August 1, 2023 Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 08/01/2023
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River has been fishing very well thus far during the summer of 2023 – which is encouraging news a year after the historic floods of 2022. We have seen some remarkable fish being caught post-runoff while also finding good numbers of trout in a wide range of sizes, among all of the primary species.
We are now in hoper season on the Yellowstone and the fishing has been good, despite the warm temperatures, throughout most of the river. Hopper or hopper/dropper rigs are finding fish in the fast water, long glides, and skinny riffles right now throughout Paradise Valley, Livingston, and east of town as well. Golden colored foam hoppers such as the Moorish and Thunder Thigh in sizes 10-12 have been reliable for us the last few days. In addition to hoppers, the nocturnal stones are out as well and various hopper patterns work well to imitate these. Tan hoppers such as the MFC Foam Hopper or Grand Hopper and light-colored Water Walkers represent both hoppers and nocturnal stones very well. It is early in the “hopper bite” season, so fishing the right water is more important right now than actual pattern and color.
Hoppers get the fish looking up this time of the year as subsurface insect activity is slowing down. If the hopper bite is slow, try switching to a smaller dry such as a Purple Parawulff or small Stimulator and focus on the slower water and inside bends.
We offer Yellowstone River guided fly-fishing trips throughout the year and float the river from the top of Paradise Valley, all the way to Columbus, Montana at different times of the year. You can book with us online or through e-mail.
The Yellowstone River can go off-color quite quickly during the summer months following heavy rains in Yellowstone National Park and Paradise Valley. You can check current water clarity through handful of webcams in the are, here is link to one that we check regularly.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Yellowstone River Fishing
The Yellowstone River is a 600-mile-long river in Montana that originates in Yellowstone National Park. The river offers world-class trout fishing opportunities and flows through breathtaking mountain landscapes with cottonwood-lined banks. Anglers can enjoy diverse fishing experiences, ranging from the whitewater of Yankee Jim Canyon to the peaceful glides near Livingston and the broad riffles near Big Timber.
Read our "Yellowstone River Fishing Guide" for a detailed overview of fly fishing the Yellowstone River in Montana. This is a great resource for anglers fishing near Bozeman Montana and details the various river stretches and seasonal hatches with tips from our Bozeman fly fishing guides on Yellowstone River fly fishing.