Yellowstone Park
YELLOWSTONE PARK
ReportOCT 28 — NOV 4, 2026
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Flow
—CFS
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Water Temp
—
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Weather
18–45°F
Slight Chance Snow Showers
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Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
Yellowstone Park's fishing season closes at sunset October 31st, with overnight lows dropping into the teens and twenties this week — dress for winter and check the park website for weather and road conditions before you go. Only the Madison River (MT-WY state line downstream to West Yellowstone) and the Gardner River below Osprey Falls remain open year-round after the season closes.
From the ShopBruce Staples · October 28, 2026
The Park fishing season ends at sunset October 31st. Only the Madison River from the Montana-Wyoming state line downstream to West Yellowstone and the Gardner River below Osprey Falls are open year-round. Weather conditions are now a major consideration when visiting park waters. Keep track of these through the park website.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges | #20–24 | Moderate — best on warmer afternoons | Midday to early afternoon |
| Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis) | #20–22 | Light — overcast or cloudy days | Late morning to early afternoon |
| Streamers / Sculpin | #4–6 | Opportunistic — cold water triggers predatory takes | Morning and late afternoon |
Best Time Window
- 11 AM – 2 PM: Fish the warmest window of the day; target slower seams and deeper pools with small nymphs or midges
- BEFORE OCTOBER 31 SUNSET: Last legal fishing day in most Park waters — plan your final trip now
- THURSDAY MIDDAY: Best weather window of the forecast with a high near 45°F and mostly sunny skies — prime conditions for a late-season outing
Guide's Tip
From the benchMadison Losee's report does not call out specific fly patterns for this visit — the focus is on the season closure deadline and the importance of monitoring weather. With overnight lows in the teens and highs only reaching the mid-30s to mid-40s, fish will be lethargic and holding in slower, deeper water. Focus your efforts during the warmest part of the day — typically late morning through early afternoon on Thursday when a high near 45°F is forecast — and be prepared to downsize your presentations significantly.
Main Species
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
