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

Yellowstone River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

33

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

Nymphing has been the best way to catch fish and has been good. Stonefly nymphs have been a great option along with midge nymphs and worms. Ice and slushy conditions have been challenging recently.

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 2/12/25

Very cold for the next few days but a little bit of weather over freezing on Sunday and Monday. Could be worth trying to find some open water if the wind is low.

Techniques & Tips as of 2/12/25

Nymphing with small stonefly nymphs or midges has been pretty solid when fish are not looking up. Fish a small midge dry when you spot fish rising. Fish are starting to sit more in deep pools.

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
Midge Peacock 18
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:

Midges

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon

Best Stretch:

Above Livingston

Best Access:

Above Emigrant Fishing Access.