Yellowstone, One day in July...History important Options

[bloom]

So, we'll be taking the family from Southern Alberta to Disney land this summer, and Bozeman and West Yellowstone will be two stops along the way (Bozeman because of Lewis and Clark Caverns, and West because of fly fishing).

On this 3+week journey, the family is well aware that a big part of the Yellowstone trip will revolve around fly fishing. Here's what I'm looking to day:
1. Spent at least one day fishing. There may be the opportunity to sneak out another morning, or evening. I'm a big fan of the 'history' of the sport, so it's important for me to hit some of the more Historic streams, instead of the 'secret' ones. So if you had one day, where would you go? Not looking for a guide, and it will be walk and wade.

Leaning towards one of the Spring Creeks. Just seems it might be the easiest in regards to 'research' and where to go. Fishing may be tough, but that's OK. Was thinking Firehole as it seems to have some nice History to it, but learning mid July may not be the best times to go.
What other rivers would you recomend?

2. Part of the family time will be doing the tourist things in Yellowstone. Stopping at fly shops is considered 'tourist' stuff to me. In regards to the "history" of the sport, what are the most important things to visit...fly shops, museums, etc.

A little back ground info...been fly fishing seriously for the last 10-15 years, involved in the industry, and done some guiding on the side. Not looking for a big challenge, but also not interest in 25+ fish under 12'' a day.

Thanks guys, looking forward to some time in Yellowstone.

[flybop]

If you do not want a bunch of sub 12" fish then do stay away from the Firehole. Having said that, it is a very cool place to see. The rest of YNP waters will be very crowded unless you do a little walking. If you want to fish one of the Paradise Valley spring creeks you should call and check for open days asap.

I would recommend taking the Beartooth highway drive out of YNP and down to I-90 near Billings, Mt. This is a breathtaking ride. As for the fishing near West Yellowstone, the Madison is a good, but crowded, option. The familly can do the tourist stuff in West while you go hit the river.

As for museums, you should hit the Buffalo Bill museum in Cody, Wy. You can do this on your way to the Beartooth Highway. Red Lodge, Mt on the downside of the Beartooth is a cool little town that has plenty of good places to eat.

[butteguy]

If you're talking about the Paradise Valley spring creeks, you would be much better off staying in Gardner than West Yellowstone. That is quite a jaunt from West to the Paradise Valley.

As far as fishing near West, the Madison, Gibbon, Firehole, and even the upper Gallatin are nearby and inside the park. The Spring Creeks in Paradise Valley are not within the national park boundaries.

I've never fished anywhere in the park, so not able to give you much info on that, other than just geographical information.

[flybop]

Butte is right about staying somewhere besides West if you want to fish one of the Paradise Valley spring creeks. West is on the other side of YNP from PV, and if you get caught in a buffalo or bear jam, very likely, it can take several hours to get through the Park. To fish a PV spring creek I recommend staying at Chico Hot Springs, which is in the middle of PV. Chico has both casual and fine dining, and there are some nice places to eat in Livingston, Rib and Chop, Main Street Bistro, and Livingston Bar and Grill.

Also, in July you may be able to find some salmon flies still around in the Park, that all depeends on how the rest of the winter and the runoff play out.

[Blackotter]

Museum Of The Rockies
Deer Lodge area museums
Virginia City
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Quake Lake Visitor Center
Wyoming Dinosaur Center

[MTNole]

Butte is right about........

Oh Carp... who let you in???

[WilleyBooger]

Yo, mid-July, eh? Should be a good time to come; looks like a low water summer.

You might want to split your time between Gardner and West. While at Gardner, fish a Yellowtone spring crick (if you can get on one) and the Lamar R. or Slough Crick in the Park. Send the family to look at Mammoth hot springs and watch elk and buffalo. BTW, driving in the Park is real slow. Figure on two or three times longer than you think it will be.

Then move to West and fish the Madison below the Park - between Hebgen and Quake Lakes or below Quake. Make about 1000 new fishing friends. Also hit the Henry's Fork in ID to make another 1000 friends and get embarrassed by really wiley fish. I'd avoid the Firehole and Madison in the Park in mid-July - water too warm. The family can go geyser spotting at Norris in the Park, or at West Thumb on Yellowstone Lake. There's always stuff to see in Yellowstone - you can't see it all in a week. If you still haven't made enough new friends, the Yellowstone in the Park at Nez Pierce Ford opens July 15 - large cutts on dries (but not many!)

Well, that was my two cent's worth. Tried to mention as many big name spots as possible. BTW, the Beartooth highway is pretty but driving it is s-l-o-w.

[Blackotter]

Well, that was my two cent's worth. Tried to mention as many big name spots as possible. BTW, the Beartooth highway is pretty but driving it is s-l-o-w.

That's good point. Expect to average about 20 mph there or in YNP. For YNP, that might even be exceptionally fast.

[Eric Peper]

There's still a lot of winter left, so I'm inclined to withhold judgment about the fishability of the streams on the west side of the park (Firehole, Madison and Gibbon) in mid-July. The last couple of years they've been great in mid-July, and if the snow comes heavy for the next couple of months they could be again. Likewise, the streams in the northeast corner could be great or could be blown out depending upon what happens snowwise in the next couple of months. Keep your options open and check the YNP web site regarding road closures planned for this summer to ease your travel. Last year, because of road construction the trip from West to the northeast corner was pretty near an overnight unless you wanted to dodge critters on the roadway both directions.

The most reliable water will be the Madison outside the Park, Hebgen for gulpers, possibly Henry's Lake and the Henry's Fork. Despite WileyBooger's dismal forecast for crowds, I fish the Henry's Fork probably 90 days every summer, and I seldom have difficulty dodging folks. The same holds true for the Madison if you're willing to be flexible on your timing -- heck, it's fifty miles long! The Greater Yellowstone region is a great place to be, and three weeks should give you plenty of time to explore.

Plan at least a day hitting the major fly (and other) shops in West. There are at least a half dozen good fly shops. You can also experience the world slowest Dairy Queen service, or get good homemade ice cream from a couple of other shops in reasonable timeframes. Try the Wolf Pack microbrew, if you like good beer (and marginal food). You may also want to take the family up to Ennis (75-90 min. from West Y'stone and a lovely scenic drive). It's a fun town for all of them to shop, and you'll see more good fly shops. See a nice selection of antique Hardy and other (very expensive) reels at the Blue Heron shop.

Another treat is the drive up the Gallatin Valley to Big Sky from West Y'stone. Altho' the road is almost always under constructions, the views both on the road and at Big Sky are phenomenal, and you'll be very tempted to fish the upper stretch of the Gallatin.

Drop a PM, if you'd like more ideas.


Eric

[bloom]

Thanks guys lots of good info.