Yellowstone Lake fly fishing history geology

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake, Absaroka Mountain Reflection, Yellowstone National Park

In the heart of Yellowstone Park is a giant blue gem called Yellowstone Lake, not a very imaginative name, but appropriate. Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake at high elevation (i.e., more than 7,000 ft.) in North America with a surface area of about 84,000 acres of 132 square miles; it is a natural lake, situated at 7,733 ft above sea level. To the east of Yellowstone Lake are the snow-capped peaks of the Absaroka Mountain Range and to the north the Beartooth Mountains grace the skyline; its kind of like Lake Tahoe except with geysers on its beaches. The Yellowstone Lake is a beautiful, clear and deep, body of water. In the center of our countryÍs first National Park.

Yellowstone Lake was probably first seen by an American in the winter of 1807-1808 by John Colter on his famous winter trip of discovery. In 1826, fur trappers Daniel Potts, Bill Sublette, and Jedidiah Smith called Yellowstone Lake "Sublette Lake," By the 1860s, Yellowstone Lake was well-known among trappers, army personnel, and explorers as Yellowstone Lake.

Yellowstone LakeÍs high elevation insures that it remains cold year-round, with an average temperature of 41ÁF. It is roughly 20 miles long and 14 miles wide with 141 miles of shoreline. It freezes in late December or early January and thaws in late May or early June. Yellowstone Lake has an estimated capacity of 12,095,264 acre-feet of water; so itÍs annual 1,100,000 acre-feet of outflow takes about eight to ten years to refill this 132 square miles landmark.

bridge bay, yellowstone lake, yellowstone national park Researches with a small submersible robot submarine have discovered that if one could empty Yellowstone Lake, the lake bottom would reveal it is similar to what is found on land in Yellowstone; geysers, hot springs, and deep canyons. Underwater geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles all were found in the lake. The hottest spot in the Yellowstone Lake was found at Mary Bay where temperature was recorded at 252 degrees. The robot sub found a canyon, which was 390 ft. deep; previously the deepest spot in the lake was thought to be 320 ft. deep. Yellowstone LakeÍs thermal features appear to be similar the famous hydrothermal vents on the Pacific Ocean that support strange animal and plant communities, including bacterial mats, sponges, and earthworms that exist in conditions previously thought impossible.

Much of Yellowstone Lake is in the Yellowstone Caldera. The Yellowstone Caldera, sometimes known as the Yellowstone super-volcano, is a volcanically active region that measures 35 miles by 45 miles. Yellowstone is believed to lie on top of one of earthÍs few dozen hotspots where molten mantle rock rises towards the surface. In recent years the ground under Yellowstone Lake has risen significantly, indicating increased geological activity. Beneath a section of Yellowstone Lake, where there are faults, hot springs and small craters. A new bulge in the earth has been discovered that measures roughly 2000 feet long and 100 feet high; Yellowstone is a dynamic place! In the West Thumb geothermal area, on the south side of the lake, an area easily accessible to visitors. Here you can see geysers, fumaroles and hot springs alongside and even in the lake to give you an idea of what lies beneath.

Yellowstone Lake has 124 tributaries; at least 60 being cutthroat trout spawning streams. Recent findings show that 80 or more grizzly bears fish these streams around Yellowstone Lake during cutthroat trout spawn; so if you plan to fish during the spawn, be extra vigilant and know how to use your pepper spray.

bison Yellowstone Lake Winter West Thumb

Yellowstone Lake is home to the worldÍs largest population of inland cutthroat trout and fishermen from all over the world come here to try their luck at coaxing them up out of their watery home for a visit. Yellowstone Cutthroat are the only endemic trout species in Yellowstone Lake. In this extremely productive lake cutthroat trout average 16 inches. Both wet and dry flies work on Yellowstone Lake and which to choose will depend on the hatches. Trolling and casting wet flies from a stationary boat both are effective. If conditions avail themselves you can cast a dry fly to a cruising trout; much like stalking a bonefish on the flats. Spin fishing also works very well on Yellowstone Lake; ultra light rigs with 6 - 8 pound line works best. The lake opens for fishing on June 15th.

