Fishing Season: Year Round (Prime July 4 - October 15)

Yellowstone River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

70

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

Dry fly fishing has been good. Nymphing should be good and streamer fishing has been OK. The water is dropping and clearing. Be sure to fish early as the heat has fish hunkering in the afternoon.

Directions open in app

Map of Yellowstone River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Fins & Feathers
Firehole Ranch
Madison Valley Ranch
The Tackle Shop Outfitters
Long Outfitting
Hubbard's Yellowstone Lodge

5-Day Outlook as of 7/21/26

The river had a mud plug come through with the recent rain. It is still clearing. Hot weather is expected for the rest of the week. Pretty darn nice conditions all week with warming weather as we get close to the weekend. Fishing has been slow with the mud but should get better as it clears.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/21/26

Dry-dropper with an attractor dry and perdigons will be the best bet. Fish your nymphs about 3 feet under your dry fly. Streamers will be another OK option.

Local Species Available Year Round (Prime July 4 - October 15)

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    Mountain Whitefish

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    Rainbow

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    Brown and Cutthroat Trout

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Brassie™ Copper 16
Sparkle Dun Olive 16
Vernille San Juan Worm Red 8-10
Fly Formerly Known As Prince Peacock 12-16
Peanut Envy Black 4
Skiddish Smolt Silver 4
TH 20 Incher Peacock 10
Moto's Minnow Natural 6
Pat's Rubberleg Black, Brown, Tan 6-10
Zebra Midge Red 18

Bead Head Brassie™

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Item #0957

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Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Recommended Gear

Description: About Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone is the longest undamned river in the US. It's also one of the country's premier trout streams. The 'Stone has good populations of Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout. It's water types very from rugged canyon's to scenic pastoral floats. The Yellowstone has something to offer any trout angler.

Nearest Airport:

Gallatin Field Airport (BZN), Bozeman, Montana

Hatches:

Caddis, PMD's, Little Yellow Sallies, Hoppers, Ants

Best Time to Fish:

early morning

Best Stretch:

Above Livingston

Best Access:

Above Emigrant Fishing Access.