Went with three friends and my son for our annual Shoshone lake outting in Yellowstone. Like usual it started out early and we were at old faithful for licenses and float tube permits just after nine. During the inspection we were informed foreign items like granola and bread crumbs are a major concern, especially in the pockets of the tubes and we needed to get those out. Last i checked granola was practically indigenous to Yellowstone. Anyway we were soon on the way again. The hike I was pleasant as usual and were were on the water just before noon. Unfortunately the winds were the worst we've seen there. But we were going to fish either way. Took a while to get on the fish. The weed beds weren't as near to the inlet as they have been in the past but we did find them and got on the fish. Over three plus hours we landed about 55 fish give or take a few plus several hits. All were macs from 18-22" with the majority 19". We also landed one pale brookie. Saw some good sized waves but they were manageable and getting back to our put in was fairly easy going with the wind. Finally started the hike back just after 4pm. Had dinner at the buffalo bar in west (the Black and Tan burger was awesome) before heading back home. Always look forward to this trip every year.
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Super cool report! Shoshone has been on my radar for a few years now.
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great report, I need to enjoy fishng in yellowstone more. have Fished Buela lake in the past just north of grassy lake and it has some nice cutts and is a short hike. Do you end up jigging for the lakers, i have caught lakers in the winds on a leech before.
It would be interesting to get folks feed back on good float tubing lakes in Yellowstone.
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I keep telling myself I need to hit Buela Lake and Grebe lake but I just never have done it yet. I've heard great things about both though. Also want to do heart lake but its a bit of a hike for me to do in a day since I haven't done the backpacking thing for quite a while. Most of us are fly fishing for the lakers at Shoshone. We use a full sink line and use leach patterns. let it sink to the bottom then start stripping. My son hasn't gotten the casting thing down enough yet for him to handle that yet so a couple years ago I bought some lead free solder and poured jigs with that then tied them up with chenille and maribou and flash. He casts them out with a spinning rod and then will just reel once its down a ways. He seems to get the harder hits on that set up. I suspect you could throw just about anything at them that will get down and catch something. We keep joking we should put some duct take on a hook and a bent bottle cap to see what would happen.
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What is the best time of year to fish Shoshone? Assuming I take a Kayak/Canoe. I have heard Oct.
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I know nothing about best times for kayak or canoe. Right now is the best time for tubers. Everyone I've heard of fishing it from boat comes across Lewis lake and up the connecting river. We came in on foot from the north.
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It's always pretty good. The later in the summer you go the deeper the fish go and the more spread out they become. I will be going in late July or early August. Not ideal but at least the mosquitos will be burnt off. I'm expecting to find the fish in 50-80 ft of water so non lead jigs will be necessary.
Windriver
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How far of a paddle is it in a canoe going across Lewis Lake and up the river? Is there anywhere in the park or West/I.P. that rents canoes? Going there next June. Still need a laker for my list...
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Ideally I would like to troll for browns. I know they spawn in late oct. I wonder if they are shallow in early Oct.
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It is three miles across Lewis Lake then 2 1/2 miles of river. You usually can get up the river in the canoe until the last mile when you get out and pull the canoe. It can be a chore for that last mile.
As far as Browns are concerned I haven't really got into them on the lake. In fact I have only caught a few small ones by accident. My friends fly fish for them in the channel.
Windriver
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I have been into Shoshone around eight times in a canoe. Going in a canoe is a chore for sure but it can be a blast too. From Lewis Lake, depending on the winds, you will need to plan on 7-8 hours to get to your campsite (make sure you make reservations for your site in advance or you may get turned away because they are full). Once you get up Lewis River to Shoshone Lake you may need to wait out the wind before proceeding, which will add to your time. If your camp site is across the lake do not attempt to cross anywhere but at the narrows and again you may need to wait out the wind to cross. Before you venture out on your own, do lots of research, talk to as many people as you can who have been. You may want to consider going with someone who has made the trip before and knows the ropes. I hope you get to go and I hope you have a blast.
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Hmm... Thanks guys! That definitely sounds fun. I doubt I'll have that much time during a family reunion though...
Maybe I'll just try from shore on Yellowstone Lake and see if I can luck into a laker there.
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