The north shore is accessible by road but the remainder of the lake must be accessed by boat or on foot. The road form West Thumb to Fishing Bridge goes by the lake in few spots and isnÍt very far away for most of its length. Boats with motors are not permitted on the south arms of the lake. Most cutthroat feed near the lakeshore due to the depth of the lake. In early summer the fish follow the shoreline to locate their spawning streams. Some of the best fishing is near the mouths of these spawning streams. Wet-fly fishing is most productive. The cutthroats are far from selective and almost any pattern will work

Despite the huge size of Yellowstone Lake good fly-fishing from the shoreline can be very productive. The reason the cutthroat trout are generally found along the shoreline is because the bulk of all aquatic insect activity occurs in the warmer, shallow, waters near the shore. A boat or float tube does come in handy to chase down the trout that are found outside of casting range. Although hiking trails follow the lakeshore a boat may also enable you to easily reach areas that are found away from the roads,

A 1994 discovery of Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake has alarmed most anglers and biologists; when discovered the Lake Trout were first thought to be recently introduced, but further investigation shows Lake Trout may have been in Yellowstone Lake much longer; possibly for up to forty years, For now there seems to be no apparent negative impact on the cutthroat fishery in Yellowstone Lake even though Lake Trout may have been present for quite some time. This discovery of a non-endemic fish in Yellowstone Lake has necessitated a mandate to kill all Lake Trout caught in Yellowstone Lake.

Yellowstone Lake has a colorful history, abundant natural amenities, great fishing, hiking, photography, and a dynamic geological landscape unmatched in the world. Whatever the reason for your trip to Yellowstone Lake, you couldnÍt have picked a more interesting destination.

Fly fishing the Yellowstone Region

A Few Thoughts On Fishing

Fly-fishermen Tower Creek, Tower Falls, Yellowstone

Fly-fishing Tower Creek below Tower Falls in Yellowstone

"But when I am alone in the half light of the canyon all existence seems to fade to a being with my soul, and memories. And the sounds of the Big Black Foot River, and a four count rhythm, and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters."

Sound-bite from a River Runs Through it.

The Yellowstone Teton Region fly-fishing is blessed with a plethora of blue ribbon trout waters that host prolific hatches of Mayflies, Caddis Flies and Stone Flies. Dozens of rivers and hundreds of lakes and streams, all world-class fisheries that attract anglers from around the world. The Henry’s Fork, the Snake, the Madison, and the Yellowstone Rivers have been elevated to legendary status by the movies made about them and the books and articles that have been written about them.

If you believe what you read, fly-fishing requires the touch of a surgeon and the spirit of a Zen master. Well, it might help but it certainly isn’t required around here. Forget about what you’ve heard about fly-fishing in the past, if you really want to fly-fish all you need are the right tools, proper technique, and a positive attitude. With these essential elements, you can begin to enjoy the sport of fly-fishing in no time.

Some time spent with a guide can enhance your skills exponentially in a very short time, as they are all trained to be teachers. A day discovering the best techniques for fly-fishing with a guide on one of our regional rivers or legendary spring creeks gives you the foundation for many years of productive fly-fishing enjoyment of the future. Many regional guides have spent a lifetime fly-fishing the rivers and streams of Yellowstone Teton Region. Their instruction of the best flies, how to read the water, presentation, and all aspects of fishing the Yellowstone region can greatly enhance your fly-fishing experience.

For those of you who already know how to fly-fish, or do not want to hire a fly-fishing guide, all you need is a map, the proper seasonal fly selection, and some current fly-fishing advice, all which can be found for the price of a handful of flies at a local fly shop.

Most rental shops of the Yellowstone Teton region have drift boats rafts and float tubes for rent for those of you that wish to escape the confines of the bank of your river, lake, or stream, because as we all know, the big one is in the eddy on the far side of the river.

Fine spotted Snake river Cutthroat Trout fly-fisherman

Cutthroat Trout soon to be returned into the Snake River south of Jackson Hole Wyoming.

