Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 08/05/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River is running clear and cold from Gardiner through Paradise Valley and beyond. Recent cool nights have brought water temps back into a healthy range, keeping trout active and pushing strong dry fly windows well into the afternoon. With the usual August wind and occasional storms popping up in the afternoons, early starts are still the smart call, especially if you want to beat the heat and the traffic.
Dry fly fishing has been the main event this week. Hopper season is on, and fish are responding to big foam terrestrials with confidence. Grassy banks, midriver pockets, and shaded inside bends are all holding fish. A chubby or Sweetgrass hopper floated tight to cover is moving trout, and adding a flashy dropper. A size 14 or 16 perdigon underneath is a solid way to pick up bonus fish when the topwater bite slows. The bite’s not just on the edges either, those mid-river shelves and deeper tailouts have been productive with a good drift.
Nymphing remains consistent when the sun’s high or fish aren’t looking up. A Pat’s Rubberleg or Mega Prince up front, followed by a small tungsten nymph, is the ticket in deeper green water and slower buckets. Focus on seams, drop-offs, and slots where fish can tuck in and feed without working too hard.
All in all, the Yellowstone is in excellent shape and should fish well through the week. Hopper fishing will only get better from here, and those early starts are going to pay off big.
Additional Resources:
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing in August
Livingston Fly Fishing Guide to August
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
King Prince
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Gold Lightning Bug
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
Prince Nymph
Sweetgrass Hopper
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
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: 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