Lamar River Overview

Located in the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park, the Lamar River is the major tributary to the Yellowstone within the Park. The Lamar is not only home to fantastic fly fishing for Native Yellowstone Cutthroat, but is also one of the best place in the Park to view wildlife, ranging from wolves and bears, to elk and buffalo. The scenery is also stunning and it can be hard to focus on the task at hand with all the amazing distractions that this corner of the Park offers.

Sections

The Lamar Valley

The Lamar spills forth from a range of towering mountains and canyons and then spreads out into the fertile, wildlife rich meadows of the Lamar Valley. It is here that the angler will ply the long cobble strewn flats and runs of the Lamar, searching for large native Cutthroat that rise eagerly to a range of aquatic and terrestrial insects.

The Lamar Canyon

Just downstream of the long and wide Lamar Valley, the river tumbles down a narrow and short canyon that is noted for its rocks the size of cars. Here among the boulders, small pockets and runs offer solitude for both the fish and the angler. It is also here that the angler will find a few Rainbows intermixed with the Native Yellowstone Cutthroat. This is rugged fishing; hopping from boulder to boulder, laying a delicate cast into a small secluded piece of quiet water tucked amongst raging white water. Action can be fast, so be sure to watch your step.

The Lower Lamar

The Lamar River cascades from the short canyon and veers far away from any roads for its last leg before meeting with the Yellowstone. It is also here that the hiking angler can fish water that rarely sees any other fisherman. The character of the river here is a mixture of meadow water and short canyon pocket water. Large boulders are always present. Be sure to pack bear spray and bells, as this is Yellowstone backcountry at its finest, and this is their home, we are just visitors.

Hatches

Salmonflies: June 25th - July 10th

Goldenstone: June 25th - July 15th

Green Drakes: July 1st - July 20th

Drake Mackerals: September 1st - September 20th

Gray Drakes: June 20th - July 20th

Hydropsyche Caddis: June 15th - July 31st

Terrestrials: July 1st - September 30th

Heptagenia Mayflies: August 1st - September 15th

Baetis Mayflies: August 20th - September 30th

Special Notes

The Lamar River and its tributaries are noted for their dry fly fishing, whether matching one of the many hatches, or searching the water with terrestrials, the residents in these waters are noted for their willingness to rise to dry flies. Many fishing opportunities are present here, especially for the angler willing to lace up hiking boots!

River Overviews: