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.
We have two main locations for the weekend, and you’ll find the addresses listed below. Be sure to enter them into your GPS while you still have cell service, as coverage can be spotty in this area.
- 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River
- Latitidue/Longitude – 44.83193 -111.51416
- 39 miles south of Ennis or 32 miles northwest of West Yellowstone on Hwy 287. One mile downstream from Raynolds’ Pass Bridge.
- Wretched Mess Art and Fly Fishing Festival
- Union Pacific Dining Lodge & Bob Jacklin Casting Pond, 220 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Travel
West Yellowstone, located in southern Montana, serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. We chose these dates to align with the Wretched Mess Fly Fishing & Art Festival and to take advantage of the phenomenal fall fishing on the Henry’s Fork and Madison River.
The nearest airports are West Yellowstone WYS 10 mins, Bozeman BZN 2hrs, Idaho Falls IDA 1hr 45mins, Jackson JAC 3hrs, Salt Lake City SLC 4hrs 45 mins, Boise 5hrs 45mins.
Lodging
There are several lodging options in and around West Yellowstone. Airbnb, VRBO, Hotels/Motels, Cabin Rentals, etc. Please post in the Facebook Group if you are looking for a roommate or want to share lodging expenses.
Please consider using Roam Property Management, a women-owned business in West Yellowstone. Click HERE.
Camping
There are numerous camping, cabin, and RV choices near West Yellowstone. We’ve highlighted several locations to help you find accommodation. We recognize that some campgrounds may be more distant from West Yellowstone than others. We suggest choosing a site close to identified prime fishing spots and in proximity to driving to evening events. With the extended daylight, many participants are coordinating carpool arrangements within the Montana Facebook Group or in the Montana DIY WhatsApp Group.
Most anglers stayed at Bakers Hole or Beaver Creek in 2025.
- Bakers Hole Campground (Closest to West Yellowstone)
- Beaver Creek Campground (Closest to the Madison River and Our Social Fishing Day)
- Madison Campground (In the Park)
Food
You’re responsible for arranging your meals. On Friday afternoon, we’ll gather at 3 Dollar Bridge for a potluck lunch. Moreover, there are numerous local grocery stores, restaurants, and bars nearby for your convenience. There will also be food and beverages for purchase at the Wretched Mess Fly Fishing and Art Festival.
area Resources
Exploring West Yellowstone, Montana, provides both a gateway to the majestic wonders of Yellowstone National Park and renowned fly fishing opportunities, set against a backdrop of stunning natural vistas and plentiful wildlife sightings.
- Fish MT River Map –
- Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Park Interactive Map –
- The Locals Guide to West Yellowstone
- Yellowstone’s West Entrance: Everything You Need to Know
- Quick and Easy Guide to Yellowstone’s 5 Entrances
- Click HERE
