Wyoming ·
Lamar River Fly Fishing Report - January 1/4/2026
LAMAR RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
Yellowstone National Park — Lamar Valley
Report Date: January 4, 2026 | Next Update: January 11, 2026
Current River Conditions
Winter status: The Lamar River is currently frozen and the Park’s general fishing season for the Lamar drainage is closed for winter. Ice and frazil make conventional angling unsafe and National Park regulations keep the river closed until the general season reopens (typically the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend).
Flows & Clarity
Flow Status: Ice & low/no open runs in many reaches
Clarity: Ice-covered; open pockets are gin-clear but very cold
Flow Status: Ice & low/no open runs in many reaches
Clarity: Ice-covered; open pockets are gin-clear but very cold
Water Temperature
Current (typical): 28–34°F (-2 to 1°C) in open holes
Notes: Surface ice and slush present; sub-surface currents keep some pockets open
Current (typical): 28–34°F (-2 to 1°C) in open holes
Notes: Surface ice and slush present; sub-surface currents keep some pockets open
Weather & Conditions
Typical: Sub-freezing nights, daytime range near or just above freezing
Hazards: Deep snow, icy approaches, limited daylight
Typical: Sub-freezing nights, daytime range near or just above freezing
Hazards: Deep snow, icy approaches, limited daylight
Access & Regulations
Park: Lamar drainage fishing closed for general season in winter
Access: Many road corridors and trailheads limited; check NPS before travel
Rule of thumb: If you find open water, approach with caution — ice edges are unstable
Park: Lamar drainage fishing closed for general season in winter
Access: Many road corridors and trailheads limited; check NPS before travel
Rule of thumb: If you find open water, approach with caution — ice edges are unstable
Winter Outlook & Quick Summary
| What to Expect | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| River largely iced over | Surface feeding is absent — trout concentrate in slow, deep pockets and sheltered runs. |
| Insect activity: midges only | Midges are the main emergers where water remains open; everything else is dormant. |
| Fishing access closed in-limits | Do not fish closed reaches. Consider legal, open nearby waters if you must fish in winter. |
| Best tactics (for open pockets or nearby open rivers) | Ultra-slow indicator nymph rigs, small tungsten jig nymphs, and short, slow streamer strips in deeper runs. |
Hatch & Insect Activity (January)
| Insect | Size | Activity Level | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges | #18–24 | Low—restricted to open pockets | Midday on warmest days |
| Baetis / PMD | #16–20 | None to negligible | Not applicable until spring |
| Caddis | #14–18 | None | Not until late spring |
| Stoneflies / Salmonflies | #6–10 | Absent (seasonal) | Not until summer |
Recommended Flies (for winter pockets and early-season planning)
Below are pattern groups and reliable fly matches pulled from current fly inventories — links provided so you can inspect or order the exact tied patterns. These are organized by what you'll fish in winter and what you'll want in your box when the Lamar reopens in spring.
Winter Nymphs & Midge Rigs
When you can find open water, slow, tungsten-heavy nymphs and small jigged patterns win. Use short leaders, light indicators, and dead-drift presentations.
- Egan's Poacher - Olive — small anchor/poacher style good for Euro and indicator nymphing
- Egan's Poacher - Black — darker, low-profile option for stained pockets
- Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive — compact jig for tight strikes
- Tungsten Dart Red — fast-sinking dart pattern to get deep quickly
- Pheasant Tail Tungsten — slim, classic nymph for picky winter trout
Dry Flies & Emergers (early-season / scouting)
Most dry-fly action is weeks to months away on Lamar. When spring comes, these patterns are reliable first-choice dries and emergers.
- Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan — a subtle, high-floating caddis
- Parachute - Blue Wing Olive — great for Baetis and small mayfly rises
- Stealth Link Mercer - PMD — a fine PMD emerger/dry candidate
- Sparkle Dun - PMD (Cream/Yellow) — useful on confident, higher-visibility days
Streamers & Big Stuff (when water warms)
When flows rise and deeper structure fishes, throw streamers along shelves, eddies and cut banks. Longer strips followed by pauses are typically most effective.
- Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin — sculpin imitation for hungry brown trout
- Joe's Mini Crayfish Jig — excellent in late-spring/early-summer crawfish zones
- Sculpzilla - Olive — an articulated profile for deeper runs
- Coffey's Articulated Sparkle Minnow - Sculpin — big-profile baitfish/sculpin when trout key on forage
Eggs, Worms & Stillwater-style Patterns (late spring/summer staples)
Although eggs and worm patterns are more stillwater-focused, they’re invaluable in spring/early summer if you find residual redds or suspended trout feeding on eggs.
- Slush Egg - Apricot
- Sunny Side Up - Fl. Orange
- EZ Egg - Apricot (barbless options available)
- Crostons Tungsten Mini Egg - Baby Pink (barbless)
Tactics & Field Notes
If you are visiting in winter (legal, open water elsewhere):
- Fish legal, open rivers instead of attempting the closed Lamar reaches — safety and rules matter.
- Short leaders, small indicators and tungsten jigs fished slow in open pockets are the universal winter approach.
- Keep gear minimal and dry: sub-zero temps punish wet line and exposed hands quickly.
- Watch for springs and tailwater pockets — these hold the most fish in winter.
When the Lamar reopens (spring/summer planning):
- Early season: focus on nymph rigs and streamer sweeps in deeper runs.
- As water warms: small dry flies and emerger patterns will start to trigger feeding in banks and riffles.
- Salmonfly/stonefly season: have large stone/salmonfly imitations and rubber-legged stone patterns ready.
- Fish legal, open rivers instead of attempting the closed Lamar reaches — safety and rules matter.
- Short leaders, small indicators and tungsten jigs fished slow in open pockets are the universal winter approach.
- Keep gear minimal and dry: sub-zero temps punish wet line and exposed hands quickly.
- Watch for springs and tailwater pockets — these hold the most fish in winter.
When the Lamar reopens (spring/summer planning):
- Early season: focus on nymph rigs and streamer sweeps in deeper runs.
- As water warms: small dry flies and emerger patterns will start to trigger feeding in banks and riffles.
- Salmonfly/stonefly season: have large stone/salmonfly imitations and rubber-legged stone patterns ready.
Local Rules & Important Reminders
- Yellowstone National Park fishing regulations apply. Verify current closures, allowable sections, and handling/kill rules on the NPS site before traveling.
- Many species in the Lamar drainage are managed for native cutthroat protection — check rules for nonnative fish in specific drainages.
- Park access roads and pullouts may be closed for wildlife protection; always follow signs and rangers' instructions.
- Winter travel: carry avalanche/info and dress in layers — cell service is unreliable in the valley.
