The black and purple mini dungeon is a go-to pattern for the Yellowstone River when the water has a little color or when light is low. It’s tied smaller than the full-sized dungeon but still has that same great profile and movement. The color combination shows up well in off-color water conditions. It sinks quickly but is light enough to fish on a 5 or 6 weight. This fly is perfect for aggressive trout that are tucked tight to the banks.

The tan and yellow double gonga is a guide favorite for targeting big brown trout on the Yellowstone River. Its two-hook articulated design gives it a lot of action with variable retrieves. The heavy weight is ideal for covering deep pools or fast seams where trout sit tight to the bottom. The fly moves a lot of water, making it a reliable option for the fast water runs through Paradise Valley and near Livingston.

The olive menage dungeon is one of the best big-fish patterns out there for the Yellowstone River. It’s a triple-jointed fly that moves a ton of water and shows a wide, natural profile. The olive color gives it a realistic look that works well in both clear and slightly off-colored water. Fished on a sinking line with short, steady strips, it’s built to trigger aggressive strikes for trout holding near structure and banks.

The white home invader is a simple, clean pattern that’s easy to cast and effective on the Yellowstone River. The light color makes it perfect for clear water or sunny days. The fly has a long, flowing profile with just enough flash to get noticed without looking unnatural. It swims smoothly on both floating and sinking lines, and the lighter weight means you can fish it tight to the bank or through slower runs without hanging up.

The Swim Coach is a solid choice for fly fishing the Yellowstone River. This articulated streamer has a a slim, realistic profile that moves smoothly through the current without a lot of bulk; great for days when fish are easily spooked by big flies. Olive, tan, and natural colors work best, blending in just enough to fool wary fish in clear water while still standing out in low light conditions.

The peanut envy is one of the most reliable big-fish streamers for Montana rivers. Kelly Galloup designed with a long, articulated body, it moves naturally in the water and gives off the perfect baitfish profile. It’s heavy enough to get down quickly but still easy to cast all day, making it a favorite for both wade and float anglers. Fishing it tight to structure or through deeper buckets can bring out the biggest brown trout in the system.

The Rainbow Dirty Hippie is a slim, realistic streamer that’s perfect for clear-water conditions across Montana. Designed by Charlie Craven, it has a natural, baitfish-like profile that makes it an easy meal for big trout without being too bulky or flashy. The fly rides high in the water column, making it a great option when fish are chasing but not willing to commit at first glance.

The white Silk Kitty is a big-fish pattern that works excellently on the Yellowstone River. This heavy, articulated streamer is designed to move a lot of water and get deep fast, making it ideal for targeting trout holding deep along fast banks. Fished on a sink tip, it’s one of those patterns that can turn an average day into a memorable one when a trophy trout seemingly comes from "nowhere" to crush your fly.

The Sparkle Minnow is one of the most reliable streamers that we fish on the Yellowstone River. The flashy body and simple profile imitate a small baitfish, making it a go-to pattern for triggering those aggressive reaction strikes under an indicator or while actively retrieving. Olive, gold, and copper variations are local favorites, especially through Paradise Valley, where clear water and long runs dominate.