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Gardner River Facts

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Location:

The Gardner River is formed below Cache Lake near Electric Peak, Yellowstone National Park’s highest peak.  It winds its way through the park to join with the Yellowstone River near the park boundary. 

The Gardner River is located close to Mammoth, making trip planning and accommodations easy. 

The upper river consists of the stretch from the headwaters until the Sheepeater Cliff Picnic Area.  The Sheepeater Canyon and Gardner Canyon makes up the next section of the Gardner.  The final stretch is the eight miles from Lava Creek to the Yellowstone River.

Features:

The Gardner River is a must-fish for any Yellowstone Park angler.  Brook trout flourish in the rivers headwaters and upper stretch.  In the canyon area, 8-14 inch cutthroat, rainbows and browns will gladly eat dry flies. 

The upper river holds good numbers of cutthroat and mountain whitefish.  Large brown trout also inhabit this section of the river during the fall spawning run. 

This rocky mountain river is a great place to fish terrestrials and attractor dries all season long.  The temperate climate of this area allows for comfortable fishing until the season’s close. 

Seasonal Strategies:

Runoff beings to clear in late-June, but can last well into July in high water years.  Dark Stoneflies hatch in late June and early July, making a great season opener.  Golden Stones and Little Yellow Stones also arrive at about this time. 

Caddis hatches are the river’s best during the summer and fall.  Mayflies and PMDs make for good action too.  Evenings are the best time to fish the Gardner in the summer.  Terrestrials arrive in July and stay until October.  Hoppers, beetles and ants all work wonders. 

Special Regulations:

Catch and release for all cutthroat and mountain whitefish. Check the Yellowstone fishing regulations for more information regarding the Gardner River.

Access:

The Gardner River is accessible by few roads on the upper portion.  Trails will lead you in to the river.  The proximity of Mammoth makes access for the canyon and lower sections of the Gardner easier. 

Special Cautions:

This area hosts one of the largest elk herds in America.  Moose are also widespread.  Keep your distance. 

This is bear country.  Observe all the usual precautions when hiking and camping in bear country.