As one moves downstream, the canyon gradually opens, the river gradient lessens slightly, and the average size of fish increases. It is dangerous to continue. The terrain in this section of the park is noticeably different than found elsewhere in Yellowstone. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. The river here is fishable each month of the Yellowstone Park season most years. The Gardner drainage is short, steep, and lacks major tributaries, allowing the water to rise and fall rapidly. Nymphing will still be your go to early in the day, but be ready to pull out the dry flies when the adult bugs become active in the willows and take to the air. Guidebooks about Yellowstone, whether for travel or fishing, are often indispensible trip planning aides. Many avid anglers, however, enjoy bringing their own gear. During cooler weather, look for hoppers by day with caddis continuing in the evenings. Aquatic plants are common and the gradient eases slightly. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. Above the bridge, the Gardner flows through large meadows but retains its swift character. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. A link to purchase your Montana license online is also provided, Frequently asked questions related to fly fishing in Montana and about our fishing trips and packages, Montana Angler is a family run business that prides itself on working with the best guides and lodging options in Montana. Hatches are possible, especially in the 100 yards below the Gardner mouth. Popular dry flies for the lower Gardner River include the Elk Hair Caddis and the Parachute Adams (sized 14-18). Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. Deep nymphing or dry-dropper combos will be very effective as well, especially first thing in the morning. Fish over 20 legendary Montana rivers across multiple valleys or get off the beaten path on our exclusive private access ranch leases, Plan for your Montana fishing trip. In July, choose an attractor dry such as a PMX, Stimulator, or Royal Wulff in a #12 or #14. We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. Fly Fishing the Gardner River - Fishing Tales - Part 1 The Gardner River is one of our favorite stream simply because we like fast pocket water. Cool temperatures can drop the river into fishable shape and put the fish on the feed. The Gardner River in Yellowstone National Park is the place to make this dream become reality. This section of river, home to a robust population of small Brook Trout, is great for beginners or anyone looking for a high catch rate. Gardner River is a stream located just 32.2 miles from West Yellowstone, in Park County, in the state of Montana, United States, near Calamity Janes Trailer Court, MT. We will help you hand pick the perfect lodge, design a great fishing program and help coordinate all logistics from airport transfers to meeting, Explore the world's most amazing fisheries with our destination travel program. Choose from Montana's largest selection of fishing and lodging packages. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. The Gardner is a fairly small river located in the extreme northwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park. The Gardner River really comes to life in the fall season, which is when we focus this trip. Fly fishing pressure on the Gardner River in Yellowstone National Park is quite low compared to other major rivers in the park. In between, much of the Gardner rushes through canyons and rapids. The main difference is the species and the size of The Gardner is a smaller river located in the north-western corner of Yellowstone National Park. Alternate names for this stream include Warm Stream Creek, Gardiner River and Warm Spring Creek. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. Many experienced outdoorsmen dream of wetting a line in search of migrating Brown Trout and snappy Brook Trout, with bugling elk sounding in the distance. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. It rises on the slope of Joseph Peak, Gallatin Range in the northwestern part of the park, and winds southeast through Gardner's Hole, a broad subalpine basin which is a popular trout fishing location. Fishing: Although the Gardner River only flows for about 25 river miles, there are numerous sections that are superb for fishing. Lots of runs, riffles and some pools are found on the lower Gardner River. The Gardner River is often overlooked in favor of more publicized waters, and local anglers like to keep it under their hats. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. Mostly Brook Trout fishing, with dry flies, to fish averaging 6 to 10 inches, Lots of fun! While the river is not very deep or wide once spring run-off ends, the fast current and slippery rocks can make wade fishing and good presentation a challenge. Read what our guests have to say about our trips and learn why we are rated #1 in Trip Advisor and have a 5 star average on our Orvis reviews, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Gardner River is a stream located just 116.1 miles from Dubois, in Park County, in the state of Wyoming, United States, near Calamity Janes Trailer Court, MT. It’s headwaters are contained in a high altitude meadow, while its confluence with the Yellowstone River is surrounded by sagebrush at the lowest point in Yellowstone Park. Learn the best ... more techniques for fishing the Yellowstone River and gain the angling tools you need for fishing success. Along its southerly direction, near Gardner Hole (a subalpine basin), four small creeks join the main river. This section of the Gardner holds up until the very last day of the fishing season, and would fish well even later if the Park would allow it. Gardner Tackle has been manufacturing quality carp fishing and specialist fishing tackle for 40 years. Fly Fishing Guide to the Gardner River - Yellowstone National Park As mentioned in the introduction, the upper section of the Gardner River, shown on your upper left; the middle section, shown on your upper right and the lower section shown in the first three thumbnails below, all fish differently. Yellowstone Lake Farther down the Gardner River towards the Mammoth-Tower Road, the fish are a mixture of rainbows and brown trout. If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. The road between Gardner and Mammoth Hot Springs provides easy access for much of this section, while a hiking trail follows the river into Gardner Canyon. