Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 05/17/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River has started dropping back into shape with the recent cold snap over the weekend, and the river should fish well again through the next several days until warmer weather returns.
Flows have backed off, clarity has improved, and fish are settling back into more normal holding water. Softer seams, buckets, and slower banks have all been producing again, especially during the afternoons once water temperatures come up a bit.
Nymphing has been the most consistent approach. Larger attractors like rubberlegs paired with smaller perdigons, lightning bugs, or pheasant tail-style nymphs have been getting eaten. Keeping flies down and fishing slower through the softer water has been the difference.
Streamer fishing has also improved with the better clarity. Olive, white, and black patterns fished tight to the banks and structure have been moving fish again, especially during cloud cover or lower light.
There have also been some caddis still around during the afternoons, and there should be a few opportunities for fish looking up as conditions continue to stabilize.
Additional Resources:
- Yellowstone River Fly Fishing In Spring
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tan Razor Caddis
Peacock Elk Hair Caddis
X caddis
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Prince Nymph
Olive Double Gonga
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Yellowstone River Fishing
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.
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