen from around the world. On any given day during the summer, large trout can be found sipping these insects from the river's surface. Besides its outstanding fly fishing, the Henry's Fork is known for its beauty. The river originates at Big Springs where 480,000 gallons of water a day flow out of the ground. The water here is crystal clear and large trout can be viewed from a bridge just below the springs. Moose and other wildlife frequent the area regularly.

One cup of coffee, an apple, a bagel, to go. Three or four nymphs, a handful of terrestrials (ants, beetles, grasshoppers), a few mayflies, and the old faithful, caddis. Forget breakfast. You will, if you get going early, and start catching fish. With West Yellowstone or Island Park as home base, some of the best fly fishing in the country is right at your fingertips. Whether you fish in the country's best trout streams or Yellowstone's pristine Lakes you will have a fishing experience to last a lifetime

Henry's Fork of the Snake River: 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, though selective, trout. It is over sixty miles long, and there’s a stretch for everyone, beginners and experts alike. The Henry’s Fork gets going early. In early June, while other area rivers are clouded with snow pack runoff, the Henry’s Fork is prime fishing. The Railroad Ranch and Box Canyon are the quintessence Of Henry’s Fork fishing. The Ranch is flat-water fishing. Casting to large trout feeding on insect hatches. Green and brown drake hatches in late July are not to be missed.

"The Box" is home to some of the largest trout in the Yellowstone area. Rainbows have been caught weighing over five pounds. It is an early season delight, 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.

In 1984, in an effort to retain a degree purity in the river, a small group of anglers formed the Henry's Fork Foundation to “understand, restore and protect the unique fishery, wildlife and aesthetic qualities of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River." For the first years of its existence, the Foundation concerned itself solely with the stretch of the Henry's Fork between Island Park Dam and Mesa Falls. After several years of research and restoration projects, they realized that the health of one stretch of river is intimately connected to that of the whole river and its entire watershed. Today, with a membership of more than 1,300 and an annual budget in excess of $650,000, the Foundation is vigorously pursuing its mission. Visit the Henry's Fork of the Snake River this summer and enjoy all that this wonderful river has to offer!

The Madison River: Just over the Continental divide lies the world-renowned Madison River. Fast pocket waters, with rainbows and browns lurking 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". Which is to say, get on the river, and you can’t miss. The 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. In the park, a road runs along the river, making it easy to access. From any access point, hike up or downstream, for long stretches of water and relative solitude.

In August, the waters of the Madison warm a bit, 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.

Ten or so miles below Quake Lake, at the Reynolds Pass Bridge, the quality waters of the Madison begin. Huge boulders in this area 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 – ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. In the evenings, you’ll find great action on caddis and mayflies. In parts, the Madison has sustained some damage from the impact of whirling disease. The rainbow populations have dropped considerably. Causing, fortunately in some respects, the disappearance of fly fishers. But despite the decline in rainbows, excellent fishing remains prominent on the Madison River.

Licenses
Conservation License $4.00
Resident Fishing License $13.00
Non-Resident Conservation License $5.00
Non-Resident 2-Day License $10.00
Non-Resident Season License $45.00
State Land Recreational Use License $5.00

For the vacation of a lifetime, call Toll-Free 1-866-646-0388!