Spin-cast fishing is popular around the area also and is a very productive way to wet a line. Although spin fishing doesn’t require the finesse and learning curve of fly-fishing, a guided trip with a guide that knows spin-fishing can really improve our catch rate. Remember to keep in mind to de-barb your hooks to improve your catches chance of survival upon release. We also encourage lure fisherman to cut their treble hooks down to a single hook.

The Snake River Drainage is home to a unique subspecies of cutthroat trout known as the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat Trout. This outstanding game fish is indigenous to the Snake River drainage and relies totally on natural reproduction. Having a wild trout fishery with indigenous trout is not something we take for granted and we highly encourage catch and release fishing to protect this valuable resource.

fly-fishing Gibbon River Yellowstone National Park

Fly-fishermen enyoy fall fishing on the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park.

The Yellowstone Cutthroat, as the name implies, are native to the Yellowstone River drainage of southwest and south-central Montana and northwest Wyoming. In general, The relation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout to Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout is problematic. Early genetic analyses could not distinguish these subspecies, but recent attempts have been more successful.

Whether you are fishing for one of the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat our Yellowstone Cutthroat you will find their most endearing qualities is their fondness for feeding on top sipping mayflies flies or attacking stoneflies, drakes, and hoppers. Large dry flies like size eight Turck Tarantulas, Royal Wulffs, Club Sandwiches, and hoppers are all popular and good choices. Size six and even four stone fly patterns sometimes are also effective.

Heather Thomas fly-fishing the Snake River in Jackson Wyoming

Actress Heather Thomas improves the scenery as she floats down the Snake River beneth the Grand Tetons as she competes in the One Fly Fishing Contest in Jackson Hole Wyoming.

Rainbow and Brown Trout can be found throughout the area as well a few sub-species of cutthroat trout, and some of our lakes are home to Kokanee Salmon.

Many of our lakes are gifted with giant Lake Trout, but you usually need to be an expert or lucky to get one in the 20 to 50 pound category. Most are taken by trolling with spoons or minnow-like plugs attached to wire-line rigs or downriggers. They can also be taken by bottom fishing with whole or cut fish. In summer they often move to depths of 50 to 100 feet, but in spring and fall you can find them at depths of 20 feet or less. When ice fishing you can catch Lake Trout in hardly any water at all.

Many of our lakes are put and take fisheries and are planted by the Idaho, Montana or Wyoming Game and Fish, but most of our rivers and streams are wild trout fisheries and do not receive planted fish.

fly-fishing from drift boats South Fork Snake River Swan Valley Idaho

What appears to be dueling fly-fishiners make an interesting photo as the compete in the One Fly Fishing Contest on the South Fork of the Snake River in Swan Valley Idaho

Our wild trout fisheries, due to the law of survival of the fittest, produce a hardier, smarter game fish, and is a resource worthy of protection. Catch and release although not mandatory on many waters is often the practice. Many of the fish of the region are caught and released 40 times per year and if everyone kept their fish there wouldn’t be any here except inferior hatchery fish.

I used to keep my big ones because they were such trophies, and I used to keep some to eat until I realized that I can buy a trout for two dollars in the store and that fish in the river provides has a much greater value than two dollars as a recreational resource.

Events

Chuck Yeager & Guide Mike Lawson - One Fly Fishing Contest

Jackson Hole One Fly Fishing Contest • Each year in September, flyfisherman from around the world gather in Jackson Hole Wyoming to participate in one of fly fishing's most unique events. It is a weekend filled with fun, challenges, adventures and of course, the famous Snake River Cutthroat trout.

Give the Cutt-slam a try. • If you want to see some breathtaking country, do a little camping and accomplish something that only around 300 people have done, you might want to give Wyoming’s Cutt-Slam program a try. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program that recognizes anglers for catching Wyoming’s four subspecies of cutthroats in their native range. Back in the mid-90s, Wyoming fisheries coordinator, the late Ron Remmick, had an idea to try to bring more public awareness to Wyoming’s cutthroat trout and the management efforts benefitting these fish. The Cutt-Slam was hatched and a program was developed to recognize anglers for making the effort to catch the Snake River, Bonneville, Colorado River and Yellowstone cutthroat subspecies.

