FIREHOLE RIVER HIGH & FAST

NOT TOO MUCH COLOR
best west-side bet for success


<-- Firehole at Biscuit Basin Bridge





-- The Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park is high and fast. It is fair shape from Midway Geyser Basin to Biscuit Basin, and in some select spots may be productive on opening day. The canyon stretch starting at the Island Hole, and wending through the picnic area is the most colored and the least fishable, although right at the Island Hole it may be productive next weekend.


<- Firehole River at Island Hole


-- immediately below the bridge at biscuit basin the discharge is very turbulent and running bank to bank in what will be later just some gentle riffles. The approach to Pocket Basin is currently being guarded by a large herd of bison. The Fountain Flats area is greening rapidly due to the early warm-up, and this is holding the large herds together during the birthing period.
-- The Madison River & Gibbon River are in worse shape all the way down. Nez Perce Creek is in fair shape and may hold the best promise if the weather continues with warm days and thunderstorms in the afternoon. The rapid increases in diurnal temperatures is just a bit early this year and may delay spectacular fishing for a week or two.
-- The big eddy just below the confluence of Mallard Creek and the Firehole River is running fairly clear, and is froth covered. Trout are rising to bits of food floating in the foam.