Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Current Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Updated 06/15/2026
Current Flow: ~ 7100 CFS at Livingston and 6600 CFS @ Corwin Springs
The Yellowstone has been dropping and is looking really good right now. It still has that great greenish tint to it, which is about perfect for fishing, and we’re most likely getting close to being done with runoff — which is definitely early. Get out there and enjoy it while there’s still a good amount of water in the river and before things continue to drop too fast.
Dry dropper and Nymph Fishing has been good with attractor patterns and caddis on top and underneath, larger stonefly patterns, rubber legs, girdle bugs, caddis, and attractor nymphs have all been good options. Streamer fishing has also been solid, whether you’re actively stripping them or dead drifting smaller sculpin-style patterns along the banks and slower edges. This is usually a great window to find some more willing, larger fish that are still tight to the bank and using that green water as cover.
With the river coming out of runoff, fish are starting to settle into those softer edges, buckets, and bank lines, so don’t be afraid to fish tight to structure. It probably won’t be long until we start seeing salmonflies show up on the Yellowstone too, especially with warmer temps in the forecast over the next week or two. Keep an eye out for that, but for now, the Yellowstone is fishable, dropping, and definitely worth getting out on.
Recommended Flies:
Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs #8-10, Prince Nymph 12-14, Mega Prince #8-10, Perdigon #10-12, Chicago Overcoat #10
Streamers: Black Dungeon, Sparkle Minnow, Sculpzilla (olive/black), Kreelex
Dries: Chubby Chernobyl #10-12, Foam Caddis #14, PMD’s #14
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.