Stories

Fly-fisherman shows off Cutthroat Trout he just caught in Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park.

Jackson Hole's Flat Creek • By Scott Sanchez
All of us have waters that have made a special connection to us. Wyoming's Flat Creek is one of mine. Part of the attraction is nostalgic, since this is where I learned the intricacies of spring creek fishing. This stream was my schoolroom for spotting subtle rises, sneaking up on the fish, picking a good imitation, and then presenting a drag-free drift. Flat Creek is also special because its scenic location a few miles north of Jackson, Wyoming, on the National Elk Refuge.........more

Fly-fishers go crazy saving flies • By D Dave Strege
One fly-fisher stripped his clothes off and swam naked into the river to retrieve his fly that got snagged. Another stood on the shoulders of the guide and used pruning shears to cut down the branch where his fly was lodged. A lucky one hooked a big fish that snapped his line, losing fish and fly, only to wait five minutes before the fly somehow dislodged from the trout's mouth and popped to the surface. He netted it — the fly, that is. What would lead a fly-fisher to go to such extremes to save a fly caught in a tree limb or a log in the riverh.................More

Henry's Heaven • By Jack Ballard
Lake or river -- take your pick. The world-renowned Henry's Fork country of eastern Idaho boasts some of the finest trout fishing in the nation. Who's Henry? That's the question that kept buzzing through my head the first time I motored through a mesmerizing mountain valley just southwest of Yellowstone National Park. The name seems to be ubiquitous in eastern Idaho, with landmarks such as Henry's Lake and the Henry's Fork of the Snake River...............................more

Fishing Henry's Fork of Island Park • By Ben Arellano
Fly Fishing the rivers and lakes around Island Park is an experience that an angler seldom forgets. The spring fed tributaries, creates an ideal situation for enjoyable and unparalleled fly fishing. Not only will you experience the exceptional fly fishing of this area, but you are surrounded with the beauty of the Targhee National Forest, the wildlife and history of people and the life they lived. ...........................more

Fishing The Famous South Fork of the Snake River • By Ben Arellano
It is between the Henry's Fork confluence and Palisades Dam that the South Fork is known as one of the finest dry fly rivers in North America. All of the Fish in the South Fork are wild and fish between eight and sixteen inches must be released because they are the prime breeders. The South Fork typically becomes fishable for the fly fisher sometime between the first week of July and the middle of July, depending on the spring run off. This year (2001) the run off was for a very short period, thus fly fishing was productive in the middle of June.

Yellowstone National Park and surrounding waters offer world-class fly-fishing- a fly-fisher's nirvana • By Dave Strege
WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONT. – A bartender in town gave a hint as to the essence of West Yellowstone on the fishing landscape." There's as many fly shops here as bars, and we're a hard-drinking town," quipped Thor from behind the bar at The Gusher. West Yellowstone is a town of fewer than 1,000 residents yet features six fly-fishing shops, evidence supporting the claim this is the mecca of fly-fishing. Each year, more than 50,000 anglers drop a line in 220 lakes and 1,000 streams that make up 2,650 miles of running water - and that's just in Yellowstone National Park.........more

Follow the bugs to a good day of fishing for trout • by Chester Allen
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — The noon sun blasted down and through the gin-clear water of the small meadow stream.Long strands of water weeds twisted like big, green snakes in the gentle current, and you could see every pebble and rock on the bottom. Not one trout was in sight. But they were there —..........................more

Fishing Yellowstone • By Daniel D. Lamoreux
With a bit of research and boot leather, you can escape the crowds that invade Yellowstone National Park each summer and catch trout that rarely ever see humans.....................................Roughly 3 million people visit Yellowstone National Park each year. While that number may seem staggering, the reality is that its piscatorial treasures are often underestimated and usually overlooked...................................Fewer than three of every 100 people who enter the park buy a fishing permit, and not all of those bother to go fishing. And more than 97 percent of the caught fish are released to fight another day......................................more

Fly fishing Backcountry Yellowstone • By Mark D. Williams
Don't let Yellowstone National Park's 3 million visitors spoil your idea of high-elevation trout fishing. There's a virtual fishing paradise just a short hike away from all those crowds..............................You would think that with over 2.2 million acres and 1,000 miles of rivers, there wouldn't be any crowded water. But most anglers fish near access points, road crossings, parking lots, campgrounds, bridges, anywhere a river parallels road.........................more

Greater Yellowstone Region Fishing Outfitters

Fly-fishermen try their luck on the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. The Firehole River is one of the first in the region fishable with dry flies in the Spring.

East Slope Outdoors • (Big Sky Montana) East Slope Outdoors provides three types of guided trips, all based out of Big Sky, Montana, your Blue Ribbon River fly fishing headquarters. Whether you want to introduce yourself to the sport, hone your skills with fly fishing professional, or simply enjoy a great day on the river, you're sure to appreciate the company of our friendly expert guides.

Jackson Hole Outdoors • (Jackson Hole Wyoming) Don Wackerman offers anglers the fishing adventure of a lifetime with half-day and full-day float trips on one of North America's top trout streams, the legendary Snake River in the shadow of the breathtaking Grand Teton mountain range.

Henrys Fork Anglers • (Island Park Idaho) Henry's Fork Anglers is located on the banks of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Last Chance, Idaho. The Henry's Fork is one of the most famous and diverse fly fishing rivers in the world, with plenty to offer the advanced fly fisher as well as the beginner. Its prolific aquatic insect hatches draw fly fishers from around the globe to test their skills against highly selective rainbow trout.

South Fork Lodge & Outfitters • (Swan Valley) Located in the heart of eastern Idaho's premier fishing waters, specializes in fly-fishing on the South Fork and Henry's Fork of the Snake River and Blackfoot River. Our experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will do everything to make your trip an enjoyable one.

Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters • (Paradise Valley Montana) Big Sky Flies and Guides Outfitting Co. has merged with Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters! We continue to offer the same fantastic guide service you've come to know and trust, and the finest selection of flyfishing equipment and quality outdoor apparrel at our Emigrant flyshop location. We are the premier Paradise Valley flyfishing outfitter. Come visit us and do so often!

The River’s Edge • ( Bozeman Montana) Bozeman Montana’s premier fly fishing outfitter and fly shop. With the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers a short drive away and a store that carries only the finest in fly fishing products including Simms, Winston, Sage, Ross and Galvan, we’re confident we will provide the very best Montana trout fishing experience. Come see for yourself...

Madison River Outfitters • (West Yellowstone MT) Native cutthroats rising for hoppers along a grassy cut bank on the Yellowstone… Big brown trout slashing at emerging caddis in a broad riffle on Montana’s Madison… Wild rainbows sipping tiny blue winged olives in a setting of incomparable beauty on the Firehole… This is just a sample of the action that takes place somewhere in our ‘backyard’ each day of the season! Madison River Outfitters, featuring an impressive selection of quality fly fishing tackle, custom flies, rugged outdoor clothing and hiking and backpacking equipment, is one of the finest fly shops in the Rocky Mountain West. We offer guide service in Montana and Yellowstone National Park and our friendly guides are committed to providing you with a great fly fishing experience on the world class fisheries surrounding West Yellowstone.

T.K. Guide Service • (Star Valley Wyoming) T.K. Guide Service has been a resident of the Snake River area for 15 years and has guided anglers of all abilities for over 40 years. Tom Kelly now exclusively floats the Salt River in Wyoming's spectacular Star Valley. If you are looking for a quality guided fly fishing float trip on the Salt river in Wyoming, we will tailor your trip for your abilities and experience. The Salt River is a fly or spin fisherman's dream. My experience and love of the Salt river will ensure a fantastic day catching wild brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Let me make this a float trip to remember and insure that you have the best possible fishing experience.

My Boys Cody and Scott fishing for brook trout in the Gardiner River in Yellowstone National Park.

Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers • (Cody Wyoming) Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers is the premier Greater Yellowstone Fly Fishing Headquarters! Seen on ESPN, TNN Outdoor and other outdoors fly fishing programs, this fly shop is always a must stop destination for all anglers wanting the latest information on hatches, conditions, and the right equipment before they head out to explore the waters of the region. Tim Wade, owner and outfitter, has been guiding and instructing anglers in the Cody Wyoming / Yellowstone region for more than 20 years. During those years he has taught or written about fly fishing, fly tying, fly casting and entomology, sharing his knowledge of water and fish behavior with thousands of during that time. He still lovesto see one of his guests on a guided trip get hooked up with a wily brown, or untangle knots when needed, because it is all part of the job as guide or outfitter. "This is a job that is a privilege for me," Tim says. "My office is not bad either.

Two Rivers Emporium • (Pinedale Wyoming) Two Rivers Emporium offers some of the finest rainbow and brown trout fishing in the state of Wyoming. Our guides are extremely efficient and up to date on hatches and which flies and lures are working. We are here to help you in any way to make your fishing vacation more memorable. If there is any thing we can do, please contact us at our E-Mail address, or call our toll free number.

Reel Deal Anglers • (Jackson Hole Wyoming) Reel Deal Anglers is Jackson Hole’s Premier fishing guide service, don’t wait in a fly-fishing shop (we provide all the flies), we pick you up and take you right to the river. We guide on the Snake River, Green River, Henry’s Fork River, South Fork River, Madison River, New Fork River, Salt River, Gros Ventre River and the Teton River as well as numerous backcountry streams, popular spring creeks, and exclusive private water opportunities, so we can put you on the hottest water available at any given time. Our guides are superb and are experts onthe water they specialize in. With Reel Deal Anglers, you’ll float and wade fish on beautiful rivers, encounter surprised wildlife, catch native trout while entertaining chance encounters with elk, moose, bison osprey and bald eagles fishing the same waters as you.

Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing • (Thermopolis, Wyoming) Experience an exclusive fly fishing adventure in the Wind River Canyon, or on the Upper Big Wind River near Crowheart, Wyoming. There are no crowds as Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing is the only licensed outfitter on the entire river! The Wind River Canyon is trophy style water with many of the catches well over 20 inches. The predominate species in Wind River Canyon are Brown and Rainbow with Cutthroat also being present. Guided fishing trips are also available on the Big Horn River north of the Wind River Canyon, which flows into Thermopolis, Wyoming.

Fisheries Conservation Organizations

Lee Wulff & Curt Gowdy - flyfishing in the One Fly Fishing Contest

Curt Gowdy & Lee Wulff fishing the One Fly Fishing Contest

Jackson Hole One Fly Capital Foundation • The Jackson Hole One Fly Capital Foundation (One Fly) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) established a new partnership in 2003 to leverage both organizations’ funding and interest in cold water fisheries conservation, particularly in the tributaries and mainstem Snake and Yellowstone Basins. The One Fly and NFWF have a long history in fisheries conservation throughout the greater Snake River and Yellowstone region.

Trout Unlimited • Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Trout Unlimited accomplishes this mission on local, state and national levels with an extensive and dedicated volunteer network. TU’s national office, based just outside of Washington, D.C., and its regional offices employ professionals who testify before Congress, publish a quarterly magazine, intervene in federal legal proceedings, and work with the organization’s 125,000 volunteers in 500 chapters nationwide to keep them active and involved in conservation issues.

Federation of Fly Fishers •The Federation of Fly Fishers, an international service organization dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through Conservation and Education. The FFF and its Councils are the only organized advocate for fly fishers on the national and regional level. By joining you will have the opportunity to contribute, with your membership and your voice, to fishery conservation and restoration for all fish in all waters.

The Blue Water Task Force • The Blue Water Task Force is a lcally-led nonprofit (501c3) watershed group, headquarteredalong the famous Gallatin River in Big Sky, Montana. The Task Force is governed by aboard of community members representing a wide variety of stakeholders, including homeowners, recreational business owners, developers, and local water resource managers.