Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 06/26/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River is fishing exceptionally well, and the salmonflies have fully popped.
Fish are looking toward the banks throughout much of the river above Livingston, and this is one of those times when a single big dry fly is all that's needed. Salmonfly patterns like the rogue stone, water walker, flush floater, and chubby chernobyl have all been producing aggressive eats.
Green drakes are also in the mix, keeping fish looking up well beyond the peak salmonfly activity. If fish start refusing the larger bugs, downsizing to a yellow sally or green drake pattern can keep the action going.
For anglers looking to pick up a few extra fish, a pat's rubberlegs fished a few feet below a salmonfly pattern has still been productive. That said, many anglers are choosing to fish a single dry fly while the hatch is going strong.
The Yellowstone is in outstanding shape right now. Low, clear water, salmonflies, and trout willing to eat on the surface make this one of the best times of the year to be on the river.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To June
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Salmonfly Supafly Stone
Olive Double Gonga
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Prince Nymph
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
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