Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Current Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Updated 08/05/2026
Current Flow: ~ 2520 CFS at Livingston & 2630 CFS @ Corwin Springs
The Yellowstone has cleared up quite a bit and is fishing pretty well again. We’ve had some mud and dirtier water moving through lately from storms in the park, but right now clarity has improved and there its been fishing well.
Dry fly and dry-dropper fishing have been good, especially early in the day before the heat really settles in. Fish are starting to look at hoppers more, and ants and beetles are definitely in the mix too. The hopper bite still seems like it’s getting going, but we’re starting to see more looks and eats on those bigger terrestrial patterns. For dries, have Hoppers, Chubby Chernobyls, Hippie Stompers, Ant Acids, beetles, Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, Purple Haze ready to go.
Nymphing is still a really good option, especially once the sun gets higher and fish slide into faster water, deeper runs, and riffles. Rubberlegs with a smaller dropper below it is still a great way to fish. Pat’s Rubberlegs, Girdlebugs, Princes, Pheasant Tails, Duracells, Blowtorches, Perdigons, caddis nymphs, PMD nymphs, and small flashy attractor nymphs are all good options right now. Dry-dropper rigs with a hopper, Chubby, or bigger attractor dry up top and a perdigon or caddis nymph underneath are a good way to cover water.
Streamer fishing has been decent too, especially early, late, or if you get some clouds or a little color in the water. Dungeons, Peanut Envys, Circus Peanuts, Articulated Sparkle Minnows, Sculpzillas, Woolly Buggers, Mini Dungeons, and olive or black sculpin-style patterns are worth throwing if you’re looking for a better fish. There is still a hoot owl restriction on the Yellowstone from the Highway 89 bridge near Livingston down to the Highway 212/310 bridge in Laurel, so that section is closed to fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight. With warm afternoons in the forecast, fish early, check water temps, and give the fish a break if things get too warm.
Learn More About Fly Fishing the Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is one of the most iconic and productive trout fisheries in Montana. As the longest undammed river in the lower 48, the Yellowstone provides constantly changing conditions shaped by weather, flows, and seasonal runoff, creating a dynamic fishery that rewards anglers who adapt day to day.
Flowing through Paradise Valley near Livingston, the river supports healthy populations of wild rainbow trout, brown trout, and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. From large riffles and deep runs to side channels and cutbanks, the Yellowstone offers diverse water types that fish well with a variety of techniques—from nymphing and dry flies to streamer fishing.
Where to Fish the Yellowstone River
The most productive stretches of the Yellowstone River run from Gardiner through Paradise Valley and down past Livingston. Sections like Yankee Jim Canyon offer rugged, technical water with strong fish, while the valley stretches provide broader runs, gravel bars, and classic bank structure that hold trout throughout the season. As you move downstream, the river transitions from higher numbers of cutthroat trout to a mix of larger rainbow and brown trout, offering different opportunities depending on where and when you fish.
👉 Explore Our Complete Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Guide
Book a Guided Fly Fishing Trip on the Yellowstone River
A guided fly fishing trip on the Yellowstone River is the best way to approach this large, ever-changing fishery with confidence. Due to its size and constantly shifting conditions, understanding when and where to fish is key to success—something that comes from time on the water and daily observation.
Our Bozeman fly fishing guides closely monitor flows, clarity, and weather patterns to put you in the best position for success. Whether you’re floating miles of productive water, targeting key hatch windows, or learning how to break down big freestone rivers, we tailor every trip to your experience level and goals.
When conditions line up, the Yellowstone delivers some of the most exciting and rewarding fly fishing in Montana.