Yellowstone is known for its beautiful scenery, and quality fly fishing. If you are new to fly fishing, finding a place to fly fish in the park can be very overwhelming. Here is a list of my favorite streams in Yellowstone National park for beginner fly fisherman.

Fly Fishing Firehole River

Shortly after the park opens, you want to head to the Firehole River. From mid to late May, the Firehole River has a Salmonfly hatch that few fly fisherman key in on. 20 fish days aren't uncommon with the big bug on top, and a trusty #14 prince nymph bouncing off the bottom. Shortly after the dust settles from the horde of Salmonflies, a special caddis makes an appearance, and in great numbers.

The White Miller Caddis takes the stage, and the trout know it! For about a solid month, a #14 white elk hair caddis is all you will need to fish the Firehole. Evening hatches are epic, but they have been known to have a late morning hatch fairly regular as well.

By the time late June, early July rolls around, the Firehole is too hot from the hot spring inlets. At this time, you are going to want to fish our next river.

Gibbon River Fishing Access

Why is it that the easily accessible rivers get overlooked the most? This river runs right alongside the road from the Madison Junction to Norris, and is greatly under-fished. Everything below Gibbon Falls is Fly Fishing only. However, I tend to spend my time above the falls for the scenery, and the fishing.

The faster moving water will be a little easier to fish, and predict where the fish are holding. In the meadows, the fishing can get a little more technical, for the current resembles a spring creek. This river fishes well all summer, but my favorite time to hit it is in June or July. A prolific brown drake hatch occurs in mid to late June that shouldn't be missed.

Spunky hungry browns erupt through the surface to eat your well presented #12 Brown Drake. If they aren't eating the drake, I always fall back on a #14 rusty spinner and usually find success.

Virginia Cascade Fishing with Kids

The Virginia Cascade is ideal for any family looking to teach the young ones how to fly fish. Willing brookies await in the shadows of the undercut banks. These trout are in no way educated, or in short supply. These brightly colored Brook Trout will eat a #16 Brown Elk Hair Caddis without hesitation.

However, a #14 Royal Wulff is always a fun pattern to throw because of its visibility, and natural tendency to attract hungry trout. I spend most of my time above the falls. The meadow section is the place to go if you're into watching brookies emerge out of the shadows. If you are into the numbers game, below the meadows is where you will catch most of your fish.

Indian Creek Campground and Fishing

For those who need a peaceful campground walking distance from a fishable creek, Indian Creek Campground is your spot. In the dozen times I have fished Indian Creek, I have always caught fish, and have never run into another fisherman. Where Winter Creek, Indian Creek, Panther Creek, and Gardner River converge is THE SPOT.

Conveniently right next to the road. I normally park at the Indian Creek Campground, and fish my way down river where it turns into the Gardner River. Awaiting Brook Trout lurk in depressions looking for a #16 Elk Hair Caddis or a #16 Griffiths Gnat. I have also done very well swinging soft hackles through visible depressions as well.