Gibbon River

In its upper reaches, particularly above Virginia Cascades, the Gibbon River is a classic mountain stream. It's smaller, faster-flowing, and often features pocket water, riffles, and plunge pools. Here, you'll primarily find Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout. The fishing in this section can be quite enjoyable for those who like to explore smaller waters and target eager, wild trout with dry flies and smaller nymphs. Access can involve some hiking, offering a more secluded experience. 

Below Virginia Cascades, the Gibbon River's character begins to change. It becomes a bit larger, and the gradient lessens in some sections, creating longer runs and pools. This part of the river also holds Rainbow and Brown Trout. As you move further downstream towards Gibbon Meadows, the river meanders through open areas, offering good access from the road in many places. Hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies can provide excellent dry fly fishing opportunities here, especially during the summer months. 

Closer to its confluence with the Firehole River, the Gibbon takes on a slower pace with more extensive meadows. Larger Brown Trout from the Madison River can be found in this lower section.  Anglers here often employ larger dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. However, like the Firehole, the lower Gibbon can be influenced by thermal inputs, leading to warmer water temperatures in the summer, which can affect fish activity. 

Overall, fishing the Gibbon River in Yellowstone offers a range of experiences from small stream fishing in its upper reaches to more classic meadow stream fishing in its middle and lower sections. The scenic beauty of the river, flowing through forests and meadows with the backdrop of Yellowstone's unique landscape, adds to the appeal.