Jellystone Lakers

[JC_Meridian]

Not being a fly fisherman nor having a boat to get out on the lake, I never really thought much about fishing Yellowstone, but last summer while there on a family camping trip one of the park rangers that specializes in fishing told me that the bite on lake trout from the shore can be awesome on and around opening weekend (in May).

I know it's not in Idaho, but anyone ever fish that? It's a long drive, but could be worth it if I can get the kids into some good fishing for large fish (and get a Yellowstone trip out of it it the same time.)
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[phutch30]

Fished it befor. It can be good. Its not red hot and the majority of the fish you catch with be 10-15" with occasional 20" fish.
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[ironrod]

Opener is your best chance to catch them since they'll be in closer to shore. Early in the morning-really early is also the best time of day. It doesn't open until June 15th. I"ve been fishing it the last 12 yrs and some years we'll catch close to 80 fish in two days and other years only 5-6. You can always catch the big cutties but the lake trout is either hot or cold. Good luck!
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[StacyR]

If you catch any lake trout from Yellowstone Lake, it's illegal to release them alive. The National Park Service wants them eliminated because they're having a negative effect on the native cutthroat.

Yellowstone has some special restrictions you should also be aware of. Here's the regulations for the park:

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/up...ishreg.pdf
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