Exploring Yellowstone National Park with the guidance of a professional fly fishing guide can enhance your experience, helping you navigate the park’s world-renowned rivers and streams. Yellowstone offers incredible fishing opportunities, including access to native cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and bison fish in its pristine waters. Here are some of the best fly fishing guides and outfitters for exploring Yellowstone:
1. Yellowstone Angler
- Overview: Known as one of the top fly fishing guides for Yellowstone, Yellowstone Angler offers full-service trips, from beginner to expert level. Their guides are local experts and can take you to the park’s famous fishing locations such as Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Yellowstone River.
- Services: Full-day and half-day trips, private and group guided fishing tours, and casting instruction.
- Website: Yellowstone Angler
2. Blue Ribbon Flies
- Overview: Located in West Yellowstone, just outside the park, Blue Ribbon Flies has been a trusted name in fly fishing for decades. Their experienced guides offer trips to several prime fishing spots in the park, including Madison River, Firehole River, and Gibbon River.
- Services: Guided fishing trips for all skill levels, both wading and float trips, and fly shop with extensive equipment and local knowledge.
- Website: Blue Ribbon Flies
3. Yellowstone National Park Fishing Guides
- Overview: A premier outfitter based in Gardiner, Montana, just north of Yellowstone’s entrance, these guides offer personalized, small-group trips that cater to different experience levels. Whether you’re interested in fishing the Gallatin River or Nez Perce Creek, the guides will take you to the best waters.
- Services: Custom trips, beginner-to-advanced guiding, and casting lessons.
- Website: Yellowstone National Park Fishing Guides
4. Wild Trout Outfitters
- Overview: Specializing in small group tours, Wild Trout Outfitters offers guided fly fishing on some of Yellowstone’s most scenic waters, including the Firehole River, Madison River, and Yellowstone River. They focus on providing an intimate and educational experience for their clients.
- Services: Guided fly fishing trips, gear rental, and fly fishing schools.
- Website: Wild Trout Outfitters
5. Angler’s West Fly Fishing
- Overview: Based in West Yellowstone, Angler’s West is another top-rated outfitter offering guided trips to some of the park’s best fishing spots. They have knowledgeable guides who are familiar with all the major rivers and streams in the park.
- Services: Full-day and half-day trips, gear rental, and specialized fly fishing trips based on the season.
- Website: Angler’s West
6. Yellowstone Fly Fishing Adventures
- Overview: Yellowstone Fly Fishing Adventures provides full-service guiding on the best fly fishing rivers and streams in and around the park. Their team of experienced guides offers personalized trips to match your skill level.
- Services: Half-day, full-day, and overnight trips, and lessons for beginners or advanced anglers.
- Website: Yellowstone Fly Fishing Adventures
7. The Fly Shop
- Overview: Located in Bozeman, Montana, The Fly Shop offers Yellowstone fly fishing trips that include some of the park’s best-kept secrets. Known for their friendly, expert guides, The Fly Shop caters to everyone from beginners to expert anglers.
- Services: Private and group guided trips, expert instruction, and fly fishing gear and fly patterns.
- Website: The Fly Shop
8. Madison River Outfitters
- Overview: With over 30 years of experience, Madison River Outfitters provides personalized fly fishing experiences on the Madison River, Gallatin River, and other nearby waters. They offer a wide range of trips suitable for all experience levels.
- Services: Full and half-day trips, float trips, and private lessons for beginners.
- Website: Madison River Outfitters
9. Trophy Trout Fly Fishing
- Overview: This outfitter offers trips on both the Madison River and Yellowstone River, catering to both novice and experienced anglers. Known for its in-depth local knowledge, Trophy Trout will get you into some of the park’s most productive and scenic waters.
- Services: Full-day trips, guided wade fishing, and casting lessons.
- Website: Trophy Trout Fly Fishing
10. Bighorn Angler
- Overview: Based in Billings, Montana, Bighorn Angler provides guided fly fishing trips in Yellowstone and nearby regions. They’re known for their expert guides and high-quality customer service.
- Services: Guided fly fishing trips on Yellowstone’s best rivers, private water access, and full-day or multi-day fishing trips.
- Website: Bighorn Angler
Conclusion:
Each of these fly fishing guides and outfitters offers something unique, whether it’s personalized instruction, access to exclusive fishing spots, or a focus on sustainable fishing practices. The best guide for you will depend on factors like your experience level, desired fishing locations, and the type of experience you’re looking for. For the best possible experience in Yellowstone, it’s recommended to book your trip in advance, especially during the peak fishing seasons of summer and fall.