Soda Butte Creek in Yellowstone National Park

Trout On The Fly Outfitters
(406) 580-7370

Fly fishing on Soda Butte Creek in Yellowstone National Park offers anglers an exceptional experience amidst breathtaking scenery and abundant trout populations. Here’s what you need to know:

Location: Soda Butte Creek flows through the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park, near the park’s northeast entrance and the town of Cooke City, Montana. Access to the creek is primarily from the Northeast Entrance Road and various pullouts along the road.

Lodging: Soda Butte Lodge in Cooke City is minutes away. Mammoth Hotel is 1-hour. Gardiner, Montana is minutes north of Mammoth Hot Springs with a variety of hotels, motels, Vrbo’s, and camping.

Trout Species: Soda Butte Creek is known for its healthy populations of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, as well as rainbow and brook trout. These fish provide exciting angling opportunities for fly fishermen, with the chance to catch both sizeable specimens and smaller, more abundant fish.

Access: Access to Soda Butte Creek is available from pullouts and parking areas along the Northeast Entrance Road. Additionally, there are hiking trails that lead to remote stretches of the creek for anglers seeking a more secluded fishing experience.

Techniques: Fly fishing on Soda Butte Creek involves using a variety of techniques, including dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing. The creek offers diverse habitat, including riffles, runs, pools, and pocket water, each of which requires different presentation tactics.

Hatches: Soda Butte Creek experiences a variety of insect hatches throughout the fishing season, including mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and terrestrial insects. Matching your fly patterns to the local hatches can significantly increase your chances of success.

Regulations: Fishing regulations within Yellowstone National Park apply to Soda Butte Creek, including catch-and-release fishing, the use of barbless hooks, and the prohibition of bait. Anglers must possess a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit, which can be obtained at various locations within the park.

Wildlife and Scenery: In addition to excellent fishing, Soda Butte Creek offers stunning scenery and the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears. Anglers should always be respectful of the natural environment and take precautions to avoid encounters with wildlife.

Overall, fly fishing on Soda Butte Creek in Yellowstone National Park is an unforgettable experience that combines world-class angling with the unmatched beauty and wilderness of the park. Whether you’re casting to rising trout in crystal-clear waters or exploring remote stretches of the creek, Soda Butte Creek is sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime.