The Top Yellowstone River Stretches for Fly Fishing Paradise Valley Montana

McConnell to Joe Brown (approximately 10 miles):

Floating from McConnell to Joe Brown above Yankee Jim Canyon on the Yellowstone River is a scenic float with outstanding dry fly fishing.

Floating the Yellowstone River here is along both the Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park boundaries, providing a pristine landscape as the backdrop for anglers fishing in upper Paradise Valley.

The water flows swiftly from a steeper gradient and requires navigating some medium to small-class rapids, depending on the time of year and flows. This stretch is known for abundant numbers of native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout that eagerly eat attractor dry fly patterns throughout the summer months. Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout are also present with the occasional fish over 20” coming to the net.

Dry fly fishing with attractor-style fly patterns and big foam bugs is the preferred angling method as there are various Mayfly, Caddis, and Stonefly hatches throughout the prime season between July and August. This section of the river is widely regarded as the best Montana fly fishing during “hopper” season in mid-August.

The McConnell and Joe Brown boat ramps are managed by the USFS and typically pose no issues but at times can be difficult to back up a trailer due to sediment that loosens post-runoff. It is advised that floaters inspect ramps before use and that floaters mustn't miss the Joe Brown ramp as it is the last one before heading into the whitewater sections of Yankee Jim Canyon.

Corwin Springs to Carbella (approximately 10 miles):

The first half of this float is mellow with long glides and the occasional gravel bar. Below the Joe Brown boat ramp, the river quickly changes as it enters the narrow gorge that forms the top Yankee Jim Canyon which includes some class II-III rapids and requires a skilled oarsman to navigate; rafts are heavily encouraged on this stretch.

There are three main rapids to be cautious of when floating: Yankee Jim’s Revenge, Big Rock Rapid, and Boxcar Rapid. Keep in mind that the size and speed of the river are heavily dependent on the flows and time of year, floaters should understand how these changes affect the rapids through the canyon portion.

The river corridor narrows, and the canyon walls seemingly enclose anglers fishing this “fast and furious” few miles of river in a spectacular setting. Fishing here is best from mid-July to September, with dry fly fishing the main attraction, and is dominated by Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout populations.

Large boulders, canyon walls, and intricate currents here can provide a different but exciting experience versus that of traditional trout habitats.

The Cinnabar boat ramp, managed by USFS, is often well maintained but can change drastically from spring runoff conditions. This ramp is located just south of Corwin Springs FAS on the western side of the river. Carbella is a BLM-maintained concrete ramp just north of Tom Miner Bridge. The sediment around the ramp can still wash out but is an easy ramp to use.

Carbella to 26-Mile (approximately 9 miles):

The river widens downstream of Yankee Jim Canyon and is characterized by long glides and shallow riffles, all providing exceptional wild trout habitat. The Absaroka Mountain Range to the east and the Gallatin Mountains to the west provide one of the most stunning backdrops an angler will encounter while fly fishing in Montana.

Rainbow and Brown trout become more prevalent with some trophy trout caught every year by skilled anglers while streamer fly fishing the deepest sections. The section is filled with riffles, wooded banks, foam-lined seams, and productive shelves.

Dry fly fishing is best through the summer months with PMD dry fly patterns, Chubby Chernobyls, Stimulators, and Hopper patterns in late summer.

Nymph fishing is most productive in the early summer with Caddis larvae, Pat’s Rubberlegs, and mayfly emerger patterns. Streamer fly fishing is best in post-runoff during late June and once again in late Fall.

Carbella is a concrete ramp just north of Tom Miner Bridge and is maintained by the BLM. The sediment around the ramp can still wash out but this is an easy ramp to use. 26 Mile boat ramp is unmaintained and can be difficult to launch or take out a boat because of the steep bank that erodes from spring runoff. The ramp is useful as it provides a full day from Carbella or a half day down to Emigrant FAS.

Point of Rocks to Emigrant (approximately 12 miles):

Continuing through the scenic Paradise Valley, cottonwoods line the river bank providing excellent habitat for wildlife such as Moose and various birds of prey. Fly fishing Paradise Valley can be exceptional with dry flies from early July through October.

The Salmonfly hatch is popular in late June and provides some of the best “big bug” fly fishing in Montana on the Yellowstone River. Anglers fishing seams along the riverbank will find many Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Brown Trout using Chubby Chernobyl, Royal Wulff, and Purple Haze dry flies.

This float is a bit longer than some others and is typically best during the early season when the water is higher, in the late summer, rowers will typically have to row out of certain areas where the river's flow is slow and “froggy.”

