Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 11/17/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River has been having good and bad days. Mornings have been cold, but by late morning into the afternoon, things have warmed up enough to get trout moving. With a mix of wind and weather, covering water and fishing the slower pools has been the most consistent way to find fish.
Nymphing has been the best way to find fish. Smaller stonefly attractors, perdigons, and zebra midges have been solid choices, along with lightning bugs and pheasant tails. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X is a good setup for most water, and adding a bit of extra weight helps get your flies down in the deeper runs.
Streamer fishing has been productive during cloudy afternoons. Mini dungeons, sparkle minnows, and goldies in olive, tan, or black are all worth trying, especially through deeper stretches and near structure. A shorter 5- to 6-foot leader of heavier fluorocarbon (1X or 0X) gives better turnover for these larger flies.
Dry-fly fishing has been limited but not gone. Blue-winged olives and midges are still coming off in light numbers, and a few fish have been rising in slower water and side channels during calm afternoons. Keep a few small parachutes or emergers in sizes 18–20 handy just in case.
The Yellowstone has been a solid choice for mid-November. Focus on the afternoons once the water warms up, fish low and steady with nymphs, and be ready to switch to streamers when clouds move in. It’s a good time to enjoy the river before winter fully sets in.
Additional Resources:
- Yellowstone River Fly Fishing in the Fall
- Bozeman Fly Fishing In November
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Olive Mini Dungeon
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Olive Double Gonga
Prince Nymph
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