Firehole River Report

The best dry fly fishing for the Yellowstone Park opener is without question the Firehole river. If the weather forecast is overcast, rain and snow, the firehole is where you want to be. Yeah we know, small fish for Montana standards but for the first consistent dry fly fishing of the year it can't be beat. We won't do a weekly fishing report because, high or low, hot or cold, it never changes from year to year. Here's the Firehole Fly Fishing Report for the spring and summer.

Early June
The firehole from Biscuit Basin to Firehole Falls will have rising fish on dark overcast days. Be sure to be on the river around 11:00-12-00. Look for early season Baetis mixed with PMD's as the month progresses. On sunny days get there sooner for PMD spinners. If you're not adept with dry flies you can always swing wet hackles however there's not much challenge to that.. The Firehole canyon will provide Salmonfly fishing for about a week and if it is sunny during the opening week, this is well worth your effort.

Mid- June to July
Continue with the weather pattern to deterimine what hatch will appear for the following 4 weeks. PMD's and Caddis will provide plenty of dry fly action and If your preference is nymphing, then go nuts swinging soft hackles, it can be fun and you don't have to depend on weather conditions. . Look for the flat water stretches and be patient if you wish to fish dry flies. The riffle stretches around the Picnic area is a good choice for hours of caddis fishing and good soft hackle water can be found at the tailouts of any riffle stretch.

Fly Patterns
Baetis: Sparkle Dun, Adams Parachute
PMD's: Sparkle Dun, Harrop Transitional Dun, Foam Spinner
Caddis: X-Caddis, Iris Caddis
Soft Hackles: Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle, Sparkle Pupa

Firehole Etiquette:
A good number of local anglers, fly shop owners, guides etc. Love to fish this river. Lets face it, it is one of kind. Many of these local anglers have been fishing the river for half their lifetime. When they arrive on the water, they're usually early. They arrive at one of their favorite spots, if no one is there, in anticipation of a good emergence, whether it's Caddis or PMD's. They are waiting for the emergence and more likely will be fishing dries. If you plan to swing nymphs, just be courteous and find another piece of water there's plenty to go around and more than likely they will treat you with respect.