February 18, 2026
Yellowstone National Park fishing report

A majestic bison heard grazing in the NE section of the Park. Photo: Joe Sherman
The general fishing season is now closed, but certain sections on the Gardiner and Madison rivers remain open to fishing in the Park year round.
We have 2026 fishing licenses at the shop if you don't have one yet, feel free to stop by, pick up a license and talk about where to fish (and what to use) with us.
Much of what to use will be weather dependent, (often how much wind effects the midge hatches). Midges have been coming off, typically during the middle of the day from 11:00 - 2:00PM. If you get dealt a windy day, try a little stone fly nymph, pheasant tail, perdigon, or zebra midge. Streamers can still be effective this time of year as well, especially on the Gardiner where warmer springs dump in.
Photo: Joe Sherman

