Slough Creek

Located in the northeastern corner of the park, near the Lamar Valley, Slough Creek is renowned for its exceptional dry fly fishing for native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in a stunning meadow stream environment. 

The creek meanders slowly through expansive, picturesque meadows, creating classic riffles, runs, and deep pools that are ideal habitat for trout. The clear, relatively shallow water allows anglers to sight fish to actively feeding trout, adding an exciting visual element to the experience. Slough Creek is famous for its consistent and prolific hatches of various aquatic insects throughout the fishing season, which typically runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the first Sunday in November. 

While the fishing is legendary, access requires a bit of effort, which helps to maintain its pristine character. The main access point is via a trailhead near the Slough Creek Campground, off the Northeast Entrance Road. From the trailhead, anglers typically hike in along the creek. The further you hike, the more remote and less pressured the fishing tends to be. Many anglers plan multi-day backpacking trips to access the upper meadows of Slough Creek for a truly immersive experience. 

In summary, fishing Slough Creek in Yellowstone is often considered a pinnacle of the park's fly fishing opportunities. The stunning meadow scenery, consistent and varied hatches, and the chance to catch beautiful native Cutthroat Trout in a relatively pristine environment make the hike worthwhile for those seeking a classic Yellowstone angling adventure. Just remember to be prepared for the hike, be mindful of wildlife, and adhere to all park regulations.