Fly Fish the Firehole River

The Firehole River is one of the most unique trout-fishing rivers in the world, behaving in a manner unlike any other river in the Rockies due to the unique geothermal features found all along the length of the river.

It is not known as a big-fish river but they are plentiful, with sizes averaging 8" to 12" and Brown and Rainbow Trout in good numbers, and Brook Trout in the headwaters. Cutthroat Trout are the sole, native trout found in the park and are a treasure.

The season tends to run early and late, as the summer months cause the river to get too hot due to the heating underground. You will want to visit in first few weeks after Memorial Day (when the season opens) but then avoid until September until the road closes again in November.

It is not an easy river to fish but it is by far one of the most unique, cutting across lava flows and hot springs that create pools and pockets unlike anywhere else on earth.

Below the Old Faithful water supply intake, down to the bridge above Biscuit Basin and the mouth of the Little Firehole, is a two- or three-mile stretch that is currently closed to fishing. 

A fishing permit is required in Yellowstone National Park and there are many regulations, from all native fish needing to be released to most non-native fish needing to be killed and disposed of in a proper manner.

Please review and follow all Yellowstone National Park Fishing Regulations which can be found here.