Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Current Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Updated 10/23/2026
Current Flow: ~ 1610 CFS at Livingston & 1200 CFS @ Corwin Springs
The Yellowstone River has been fishing pretty well lately, although some stretches have definitely been more consistent than others. We've had some pretty good water conditions over the last couple of weeks, with lower flows and relatively clear water throughout much of the river. As of Friday, we've got some rain and snow moving through Paradise Valley and the Livingston area, which should make things feel a little more like late fall. Temperatures are looking to stay in the upper 40s to around 50 degrees over the next several days, with some pretty cold nights and another chance of precipitation early next week. With the Yellowstone being a freestone river, it's worth keeping an eye on flows and water clarity, especially if we get some snowmelt or additional rain coming out of the mountains. The river has been running fairly low, and even a small bump in flows could add a little color to certain stretches. Overall, the cooler weather should be a good thing for the fishing, especially as fish start settling into their late fall and winter holding patterns. There's really no reason to rush out first thing in the morning right now. Let the water warm up a little and focus on fishing from late morning through the afternoon. Some of the better fishing has been in the slower, deeper runs and buckets, although there are still fish holding in some of the faster water.
As far as fishing goes, blue-winged olives have been one of the main things to keep an eye out for, especially on cloudier afternoons when fish start looking up. If we continue getting some of this cooler, overcast weather, we could see some really good BWO activity. Parachute Adams, extended-body BWOs, Sparkle Duns, Purple Hazes, and smaller CDC Baetis patterns in sizes 18–22 are all good options. There are also still a few larger fall mayflies, including Hecubas, around, and some fish have been willing to eat larger attractor dries and the occasional terrestrial, especially farther upstream through Paradise Valley toward Gardiner. Nymphing is probably going to be your most consistent option right now. Pat's Rubber Legs, larger prince nymphs, dead-drifted sculpin patterns, and smaller jig-style streamers are all worth fishing as lead flies. Below that, smaller Baetis nymphs, pheasant tails, perdigons, Frenchies, Duracells, and Barr's BWO Emergers have been good options. If you're fishing some of the deeper runs, make sure you're getting your flies down to where the fish are holding. With the lower, clearer water, smaller natural patterns and a good drift can make a big difference, especially on those brighter days when the fish might be a little more picky.
Streamer fishing has definitely been picking up on the Yellowstone, and with these cooler temperatures and more unsettled weather moving in, it could be one of the better ways to target some larger fish over the next several weeks. Olive, black, brown, and white streamers are all worth throwing, with Sparkle Minnows, Dolly Llamas, Sculpzillas, Mini Dungeons, and Peanut Envys being good options to have in the box. Focus on deeper buckets, undercut banks, and structure, and don't be afraid to change up your retrieve. On some days, a slower retrieve with longer pauses can be the ticket, while other days fish might be more willing to chase something moving a little faster. One thing to keep in mind is that brown trout are right in the middle of their fall spawning season. Make sure you're keeping an eye out for redds, which are generally lighter-colored patches of cleaned gravel, and be careful where you're stepping when wading. If you come across fish actively spawning, give them plenty of room and avoid fishing to them. There's still plenty of good fishing to be had without disturbing those fish. Overall, the Yellowstone is still a great option for some late fall fishing, and as long as water conditions cooperate, we should continue seeing some good opportunities heading into November.
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.
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.