Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 04/17/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Going to be some tough fishing the next few days on Montana’s Yellowstone River. It's snowing today and the water has gotten quite dirty. We'd recommend one of our other rivers right now but if you're in the area and want to do some fishing, nymphing will be your best bet. If you are looking for a few nicer fish over quantity of fish, throwing streamers could turn up a few nice fish.
For your nymph rig set up a tandem fly set up. A large red Worm or a dark Pat’s Rubber Leg make for great flies in dirty water. Below that a dark or very flashy Perdigon, Zebra Midge, or Prince Nymph should also get the job done. Slow moving water closer to the banks will be holding the most fish right now.
If streamers is more your speed try fishing a large black fly like a Sex Dungeon, Kill Whitey, or a Gonga. You'll likely find most of your streamer fish sitting close to the bank in slower moving water. If dark colors aren't working sometimes going really flashy in the dirty water can get the job done as well.
You can check current water clarity through a handful of webcams in the area,here is a link to one that our Bozeman fly fishing guides watch
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Black Zebra Midge
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.
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: Yellowstone River Information
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: Yellowstone River Information
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: Montana Rivers, Yellowstone River Information
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