Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Soda Butte Creek - Silver Gate - Montana

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January No specific hatch All day 10-20 Midges
February No specific hatch All day 10-20 Midges
March No specific hatch All day 10-20 Midges
April No specific hatch All day 10-20 Midges
May Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-18 Pheasant Tail
June Sally Stoneflies, Pale Morning Dun Midday-Evening 14-18, 16-20 Elk Hair Caddis, Adam’s Parachute
July Sally Stoneflies Midday-Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis
Yellowstone Drakes Afternoon-Evening 10-12 Green Drake Patterns
August Tricos Morning 18-24 Spinner Fall
Yellowstone Hoppers, Craneflies All day 4-6, 10-14 Morrish Hopper, Muddler Minnow
September Blue Winged Olives, Midges Midday-Afternoon 18-22, 16-20 Pheasant Tail, Griffith’s Gnat
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-22 Pheasant Tail
November No specific hatch All day 10-20 Midges
December No specific hatch All day 10-20 Midges

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Soda Butte Creek located in Silver Gate boasts of some fantastic spots that are ideal for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here are a few not-to-miss locations:

  • Pebble Creek Campground: This spot thrills with its spectacular scenic beauty and a wealth of Brown Trout.
  • Lamar Valley: Not just famous for wildlife watching, it’s also excellent for catching Cutthroat Trout.
  • Round Prairie: It’s a tranquil area of Soda Butte Creek abundant with Brook Trout.
  • Ice Box Canyon: The steep cliffs surrounding this area form a natural windbreak making it ideal for fly fishing.
  • Cache Creek: A lesser-known location, it offers an exciting challenge for fly fishing fans.

Despite the favorites, exploring further reaches of Soda Butte Creek-Silver Gate can unveil more fabulous fishing areas. Don’t forget to adhere to Yellowstone’s catch-and-release regulations to preserve the aquatic environment.

Best Access Points

Soda Butte Creek – Silver Gate in Montana offers remarkable fly fishing opportunities. Here are the best access points:

  • First Mile Trail: Access at the Soda Butte Creek trailhead, near the Cooke City bridge.
  • Round Lake Trail: About 3 miles from Silver Gate, this trail leads to alluring fishing spots by the banks.
  • Joffe Lake: Accessible from the Chief Joseph Highway, this high-altitude lake is teeming with trout.
  • Icebox Canyon: Requires hiking, but the larger pools are well worth the effort.
  • Slide Lake: Access is off Highway 296, about 5 miles south of Highway 212. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout.
Please note, Soda Butte Creek does run through Yellowstone National Park. Remember to follow the National Park Service rules while fishing.

Local Fish

  • Cutthroat Trout
  • Brook Trout
  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Mountain Whitefish
  • Arctic Grayling
  • Longnose Sucker
  • Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

About The River

Winding splendidly through a lavish tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, Soda Butte Creek is as rich in beauty as it is in history. This iconic waterway courses through Silver Gate – a delightful gem nestled at the edge of Yellowstone National Park. The gently whispering creek reverberates the history of the mining era, tracing its name back to an enormous butte of soda deposits, a quirky incident of geothermal action.

  • The creek emerges from the Absaroka mountain range, ending its journey in the Lamar Valley.
  • It had a tumultuous past due to unrestrained mining till the 1950s, causing severe pollution.
  • Remarkably, nature rallied, leading to a significant cleanup and the revival of its thriving ecosystem.

Today, standing by the crystal cascades of the creek in Silver Gate, the winds murmur tales of resilience and regeneration. The creek now provides a serene sanctuary for wildlife and creates a unique experience for every visitor, joining them in the gentle celebration of nature at its resilient best.

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