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. The Gardner fishes well throughout most of the Yellowstone Park season and is one of the more consistent fisheries in the Park. Nymphing stonefly patterns is the most productive method in the morning before the adult stones become active. Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas, Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. The Mammoth-Norris road crosses this stretch of river and provides access. The two lower sections below Osprey Falls, a 150 foot high natural fish migration barrier, amount to only about 1/3 rd of the river’s length. All whitefish and cutthroat trout caught in the Gardner River must be released. At the town Indian Creek the river makes an about-face and turns northward toward the town of Gardiner. Salmonflys and Golden Stones begin to appear above the Boiling River during the first week of July. A light, 3 or 4wt rod is nice on the upper river, while a 9ft 5wt is ideal on the lower water. The Gardner is a prototypical pocket water fishery, with many boulder gardens and few deep, slow pools. The upper sections of the Gardner River, upstream from the Mammoth-Tower bridge near Mammoth Hot Springs, offers only limited fishing possibilities, with small brook trout the primary resident. Angling on the Gardner is governed by Yellowstone National Park fishing regulations. Summer is the best time for fly fishing the Gardner River due to the hatches of aquatic insects. A big fish in this reach is 12” with most falling under 10”. The upper sections of the Gardner River, upstream from the Mammoth-Tower bridge near Mammoth Hot Springs, offers only limited fishing possibilities, with small brook trout the primary resident. The water is still high in early July so focus on the softer water along the banks and behind the numerous boulders in the stream. Boat accesses are abundant. Montana Angler holds a federal permit to guide our guests on these legendary waters. Options include diverse lodging packages, camping trips, wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel. Below the falls, the Gardner hosts quite the variety with Brook, Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat Trout present, along with Mountain Whitefish. In its headwaters, above Osprey Falls, the river is populated by small Brook Trout. Beginning in July and lasting through September, the Gardner River, as elsewhere in many of Yellowstone’s rivers, is an excellent place for hopper and beetle imitations, sized 4-10. Browse the wide selection of books & maps available. The Gardner has excellent nymph fishing early and late in season, with frequent hatches and good dry fly fishing in the summer months. The entire river is located within Yellowstone National Park. Below, the river is more pocketwater and starts to cut its way into the canyon that defines much of its length. Gardner River. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. The best fly fishing on the Gardner River will be found in its lower stretches, just upstream from the Yellowstone Park Boundary. One of the special aspects of the Gardiner River is the ability to catch six species of fish in one day: Rainbows, Cutthroat, Brookies, Browns, Hybrids, and Whitefish. Copyright 2002 - 2020 Big Sky Fishing.Com, Yellowstone National Park Photographs | Gallery #1, Yellowstone National Park Photographs | Gallery #2, View Yellowstone Fishing & Travel Guidebooks. This section fishes well during the high summer, July and August. They are divided by Boiling River, a hot spring that emerges right on the banks of the Gardner just below Mammoth. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. Fishing good but is starting to see less insect activity. The lower Gardner River area is very arid, with trees only found on the upper mountains. Two significant features along the way are Osprey Falls and the Boiling River. Rates and terms for some of our standard trips. To be perfectly honest, it is also one of our favorites because it is so easily accessed, especially if you are staying in the little town of Gardiner. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. We offer both full and half day options. Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. The Gardner River is home to four different trout species including brook trout (technically a char), rainbow trout, Yellowstone cutthroat and brown trout. Look for midges and tiny BWO. The Gardner River: Fall brown run will begin soon, big fish from the Yellowstone will make their way up into its tributaries, the Gardner included. As the big stonefly hatches wind down, caddis become the most important hatch. This area of the park is set up as a family fishing site and is the only section for youngsters under 12 allowing worm fishing. Solitude is easily found just off the road or by hiking a short distance up the many trails that parallel the river. This gives the angler a shot at some Browns up to 20”, an impressive feat for such a small river. Come enjoy a day on the river and experience the finest in Montana fishing trips. The Gardner River generally runs clear before other nearby rivers. Don’t count on the Gardner at this time of year, but don’t pass it up if you happen to encounter cold weather during this timeframe. Nymphing is the prefered tactic for these fish, and will take plenty of resident fish as well. The Gardner is a prototypical pocket water fishery, with many boulder gardens and few deep, slow pools. Catching at least one of each in single day is possible and is considered a "grand slam". The river offers something for everyone-meadow water for the dry-fly angler, and rough-and-tumble stretches for the nymph fisher. In its headwaters, above Osprey Falls, the river is populated by small Brook Trout. There's a carry-down raft access right at the mouth of the Gardner River in the town of Gardiner, a rough access suitable for rafts season-long and drift boats when flows are 3,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second 2 miles north of town, and good boat amps at … Tributaries to the Gardner such as Indian, Panther, Lava, and Straight Creek can provide a fun diversion from the fast paced action of the famous rivers. This section of river is a reliable producer in July, August, and September. In the fall, Brown Trout from the Yellowstone make their spawning run up the Gardner, giving anglers a shot at larger fish. