Yellowstone Park
YELLOWSTONE PARK
ReportAUG 4 — 11, 2026
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Flow
2710CFS
Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs MT
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Water Temp
63.7°F
Updated 2026-08-04
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Weather
34–78°F
Smoke
🎣
Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
Yellowstone's rivers and streams are open only from sunrise to 2 PM due to high water temperatures, and the Madison River drainage remains completely closed. Beula Lake is the standout destination, with cutthroat trout actively feeding on speckled dun, cinnamon caddis, and damselflies.
From the ShopBruce Staples · August 4, 2026
The Madison River drainage remains totally closed to fishing. Effective July 29th, fishing on all other Yellowstone rivers and streams will only be allowed from sunrise until 2 p.m. each day. After 2 p.m., those waterways will close to fishing until sunrise the following morning. These restrictions will be in place until water temperatures decrease below levels that are hazardous for salmonid survival. The restriction does not apply to park still waters.
Beula Lake is producing some of the fastest still water fishing in the park, with cutthroat trout feeding on speckled dun, cinnamon caddis, and damselflies.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speckled Dun | #16–18 | Active | Midday |
| Cinnamon Caddis | #16–18 | Active | Midday to Afternoon |
| Damselfly | #12–14 | Active | Morning to Midday |
Best Time Window
- SUNRISE TO 2:00 PM: Fish Yellowstone rivers and streams — the only legal window under current heat restrictions
- ALL DAY: Beula Lake is exempt from the 2 PM closure; target rising cutthroats on caddis and duns through midday, then switch to damsel nymphs and balanced leeches in the afternoon
- EARLY MORNING: Prime window for river fishing before temperatures climb — get on the water at first light for the most productive and coolest conditions
Guide's Tip
From the benchThere is no exact speckled dun pattern in our current catalog — a Carlson's Purple Haze or a comparadun-style dry in #16–18 is your best bet from what we carry. On Beula Lake, rig a damsel nymph or balanced leech under an indicator and keep a dry rod ready to switch when you see fish rising to cinnamon caddis or duns. Remember: rivers and streams close at 2 PM sharp, but Beula Lake has no time restriction, so plan your day around the lake if you want an all-day session.
Main Species
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
