Yellowstone in August/Sept (3 weeks away)

I was there a couple years ago a little bit later into September.  Kenny pointed me towards the area where Soda Butte Creek and the Lamar River come together.  I didn’t do any good up there, but that’s more indicative of me Sucking At Fishing than anything else.  The nice thing about that spot is that you have several directions you can wonder off to in search of something that will take your fly.

I lucked out on our last day/hours in the park.  We were driving along the Firehole River and happened upon a hatch and the fish were going nuts. It was between Wraith Falls and the Cascades of the Firehole.  I just used one of the pull off areas to park.  I managed to catch a brown trout on a dry fly, so I didn’t get skunked in Yellowstone.  I don’t think it was anything special that I used, probably either an X-caddis or an Adam’s Dry.

I’d suggest hitting Big Sky Anglers in West Yellowstone for fly suggestions.  North Fork Anglers in Cody were also nice to deal with.

I did also fish the Yellowstone a couple miles up from Fishing Bridge, and also the Shoshone on the east side between Cody and the East entrance.  The Shoshone was a bit tough because the water was up and murky.

Take your bear spray.  I was a little surprised at how fast those big fellas can cross a big river.  Thankfully I got to witness that from the safety of my car and not while I was in the river!!!  I may have some you can take if it’s not expired.

Have a great trip!

-Dave Rodecap

Hope, I’m not too late in answering. The rivers in Yellowstone fish differently at different times of the year. Finding a good fly shop can give you a clue.
Yes, as Dave mentioned my favorite river has been Soda Butte but I have fished Yellowstone usually in September. Soda Butte is near the main road and easy to get to – lots of cutthroat.
Overall, if just day to fish then maybe a guide? I found Nymphing to be best if dry fly fishing is not “active”. Good luck.