Gibbon River - Madison Junction - Wyoming
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Gibbon River – Madison Junction - Water Flow Chart
Gibbon River – Madison Junction - Weather report & radar
Gibbon River – Madison Junction - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | No notable hatches | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| February | No notable hatches | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | Size 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| April | Midges | Afternoon | Size 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | Size 16-18 | Blue Wing Olive patterns | |
| May | Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | Size 16-18 | Blue Wing Olive patterns |
| Caddis | Throughout the day | Size 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Salmonflies | Morning – Afternoon | Size 2-6 | Stimulator |
| Yellow Sallies | Morning – Afternoon | Size 14-16 | Yellow Sally patterns | |
| July | Caddis | Evening | Size 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Yellow Sallies | Morning – Afternoon | Size 14-16 | Yellow Sally patterns | |
| August | Terrestrials | Late Morning – Afternoon | Various | Hopper patterns, Ant patterns, Beetle patterns |
| Terrestrials | Late Morning – Afternoon | Various | Hopper patterns, Ant patterns, Beetle patterns | |
| September | Terrestrials | Late Morning – Afternoon | Various | Hopper patterns, Ant patterns, Beetle patterns |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon – Evening | Size 18-22 | Blue Wing Olive patterns | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon – Evening | Size 18-22 | Blue Wing Olive patterns |
| Midges | Throughout the day | Size 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | No notable hatches | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Midges | Throughout the day | Size 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| December | No notable hatches | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Gibbon River – Madison Junction Access Points
The Gibbon River – Madison Junction is renowned for its fly fishing scene. Here are some of the best access points:
- Madison Campground: Located conveniently near the junction, this provides excellent fishing opportunities right nearby.
- Gibbon Falls: Below the falls, you can find a great fishing spot. Be aware of the steep terrain.
- Gibbon Meadows: Situated at the base of Gibbon Falls. It boasts a healthy population of brown and rainbow trout.
- Elk Park: Just a short walk from the parking lot, it’s ideal for a quick fishing session.
- Wolf Lake: A high-elevation lake that’s accessible by trail. Expect to catch brook trout here.
- Incompletely Bridge: A lesser-known spot that’s good for avoiding crowds.
Ensure proper fishing licenses and adhere to local regulations in all areas.
Gibbon River – Madison Junction Fishing Spots
If you’re looking to cast your line in the beautiful Gibbon River, there are a few spots around Madison Junction that are particularly recommended for fly fishing.
- Elk Park: This location, situated adjacent to the river and known for its abundant fauna, is the start of the Gibbon River and is a particularly rich fishing spot.
- Artist Paint Pots: This geothermal area features a section of the river with deep, slow-moving pools that are often full of trout.
- Madison Junction: This area allows for some great fishing opportunities where Gibbon and Firehole rivers meet to form the Madison River.
- Monument Geyser: The stretch of the Gibbon River near Monument Geyser is also a wonderful fly fishing spot, with a consistent population of brown and rainbow trout.
- Gibbon Meadows: This is one of the most acclaimed spots, encompassing several miles of river filled with Rainbow and Cutthroat trout.
Gibbon River – Madison Junction Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: Known for their beauty and their aggressive behavior, they are a popular choice for fly fishers.
- Rainbow Trout: They are highly targeted on the Gibbon River because they are energetic and often jump when hooked.
- Mountain Whitefish: A native species in Yellowstone area, Mountain Whitefish are found abundantly throughout the Gibbon river.
- Brook Trout: While not as abundant as the other species, they’re often found in the colder waters of the Gibbon River and are a joy to catch.
- Cutthroat Trout: A proverbial fish of the Yellowstone area, they are prized by many anglers for their tendency to bite at dry flies.
- Arctic Grayling: A highly sought after fish for fly fishing because of its unique beauty and its preference for colder waters.
- Golden Trout: A unique species that’s often tough to catch because of their preference for high altitudes and small streams.
- Lake Trout: Often found in the Madison Junction area, Lake Trout are a fun species to target for a change of pace.
About the Gibbon River – Madison Junction
The Gibbon River – Madison Junction is an exquisitely beautiful and historically rich spot located in the heart of Yellowstone National Park. Its journey from its headwaters in the park to the joining with the Firehole River forms an important part of the mighty Missouri river system.
- Gibbon River got its name honoring Lt. Col. John Gibbon, a notable figure in the U.S. Army who also played a crucial role in deciphering regional native cultures.
- Historical landmarks like the Madison Junction, add another layer of richness to the area. It’s known as the gathering spot for the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition, a key in the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park.
- Its rich fishing habitat and thermal features make it a hit among nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Not just a natural wonder, the Gibbon River – Madison Junction truly embodies the spirit of exploration and conservation. So don’t miss it!
Community Contributions
Be part of the fishing community!
No updates submitted for this river.
