Gibbon River Overview

Key Waters 

Madison River Henry's Fork Snake River Gallatin River Yellowstone River Firehole River Hebgen Lake

Gibbon River Lamar River Gardiner River Slough Creek Ruby River Soda Butte Creek

Overview

The Gibbon River is often overshadowed by its sister river the Firehole, but before joining her to create the Madison, the Gibbon covers many miles of trout-rich water. This small stream flows out of the center of the Park, passing through a couple of fine backcountry lakes, numerous meadows, a beautiful waterfall, and rugged canyon. The Gibbon, in most places, is rimmed with Lode pole Pines and small grassy, orchid filled meadows. Many of the older Lodge poles lie strewn across the Gibbon in various directions, making it somewhat challenging to reach all the good looking trout water. The Gibbon is worth the angler’s time and attention, providing not only solitude, but a quintessential Yellowstone Park experience.

Sections

Grebe Lake, Cascade and Wolf Lake

Short hikes of two and three miles will put you on the banks of these fine backcountry lakes. A nice attraction of Grebe is the healthy population of chunky Rainbows and spunky Grayling. Check the outlet of the Gibbon for Grayling chasing damsels.

Elk Park and Gibbon Meadows

A series of small meadows are interspersed along with these named meadows to provide the angler many opportunities to explore undercut banks, and long runs for the resident Browns, Brookies, Rainbows, and Grayling that jockey for the best feeding lies. Although few in number, there are some trophy Brown trout that call this section, of the Gibbon home.

The Canyon and Falls

As the Gibbon River leaves Gibbon meadows it races to its meeting with the Firehole through a narrow and beautiful canyon. The road to Norris Geyser Basin follows the Gibbon along this stretch, giving the angler ample chance to sample the different runs and pockets that dominate it. Below Gibbon Falls there can be a few surprises, as Browns and Rainbows that migrate upstream from Hebgen in the fall are stilling lies under the bramble of logs, or at the bottom of the deep corner pocket.

Hatches

Special Notes

The Gibbon River does not have either an abundance or variety of aquatic insects, but there always seems to be just enough bug activity to keep the trout happy. This is great water to quickly search with Royal Wullf or large stimulator. Some of the deeper runs are begging for a prince nymph or a slowly stripped woolly bugger. The Gibbon offers a beautiful setting with little other angling pressure, and the bonus of the possibility of catching a Grayling!

Ph# (406) 646-7294             info@fireholeranch.com