To the many devoted people who entertain themselves with the possibility of
visiting prime fly fishing destinations in the continental US Yellowstone
Park is the hands down, first row, first pew, undisputed leader of all fly
fishing locations. I feel very fortunate to live, instruct and fish in such
a close proximity to this National treasure. In fact, during the fishing
season, which annually starts on June 1st and continues until November 1st

visiting anglers visit my shop before venturing out to fish various
waterways in the Park. Once there the angler can collect photos of prize
fish, scenery and wildlife which will adorn walls and desktops for a
lifetime. So as I sit here at my desk, I wonder where the best point is to
start such a monumental task as describing the benefits of visiting our
nation’s first National Park. A brief physical description may be in order.

Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and bordering the states of
Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is easily served by three major
airports; Billing and Bozeman, Montana as well as Jackson, Wyoming. Car
rentals are plentiful and contrary to some beliefs, most of the roads are
paved, patrolled and well traveled. Therefore, the Park retains an easy
access for the first time visitor. Here, in the natural wilds of the Park,
the visitor can quickly see wide panoramic vistas which western artists are
quick to put to canvas. Many animal naturalists, seen carrying their large
telescopic lenses, come to the Park to view and photograph the abundant
wildlife which usually includes buffalo, elk, coyote, bear and the newly
reintroduced wolves. Birdwatchers and wildflower lovers spend countless days
visiting the wide variety of habitats which create diversity to their
particular pursuits. And, here is where fly fishers, from all over the USA,
dream of coming on those snowy, suburban winter days or when life in the
downtown office becomes just a bit too much. Yellowstone, is the beating
heart of fly fishing in America. Regardless what your passion may be
Yellowstone National Park is truly a vacation spot well suited for everyone.

The first question asked by many anglers, who are coming to Yellowstone for
the first time is simply, “where would be the best place to fish in the
Park?” Geographically the northern and western sections of the Park
generally have the best access to creeks and rivers. And, unsurprisingly the
waters that pour out of the Park from these locations provide the angler
with miles upon miles of more water to wade and float. So lets take a look
at what these waters have to offer the fly fisher.

For the beginning fly fisher waterways such as Lava, Indian and Tower Creeks
as well as the Gardner, Gibbon and the upper Firehole Rivers provide the
novice angler with numerous opportunities to practice the skill of casting,
drifting a fly naturally before a fish and ultimately hooking a trout. In
these waterways the fish are numerous and it is quite easy, even for a
beginner, to catch 25 to 50 six to ten inch brightly colored fish in an
outing. All of these fish, after a long winter under the ice and snow, are
very cooperative when a fly is presented. A good point to mention is that
along these waterways access into these streams is easy even for the most
hesitant beginner. The grassy banks rarely provide a convenient tree to hang
a fly on. Overall the initial experience of fishing on these picturesque
trout streams will be an opportunity of a lifetime and for the more
accomplished angler, who is indoctrinating a novice into this hobby, the
results are outstanding. Here, an angler may create a fishing partner that
will quickly follow to other suggested points on the compass. It’s a win-win
situation for everyone.

Moving into intermediate fly fishing waters names such as the Madison,
Yellowstone and the Lamar Rivers hold numerous opportunities for unfurling
long reaching casts as well as the chance to present numerous and different
fly patterns. However, since these are Western rivers the flies the angler
will use will be bigger then other trout waters. This in itself is fun when
the angler can easily see a freely floating fly course through probable
feeding zones of trout. Exciting hits will follow a well presented fly and
the fish, besides being native and larger in size, will provide the fly
fishers with hours of entertainment all while fishing very close to where
you first started.

Then; there are the waters which present different scenarios on a daily
basis. These creeks such as Slough, Soda Butte, the lower Firehole river
will test even the most accomplished angler especially as the season moves
along into late summer. Here the fish have been caught and released one or
more times and, as late summer anglers begin to trade locations by fishing a
morning here and the afternoon there, the fish become very wise to what the
angler may present or even become fully aware as to the different techniques
which may be utilized by the better fly fishers who wade these honored
waters every summer day.

As far as the gear which may be needed on a visit to the Park, this varies
as to personal needs or preference. Many anglers use a feather light 7′6″ 5
weight graphite rod which handles nearly every daily situation which is
encountered while fishing in the Park. However for the beginning students
are normally outfitted with a 9 foot 5 weight rod. This added length of rod
helps the novice reach more distant areas. Felt soled waders will be an
essential item as the angler crosses creeks on moss covered freestones which
line these waterways as will several handy tools, which are conveniently
hung from a fishing vest. Polarized sunglasses will make seeing through any
glare on the water easier especially if they are worn under a wide or long
brimmed hat. All of these small items can make an extreme difference in
comfort as well as ultimate success.

The Park is encircled by fly fishing support personnel which can lead you in
the right direction and satisfy your specific needs whether it be lessons,
guiding or equipment and supplies. Accommodations come in a wide variety of
pricing as well as luxury so be certain to ask whatever convenience it is
you may be seeking on your western get away.

At Lake, the oldest Park lodging facility, a vacation spent nightly in a
stately room overlooking Yellowstone Lake and accompanied by elegant dining
can be found to be a delightful cap to a day spent outdoors. Or fifty miles
away the newly constructed Snow Lodge at Old Faithful creates an opportunity
for experiencing the marvels associated with geysers and all they can
display. The Old Faithful Inn is an experience and an institution unto
itself. Its visitors all stare at the grandeur of the vaulted, log created
majesty of the lobby. The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel offers the Park visitor
sumptuous dining and for the more adventuresome Roosevelt and Canyon Lodges
each have their own character and charm although the cabins are a bit more
rustic. In the Park you will want to contact Xanterra Resorts at (303)
297 -2757 or by going to http://www.xanterra.com

for accommodations held within the Park itself.

For others, seeking more of a true western experience, can hire an Park
licensed outfitter who can saddle the angler to a gentle mountain trail
horse and deliver the string of riders and pack horses deep into the
interior reaches of the Park. There, out of sight from man made objects and
surrounded by the solitude of the pristine mountains and their streams the
outfitted angler can catch fish in crystal clear water until the arms ache
and at night everyone will watch the bright stars rotate through the sky as
meteorites streak across the heavens.

Adjacent communities such as Cody and Jackson, Wyoming may be a bit too far
for a commute into the Park on a daily basis but West Yellowstone and
Gardiner, Montana offer the Park’s visitors the opportunity to step out of
the Park and

The Snow Lodge

quickly be back in the civilization that can offer four star
dining and shop till you drop experiences.
Art galleries, white water
rafting and day trips on horseback can easily fill the time spent in
“Yellowstone Country.” Just north of the North entrance to the Park lies the
nearby Paradise Valley. It is rural in its nature but does host many B&B’s
and cabins which will all be, in Montana terms, near activities and
facilities which the angler can make use of. The local web site
which acts as the area’s local business guide is
great for all accommodations within the Paradise Valley.

Doc Knoll owns and operates a fly shop and fishing school in Pray, Montana.
Many of his fishing products can be found in fishing shops throughout the
Yellowstone area. To reach him for information or to schedule classes
contact (406) 333 4848 or go directly to his website at
www.knolls.us