Fishing - iFishiBelong

West Yellowstone, famous for fishing, is located near the headwaters of the Madison, Gallatin, and Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.

Fall is a prime time for fly fishing near West Yellowstone, with the Madison River, Henry’s Fork, and surrounding waters offering incredible opportunities. The Madison, known for its strong run of migrating brown trout from Hebgen Lake, sees aggressive fish chasing streamers and large nymphs. Henry’s Fork, especially in sections like the Railroad Ranch, offers technical dry fly fishing with lingering hatches of blue-winged olives and mahogany duns. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn colors make this season one of the most rewarding times to fish these legendary waters.

DIY Fishing

These events require advance preparation and proactive engagement. Please note that our DIY Fishing events are truly do-it-yourself. Each angler is responsible for their own planning and preparation before arrival. While iFishiBelong and our event co-hosts provide helpful resources, links, and key information, it is the registrant’s responsibility to carefully review all emails and thoroughly explore the event website.

The more prepared you are, the better your experience will be. Familiarizing yourself with the area, understanding the logistics, and reviewing all provided materials in advance will help ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and successful event.

Live Q&A Session

Our goal is to equip each participant with knowledge of the area, how to fish it, and suggested fishing locations. Shared through the event webpages and reinforced during the Live Q&A session.

Please mark your calendars for the Live Q&A Session on August 5th, 2026, at 6 pm MT. Register HERE.

Friday Social Fishing Day

We will obtain a permit with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for a social fishing day at the 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River. Join us on Friday, 9/11/26, for a fun and relaxed day on the water!

The day will kick off at 9:00 AM with a 1-hour, donation-based “Fall Fishing Techniques” workshop led by Heather, focused on fishing the Madison River.

This is a casual, DIY fishing day, not guided, so come ready to explore, connect, and enjoy the river at your own pace. Let’s share the riverbanks with both new and familiar faces. Say hello, swap tips, and lend a hand when someone’s got a fish on!

Friday 9/11/26 – 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River

9:00 am – Fall Fishing Techniques
10:00 am – Social Fishing at 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River
1:00 pm – Riverside Potluck at the 3 Dollar Bridge Picnic Shelter

Fishing License

Multiple fishing licenses might be required based on where you are fishing. No state fishing license is required in Yellowstone National Park, but you need a Yellowstone Park Fishing Permit. The Madison River is in Montana, and the Henry’s Fork is in Idaho, and there are lots of fishing options in both states. We have provided links for the specific licenses and permits below.

If fishing in Yellowstone National Park, fishing permits are available at all ranger stations, visitor centers, and Yellowstone Park General Stores. Fishing permits are also available at many businesses in West Yellowstone and the Fly Shops.

Fish Species

These are the fish species tha you might encounter while fishing in the West Yellowstone Montana area.

Brook Trout

Brown Trout

Grayling

Rainbow Trout

Westslope Cutthroat

Whitefish

Yellowstone Cutthroat

DIY Fishing Blogs

Need to Borrow Equipment

Each angler is expected to bring their equipment and flies. We have rod/reel setups, boots, and waders available for borrowing on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out the “Borrowed Equipment” form by August 31st, 2025 if you wish to borrow equipment. Click HERE.

Hire a fishing Guide

We recognize that not everyone wants to DIY Fish and may prefer the expertise of a fishing guide. In our commitment to showcasing local businesses and guides, we’re pleased to provide a list of area guides who have registered on the Fish and Hang website, demonstrating their support and alignment with the iFishiBelong mission.

Alice Owsley – Riverside Anglers Inc.
Aurorra Dominguez – Madison River Fishing Company
Kara Tripp – Damsel Fly Fishing
Katherine Robinson – Blue Ribbon Flies

Fly Shops

We’re excited and grateful to have Big Sky Anglers as a sponsor for this event! Be sure to stop by their shop to pick up any last-minute gear or even book a guided trip. There are also several other great fly shops in the area that have always treated our community well. Here are a few additional local favorites worth checking out!

Local Fisheries

Below are some of the notable fishing rivers you can explore when visiting the West Yellowstone region.

Felt Sole Boots are prohibited

With over 2500 miles of rivers and streams, as well as numerous lakes, Yellowstone waters present an excellent opportunity for the recreational angler.

Regulations and Fishing Regions – https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing.htm

Northwest – https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing_nw.htm
Northeast – https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing_ne.htm
Southwest – https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing_sw.htm
Southeast – https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing_se.htm

Yellowstone Fishing License

Anglers 16 years of age or older must be in possession of a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing pass to fish in the park. State fishing licenses are not valid and are not required.

Permits can be purchased at Park Visitor Centers or at Fly Shops near the park. Click HERE for more information.

River Safety and Wading Concerns

Please be prepared for water conditions to change quickly. We will keep you all updated on the conditions to keep everyone safe. This DIY fishing weekend will happen rain or shine. Go to the Real-Time Yellowstone National Park Stream Flow Data.

River flows can change rapidly due to weather, early snowfall, or upstream releases, making footing unpredictable. Many rivers and creeks have slick, algae-covered rocks and uneven bottoms, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Use a wading staff, wear appropriate cold-weather layers and wading gear, and avoid crossing swift or deep channels. Always check weather forecasts, be prepared for sudden storms or snow, and fish with a partner when possible. Wildlife activity also increases in the fall, remain alert, give animals plenty of space, and carry bear spray where required.

Clothing

Weather in our area can be unpredictable, so plan for anything. Temperatures range from the 40s to the 80s, depending on the day. Be prepared with shedable layers to add or shed throughout the day.

Waders are recommended for safety.
Studded rubber boots are best as rocks can be very slippery and uneven.
Everyone should have a pair of polarized sunglasses for eye protection and to see fish and your obstacles under water.
It’s always recommended to bring a rain jacket.

Fishing Equipment

Fly Rods – 4wt – 6wt.
Rod Length – Average 9’.
Trout Sepy – 2wt – 4wt
Fly Lines – Typical Floating Fly Lines
Leader – 9’ 4x – 4x
Tippet Spools – 3x – 6x

Montana and Area Flies

In September, the Montana hatch scene begins to shift from summer to fall, with prolific Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) and Mahogany Dun mayfly hatches, along with lingering terrestrials like hoppers, ants, and beetles. Anglers often find success using BWO dries and emergers, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tails, and foam hopper patterns, especially during warm afternoons and overcast days.

River Specific Flies

Henry's Fork

Madison River

Yellowstone Park

Henry's Fork

Madison River

Yellowstone Park

Leader Examples

Please refer to the Montana Q&A for additional leader examples.

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