Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 08/05/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River is fishing well. Early mornings have been the best time to be on the water, especially with warm afternoons and hoot owl restrictions in place below Livingston.
A dry-dropper is hard to beat right now. Fish a tan or purple chubby chernobyl with an olive, black, or silver perdigon underneath. If fish aren't eating on top, add weight before changing flies and work the deeper runs.
There are plenty of fish looking up. Hoppers, ants, caddis, and a few tricos are all bringing fish to the surface, but the dropper is still doing most of the work once the sun gets higher.
The Yellowstone is back to being one of the better freestone options in the area. Get an early start, watch the afternoon heat, and plan around the current hoot owl restrictions.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Report | August 2026 Montana Conditions
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Circus Peanut Water Walker
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Tan/Yellow Mini Masked Avenger
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Olive Double Gonga
Prince Nymph
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Rainbow Warrior Jig
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.
Additonal Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Resources
Yellowstone River Guided Fly Fishing Trips
Post Date: 03/29/2025
The Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48, offers one of the most dynamic fly fishing experiences in Montana. From the upper river sections near Yellowstone National...
Learn MoreMontana River Shuttles
Post Date: 03/29/2025
River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...
Learn MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...
Learn MoreArea Map of Yellowstone River Fly Fishing in Montana
Realted Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
The Ultimate Guide To Yellowstone River Fly Fishing
Post Date: 04/01/2025
From its headwaters in Yellowstone National Park to the eastern plains of Montana, the Yellowstone River fly fishing opportunites for anglers of all skill levels are as diverse as the...
Read Article
Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing: Paradise Awaits
Post Date: 03/02/2024
The Yellowstone River, Montana's crown jewel, offers diverse fly fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels. This angler's guide explores fly fishing Paradise Valley on six popular stretches, highlighting...
Read Article
Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
Summer fly-fishing the lower Yellowstone River
Post Date: 08/14/2023
The lower Yellowstone River is full of character with long runs, deep pools, bedrock ledges, rocky outcroppings, skinny riffles, and mid-river gravel bars that change throughout the year....
Read Article