Fishing Season: July 1 through the first weekend in November

Yellowstone River - WY

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

North Fork Anglers's Tip of the Week

Flows have been gradually dropping, while water temperatures are slowly warming, creating improving conditions for insect activity and trout feeding. Afternoon clouds and thunderstorms have produced intermittent mayfly hatches, while stonefly activity has remained a consistent source of dry-fly action.

Directions open in app

Map of Yellowstone River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Fork Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 7/20/26

The Yellowstone River is fishing well and is entering one of its prime summer periods. According to recent local guide reports, water conditions have continued to improve, and anglers are finding good opportunities for Yellowstone cutthroat trout throughout the park.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/20/26

Anglers should watch for: Golden stoneflies Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) Caddis Flavs Baetis Emerging Green Drakes and Gray Drakes

Local Species Available July 1 through the first weekend in November

  • Fish Icon

    native yellowstone cutthroat trout

North Fork Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Elk Wing Caddis brown or pheasant ta 14-20
Eastern Green Drake Peach 2-6
Hopper black, brown or oliv 8-16
Pale Morning Dun Thorax medium tan 14-20
Wade's North Fork Special Tan/gold bead, black 8-14
Wooly bugger black, olive, white 4-10
TH 20 Incher olive, tan, cream, black 14-20
Bead Head Stonefly Black 2-8
Peanut Envy Tan, Black 4,6
Slumpbuster Black 2-6

Elk Wing Caddis

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North Fork Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About Yellowstone River

Le Hardy Rapids to Mud Volcano or Tower Bridge up or down river.

Nearest Airport:

Cody, WY

Hatches:

Stoneflies, caddis, pmd's, BWO's, Midges

Best Stretch:

LeHardy Rapids area to Mud Volcano

Best Access:

LeHardy Rapids to Mud Volcano