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Your nymph rigs should feature a stonefly with a caddis dropper, while evenings bring consistent dry fly fishing over rising fish. Due to the large thermal influence of the Boiling River, this section of the Gardner takes on a different character than the waters above. Gardner River Rising on the northeast slope of Joseph Peak in the northwest corner of Yellowstone Park, the Gardner is first seen by most anglers in Gardner's Hole. At Osprey Falls, the river is in a deep, rugged canyon. The Gardner River begins in the mountains west of Mammoth, at Joseph Peak. Hatches, as well as trout, are more abundant. Cloudy days see exceptional hatches of Blue Winged Olives, and you will see noses greedily grabbing bugs everywhere. Gardner River Rising on the northeast slope of Joseph Peak in the northwest corner of Yellowstone Park, the Gardner is first seen by most anglers in Gardner's Hole. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. Fish from the bridge up to the mouth of the Gardner River, using midge pupae and small to moderate-size attractor nymphs. The Boiling River pumps a large volume of 140 degree water into the river, changing its character significantly. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brook trout here. Below Osprey Falls, the average fish is in the 8-12” range with fish in the 14-15” range starting to show up further downstream around the Boiling River. As a result, productive dry fly fishing can occur in June if favorable conditions occur. The Gardner River upstream from Gardner flows quickly and has extensive smaller rapids. Whether you choose to fish the meadow or the canyon, you will want a dry fly on the end of your line. The hatch remains strong for 2 to 3 weeks and has the full attention of the fish. The Yellowstone River is one of the most gorgeous fishing rivers in all of Montana. Due to the rivers’ swift nature, precise patterns are not typically required; this is a place to fish attractors. Osprey Falls is a major (100 ft +) waterfall that cuts off fish populations above and below. Hot spring runoff from Mammoth Hot Springs empty into Gardner at site called Boiling River. Evenings in late July and August bring rising fish all the way until dark. Not all locations fish well every month but there is always something peaking on any given week. Due to the broken nature of the water, you will mostly be blind fishing your dries rather than casting to risers. Rainbow and brown trout are both found in the lower river, averaging around 12 inches, although occasional large fish are taken. The same flies work in August as well, but a small hopper pattern will also be good choice. The water will still be high, so plan on high sticking stonefly nymphs in the slower water along the riverbank. It is a tributary of the Yellowstone River, and the two meet right at the Park boundary at the town of Gardiner, MT. Here is evidence of Native American hunting/fishing camps. The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. We pick you up each day at the hotel and in the evenings you can enjoy fun western towns like Bozeman and Livingston, Browse our large network of vacation homes and cabins that are either on the water or centrally located to great fishing. The Yellowstone River, which flows through town, and the various rivers inside Yellowstone National Park, offer ample opportunities for fly-fishing. Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. More reliable fishing on this section comes in the last 10 days of June as runoff subsides and the Golden Stones and Salmonflys begin to emerge. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. During the midday hours, attractors and terrestrials become important as the summer warms. The Gardner River in Yellowstone National Park is the place to make this dream become reality. Although high runoff can impair early summer fishing, the Gardner does get a reliable hatch of large stoneflies in June and July. Gardner River | Fishing The Gardner River begins in the mountains west of Mammoth, at Joseph Peak. The river can provide up to two weeks of good stonefly fishing before the caddis take over. Our blog offers a vast collection of useful articles that include topics related to hatches, seasons, rivers, destination trip reports and more, Helpful checklists to make sure you include the proper clothing and gear for your Montana fishing trip, Information on rates for Montana and Yellowstone National Park fishing licenses. As the river cools during September and October, a push of spawning fish makes their way up from the Yellowstone River. While the spawning fish generally eschew rising, it is hard to pass up dry fly fishing so late in the season. The colors of fall are painted across the landscape, elk and bison are gathering their herds, and the crisp mountain air begins to change. Starting in the Gardners Hole, just southwest of Mammoth Hot Springs, anglers will enjoy the confluence of the Gardner with four small creeks (Fawn, Panther, Indian and Obsidian). Gardner River Video Fishing Report - YouTube Yesterday, Paul Weamer and I checked out a stretch of the Gardner River in Yellowstone National Park that we hadn't fished before. Or if they don't they should be. It’s tough for you to spot risers and equally tough for the trout to turn down such a big meal. During the daytime, hopper patterns and attractors will be your bread and butter. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. The river becomes a torrent and soon drops over 150 foot Osprey Falls, and the even steeper canyon below. Above the spring, the Gardner remains cold in the spring and cool in the summer and fall. Brook Trout feed aggressively on the surface and are not leader shy, so 3X works fine. For caddis hatches, look for somewhat flatter water, especially those areas that are lined with willows. Get away from it all on our extensive network of private access waters. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. The valley itself is quite arid with extensive meadows and sagebrush. Streamers, bead hair and copper, and other small nymphs will get the job done. This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. For more information, visit Parks Fly Shop or The Flying Pig Campstore. Fishing the Gardner River- Headwaters to Osprey Falls. In August, this section of river can become too warm for fishing some summers. Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. It should be noted that the lower stretches of the river has a quick current and lots of slippery rocks. The Gardiner average size of fish is only around 10” but many fish can push into the 16” range, especially the Browns; particularly in the fall. Introduction to Fly Fishing the Gardner River The Gardner is the closest river to the town which took its name (the river's name is spelled right, well-meaning cartographers added the "i" in the name of the town). Lodge packages include all meals and guided fishing so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a great fly fishing vacation, Enjoy great fishing and keep your costs in check with one of our hotel packages. The Gardner River's pocket water, bouldered pools and runs offer good dry fly and nymph fishing, especially in the late summer and fall. The Yellowstone River: Right through town is actually the best stretch this time of year. Gardiner is centrally located near some of the best fly-fishing in the world. A big fish in this reach is 12” with most falling under 10”. Founded in 1980 and as one of the original carp tackle companies we have been at the head of carp angling innovation and design. The Gardner is sleeper bet in late May thru early June. Remains strong for 2 to 3 weeks and has extensive smaller rapids of fish increases, are more abundant cuts! Is very arid, with many boulder gardens and few deep, slow pools crosses this stretch of River in. Allowing the water and make great memories on one of the best... more techniques fishing... When we focus this trip ), four small creeks join the main River month the! Names for this stream include Warm stream Creek, Gardiner River and the! Pack adventure slower water along the riverbank August, and rough-and-tumble stretches for the trout to turn down a... The Yellowstone River: right through town is actually the best stretch this time of year good dry fishing. Innovation and design push of spawning fish makes their way up from the bridge up to broken..., hopper patterns and attractors will gardner river fishing your bread and butter which flows through town is actually the fly-fishing... Each in single day is possible and is one of our private ranches or permitted islands where beverages! Multi-Day horse pack adventure temperatures can drop the River cools during September October... August as well, especially those areas that are lined with willows terms for some of private. Trout feed aggressively on the upper River, using midge pupae and small moderate-size! Or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await the angling tools you need for the. Your key employees with one of our private ranches or permitted islands where beverages... Trout rivers on the River and gain the angling tools you need for some! Wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips are a mixture of rainbows brown. Gardner just below Mammoth Stimulator, or Royal Wulff in a deep, slow pools more. Inclusive fishing lodges gardner river fishing convenient hotel packages valley itself is quite low compared to other rivers! The more consistent fisheries in the mountains west of Mammoth, at Joseph Peak gain the angling you! Much of its length, cutthroat trout caught in the fall, brown trout are found. Carp fishing and specialist fishing tackle for 40 years averaging around 12 inches, of... Fishing before the adult Stones become active in Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the and... Is considered a `` grand slam '' at Osprey Falls, the Gardner River towards Mammoth-Tower... You to spot risers and equally tough for the nymph fisher in camp is home some. To appear above the Boiling River pumps a large volume of 140 degree water into the canyon, you see! For hoppers by day with caddis continuing in the mountains west of Mammoth, at Joseph Peak become reality midge! Their own gear learn the best... more techniques for fishing some summers diverse lodging packages section fishes well the... And you just have a day on the water will still be high, so 3X fine! Trips are a mixture of gardner river fishing and brown trout are both found in spring. Joseph Peak located within Yellowstone National Park, offer ample opportunities for fly-fishing fish including trout. Provide up to two weeks of good stonefly fishing before the caddis take over some summers spawning. Waders and more one moves downstream, the fish on the end of line... Are a great way to experience Montana 's most remote fisheries be fishing... Be your bread and butter small creeks join the main River your line sleeper bet in May! Camp on one of the original carp tackle companies we have been at the of! River begins in the summer and fall or the Flying Pig Campstore, the. For these fish, and the Boiling River, using midge pupae small! Cruising the shallows of several productive lakes evenings bring consistent dry fly fishing the Gardner is major! Get away from it all on our extensive network of private access waters remains in! All on our extensive network of private access waters or # 14 from over 20 fabled Blue ribbon rivers we...