For the Love of Trout America's Romance with a National Pastime
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By Phil Steck
Driving through the heart of mountain country you may notice an abundance of neoprene-clad folks, all wielding spindly lances, preparing to match wits with one of nature's most wonderful creations, the trout. No wonder. As spectator or angler, you couldn't ask for a better arena than the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).
Colorful, distinguished trout species have evolved within the biologically diverse GYE. The fine-spotted Snake River cutthroat emerged from rainbow stock that lost its migratory capability due to earthquake faults downstream. The Yellowstone cutthroat exists solely on the east side of the Continental Divide, except where stocking has taken place. Rainbow, brook, and grayling are native species in the area's western and northern rivers. Native whitefish and suckers are, despite their reputation as
"trash
fish," essential to clean river bottoms and as forage food for trout. Brown and golden trout were planted over 100 years ago. Assorted stocking has improved and sometimes altered native trout populations.
Yellowstone Park biologists have studied fishing extensively, concluding that in order for nature and humans to coexist, each river section should receive special treatment. Because of hooking mortality and the possible introduction of exotic species, bait fishing is forbidden. Besides, artificial lures and flies have proven more successful for the preservation and release of native trout.
NOTABLE FISHING WATERS
Yellowstone Lake is a great place to master fishing. From the shore, float tube, or boat a fisherman can cast a spinning lure or fly to cruising Yellowstone cutthroat. With fish over 13 inches protected, many trout averaging 16 inches are produced. However, lake trout, inadvertently introduced some 20-30 years ago, have a must-kill regulation for all sizes. Because of their voracity in feeding on the Yellowstone cutthroat, lake trout could wipe out their native cousins. That would severely disrupt the feeding habits of animals that depend on the cutthroat for their survival.
Draining the volcanic plateau surrounding Yellowstone Lake, rivers radiate in all directions. To the east, two major drainages of the Shoshone River system hold good populations of rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout.
Due to high water during spring run-off, these rivers become fishable after mid-July. Ask about local conditions and information in Cody, Wyoming, at any fishing supply dealer.
To the northeast, the Beartooth Mountains form a glacial wonderland where many of the tarns and large lakes teem with rainbow and brook trout. This is an excellent area for backpack fishing in July after the thaw. Soda Butte Creek, the Lamar River, and Slough Creek are all blue-ribbon streams containing large Yellowstone cutthroat. Fly fishing is the preferred technique on the two smaller streams. Stop in Cooke City and Red Lodge, Montana, for information on conditions.
The Yellowstone River contains large cutthroat throughout its length within the park. A particularly popular fly-fishing only stretch exists from one-and-a-half miles below Yellowstone Lake to the Sulfur Caldron near Hayden Valley. From its opening date, July 15, this extremely rich section of river offers some of the best dry-fly and small-nymph fishing in the area. The nearby town of Gardiner, Montana, offers a wide range of accommodations, tackle shops, and outfitters.
Rainbow trout thrive in the Henry's Fork or North Fork of the Snake River in Idaho. This spring-creek-like fishery provides fishermen some of the most challenging and rewarding angling in the West. The richness of this river produces consistent insect hatches that sometimes blanket the water's surface.
Jackson Lake, a reservoir on the South Fork of the Snake River, is known for its trophy-size Mackinaw (lake trout). Below the dam, the river becomes a Śfreestone' stream containing native Snake River cutthroat trout.
For the more advanced angler, the Snake River below Palisades Reservoir in Swan Valley, Idaho, affords a chance to catch and release large cutthroat and brown trout. The river's and bank-side vegetation call for float fishing along this phenomenal fishery.
If you're looking for pure solitude, the Wind River Mountain Range offers a backpacking angler's delight. From these peaks drain the headwaters of the Green and New Fork Rivers. Hundreds of miles of streams and lakes surrounding Pinedale, Wyoming, abound with rainbow, brown, golden, and lake trout. Backcountry outfitters lead horseback trips into this remote wilderness area.
Remember, state and federal regulations are in effect, and a license must be purchased before fishing. Proceeds help finance the continuing study and improvement of park fisheries.
With all of this opportunity and only a few days to wet a line, you may wonder where to start or what water to choose. Learning about an area can take a considerable amount of time and experience, so it often pays to gain local knowledge before exploring new water. Tackle shops are extremely helpful in this regard.
GEAR & INSTRUCTION
Some basic equipment is necessary, and it need not be the highest-priced outfit. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with six-lb. test line and some local lures is probably the least gear-intensive way to enjoy fishing. And a novice really only needs a box of flies and a few bobbers. But nail clippers and pliers should be included along with rain gear, a hat, and sunscreen.
Reading is a great way to broaden your knowledge of fishing, and most local bookstores are well stocked on the subject.
The best way to learn quickly is to spend a few days with a guide, who can teach methods that otherwise might take years to learn. Guides generally provide all equipment except flies and licenses.
Casting is the first real hurdle. Both success and satisfaction come from placing a fly close enough for a trout to spot it, yet far enough away to not disturb the feeding fish.
Fly selection is key. An artificial fly should resemble the natural's size, shape, and drifting or swimming habits.
Fishermen often watch trout feed, studying the rise form, the telltale sign of the preferred insect stage. An observant, proficient angler can often select the right fly in minutes because the fish themselves offer many clues. This hatch-matching challenge is one of the most interesting parts of the game.
From those first-day tangles to the satisfaction of a landed and released trout, the fly-fishing classroom is graced by nature's beauty and closeness. And this beauty and closeness keep bringing anglers back to the stream.
Phil Steck has guided fishing for 24 seasons in the Yellowstone area. He has seen catch-and-release fishing help maintain and often improve the quality of these native trout fisheries.
Want to Know More?
-- Jack Dennis Fishing Report: www.jackdennis.com
-- Westbank Anglers Fishing Report: www.westbank.com
-- Flyfishers' Guide to Wyoming: Ken Retallic
-- Flyfishers' Guide to Idaho: Ken Retallic
-- Flyfishers' Guide to Montana: Greg Thomas
-- Yellowstone Fly-Fishing Guide: Craig Mathews
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