This stretch has few obstacles and is relatively safe other than a diversion channel that appears on the river left about ⅔ into the float. There is a large dam located river left through a channel that is about 10 ft high and can be extremely dangerous. The entrance to the diversion channel is well-marked to warn floaters. This stretch is a great place for beginner rowers and anglers, that said, the Yellowstone changes each year from runoff. It is advised to refer to local fly shops about river conditions.

The Point of Rocks FAS boat launch is well maintained and easily navigated, on busy days the parking area can get overcrowded as it is small. There are two Emigrant FAS ramps, both on the river right, just above the Murphy Lane Bridge. These ramps can get washed out but they are located in areas where water is stagnant making it easier to retrieve a boat.

Grey Owl to Mallards (approximately 11 miles):

The “Bird Float” is an ideal stretch for novice anglers as an introduction to Yellowstone River fly fishing. The river meanders slowly through the heart of Paradise Valley with productive glides, runs, and gravel bars creating exceptional wild trout habitat. This is the best section of the Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley for beginner anglers to experience fly fishing in Montana on a guided day trip.

The gentle gradient, easy access points, and beautiful surroundings make this one of the most popular sections for floating the Yellowstone River with recreational crowds and anglers alike.

Dry fly fishing is always an option here whether it’s during early-season mayfly hatches, the post-runoff Salmonfly hatch, or hopper fishing in August. Nymph fishing and streamer fly fishing is best post-runoff and in the fall.

Anglers fishing the “Bird Float” should focus on achieving drag-free drifts of their flies along seams coming off the banks and boulders. These feeding lanes are productive year-round and hold good numbers of Rainbow, Brown, and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.

Grey Owl FAS ramp is a well-maintained concrete ramp, this area provides a large parking space and is popular among many floaters. Mallard’s Rest FAS ramp, located on river left, is a large concrete ramp that makes for an easy takeout. The parking area is large and there is a campground at this site as well.

Mallards to Pine Creek (approximately 4 miles):

Floating the Yellowstone River on this relatively short section gives anglers fishing in Paradise Valley access to a multitude of productive runs and riffles. This is a terrific choice for a mid-day or evening float for anglers and rowers with intermediate to advanced skills.

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout numbers are noticeably lower here than in the upper Paradise Valley, but Rainbow and Brown Trout numbers are solid with trophy trout holding in the deep runs along gravel bars and riffle edges.

Streamer fly fishing along rip-rap banks and defined drop-offs is a favorite among local anglers. Nymph fishing and dry fly fishing are consistent through foam-lined back eddies and along the deeper banks.

Side-channels and island structures are excellent areas for floating anglers to explore on foot while anchoring their boats.

Mallard’s Rest FAS ramp, located on river left, is a large concrete ramp that makes for an easy takeout. The parking area is big as this is also a popular campground area. Located on river left, the Pine Creek FAS is a long concrete ramp that is well maintained. Parking isn’t typically an issue here as there is a large lot and some street parking available for overflow.

Pine Creek to Carter’s Bridge (approximately 8 miles):

Floating the Yellowstone River here takes the angler fishing this legendary Montana river through a wide array of water types, exposing them to a diverse range of Montana fly fishing experiences through the course of a day.

The river’s character changes yearly through the runoff, creating new runs while washing away old favorites. Roiling hydraulics and mid-river obstacles can be a hazard during the post-runoff periods, making this stretch of the river best for experienced rowers in the early season. Once flows stabilize in mid-summer, less-skilled rowers and floaters can safely navigate this section.

A variety of water types are encountered along this stretch, making it a great choice for anglers of all skill levels and one of our Bozeman fly fishing guides' favorite sections of the river. There are ample opportunities for wade fishing riffles, pools, and runs through the upper portions of this section. The mouth of Nelson’s Spring Creek is a particularly popular angling spot for floating anglers to explore on foot.

Rainbow and Brown Trout are most prevalent in the lower sections of Paradise Valley. The valley walls begin to encroach upon the river, forming a relatively narrow gorge downstream of Carter’s Bridge where the Yellowstone River begins its journey across the plains of Montana.

Pine Creek FAS is a long concrete ramp that is well-maintained. Parking isn’t an issue here as there is a large lot and some street parking available for overflow. Carter’s Bridge FAS is located river right and is hard to miss as it is just north of the bridge. The concrete boat ramp is rarely used as there is a large, rocky beach that is more convenient for launch and takeout purposes.