The Yellowstone River
Start Your Next Fly Fishing Adventure on the Yellowstone River!
If you’re looking for one of Montana’s most iconic and expansive trout rivers, it’s hard to beat the Yellowstone River. Flowing from its legendary headwaters in Yellowstone National Park through broad valleys and classic freestone stretches, this river offers an incredible diversity of fly fishing opportunities. The Yellowstone’s powerful currents, seasonal hatches, and wide variety of water types—paired with breathtaking scenery—make it a premier destination for guided fly fishing near Bozeman and Livingston.
Quick links:
Our Complete Yellowstone River Fishing Guide (seasonal info, best flies, where/when/how)
Yellowstone River Fishing Reports (latest conditions)
Yellowstone River Guide Trip Options
Full-Day Yellowstone River Float Trip
A full-day Yellowstone River guided fishing trip offers 6–8 hours on one of Montana’s most legendary and productive trout rivers, covering expansive stretches of blue-ribbon water from Paradise Valley through classic freestone runs while providing expert instruction, included gear, riverside lunch, and tailored fly selection for dry flies, nymphs, and big-water streamer tactics — making it a bucket-list experience for anglers of all skill levels who want to explore the mighty Yellowstone and maximize fish-catching opportunities on this world-class trout fishery.
Half-Day Yellowstone River Float Trip
A half-day Yellowstone River guided fishing trip offers about 4 hours on one of Montana’s most celebrated trout rivers, providing expert local instruction, included gear as needed, and cold non-alcoholic beverages while you float or wade productive water from Yellowstone National Park into Paradise Valley — making it an ideal choice for anglers with limited time who want a concentrated fly fishing experience on iconic fishery known for its wild rainbows, browns, and cutthroats without the full-day commitment of a longer trip.
Where We Fish on the Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River
Our guided Yellowstone River trips focus on the most productive and scenic sections of this legendary fishery, from the Paradise Valley stretches below Yellowstone National Park through wide-open freestone water toward Livingston and beyond, choosing specific runs based on seasonal conditions, flows, and hatch activity. The Yellowstone offers over 100 miles of blue-ribbon trout water with diverse trout habitat — from long riffles and deep runs in Paradise Valley with uniform flows that are perfect for floats and learning anglers alike, to broad glides and pocket water that hold robust populations of wild rainbows, browns, and native cutthroats — all set against dramatic backdrops of the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges that define Big Sky Country.
What’s Included on Your Yellowstone River Guided Trip
What’s Included (and Not Included) on Guide Trips + What to Bring
On all of our guided Yellowstone River float and wade trips, you’ll enjoy expert one-on-one local guiding with instruction tailored to your skill level, rods, reels, flies and terminal tackle, safety equipment, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your trip.
Full-day trips also feature a hearty streamside lunch, while half-day trips typically do not include a meal (so bringing a snack can be a good idea).
What’s not included are guide gratuities (Customarily 20-25%), your Montana fishing license (required for anglers age 12+), personal accessory gear like hats, polarized sunglasses, sunblock, or alcohol, and any optional equipment rentals (waders and wading boots) you may choose to bring or rent in town.
What to bring on your Yellowstone River guide trip:
✅ Valid Montana fishing license (required)
✅ Layers & rainwear (weather can change quickly)
✅ Sunscreen + lip protection
✅ Hat & polarized sunglasses for glare reduction
✅ Wading boots / water shoes (if not using provided gear)
✅ Buff or neck gaiter for sun/wind protection
✅ Waterproof jacket or shell
✅ Camera / phone (in waterproof case)
✅ Snacks for half-day trips
✅ Optional: fishing gloves, hand warmers, personal first aid items
(Seasonal extras like warm hats or base layers are recommended in shoulder seasons.)
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Reports
Stay informed with our regularly updated Yellowstone River fishing reports, offering current insights on river flows, water clarity, weather trends, and active hatches throughout the season. Our reports highlight the most effective flies and techniques—whether it’s nymphing productive seams during cooler periods, dialing in dry fly fishing during summer hatches, or turning to streamers when changing conditions put trout on the move—so you know what to expect before you hit the water. Written by local guides who fish the Yellowstone regularly, these reports provide real-time, on-the-ground information to help anglers plan successful trips close to Bozeman.
Book Your Yellowstone River Guide Trip
Ready to experience the Yellowstone River like a local? Book your guided float today and secure your spot with our expert guide team. Whether you’re planning a half-day session to fit into your Montana itinerary or a full-day float to cover miles of iconic water, we’ll tailor your fly-fishing adventure to the best possible conditions and your skill level. With up-to-date fishing reports, premium lodging recommendations, and professional guide instruction included, now is the perfect time to reserve your Yellowstone River fishing trip — spots fill quickly during peak seasons.
Contact us or book online to lock in your dates!