Gibbon River Facts

Location:

The Gibbon River is born at Grebe Lake, in the northwestern sector of Yellowstone National Park.  It flows for 43 to join the Firehole River in forming the Madison River.  The Gibbon begins as a small mountain stream, but with the confluence of tributaries and geothermal features, the river quickly grows in size.  It softly flows down through meadows and valleys and the Norris Geyser Basin to enter a canyon.  Gibbon Falls is located in the canyon and is the most photographed waterfall in Yellowstone.  The river moves faster for the rest of its journey.

Features:

The Gibbon holds brown, rainbow and brook trout.  Arctic Grayling also inhabit the upper reaches of the Gibbon.  The upper Gibbon, through Gibbon Meadows, fishes much like a spring creek.  The water is slow and glassy and the large trout are wary and suspicious.  Stalking techniques are needed here. 

Below the meadow section, the Gibbon falls down into a canyon area, which includes Gibbon Falls.  The section of river beneath the falls is the most heavily fished of the river.  Spawning brown trout in the fall can go no further than Gibbon Falls. 

Most trout measure between 10-16 inches, with much larger fish lurking in the meadow section.  Like many rivers in Yellowstone, the Gibbon fishes best when the weather is overcast and wet. 

Seasonal Strategies:

The Gibbon is usually clear of spring runoff by late June.  Golden Stones start the action in late June with a hatch beneath Gibbon Falls.  Little Yellow Stones appear in late June and July.  In the meadow section, Gray Drakes hatch in mid-June and early July.  There is a short lived Brown Drake hatch in the meadows in late June also.  Caddis begin hatching in the spring and stay all season long. 

PMDs and Mahogany Duns provide action during the summer, provided there is enough water.  August and September are the best time for terrestrials.  Float a hopper through the meadow section for a good chance at a big brown.  Midges and Baetis hatch in the fall.  Also in the fall, spawning brown trout migrate upstream as far as the falls.  Large nymphs and Wooly Buggers will give you your best shot.

Special Regulations:

Fly Fishing only below the falls.  All native fish are catch and release only. Check the Yellowstone fishing regulations for more information regarding the Gibbon River.

Access:

The Grand Loop Road parallels the river for about half of its length.  Pullouts provide fishing access that is often only a short walk away.  Access to the headwaters requires a hike.

Special Cautions:

Treat all wild animals with respect; keep your distance.