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Yellowstone River Fishing Report

Date: 12/06/2024
Posted by: Toby Swank

Fishing has been solid this week on the Yellowstone River with some very nice December weather. Temps cool off again to start next week so get out there in the next few days if you can! Anglers have been doing well nymphing close to Livingston, Carters Bridge has some good nymph runs you can access.

Set your nymph rig up with the indicator set around 5’ with a red worm or small stonefly nymph to a small perdigon or midge nymph. A red Zebra Midge or a Rainbow Warrior perdigon in size 16-18 are some favorites. Fish are moving to the winter holding water which is slow deep runs and pools. Make sure to add some split shot to ensure getting down quick.



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. 

Yellowstone River Fishing Report Streamflow

Click to enlarge

Flows

-999999 CFS
On 2024-12-6

							  San Juan Worm in red is a standard Montana fly fishing pattern for dirty water conditions.

Red San Juan Worm

							  Rubberlegs coffee black

Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs

							  Streamer fly fishing in Montana with Mini Dungeons is productive throughout the state.

Olive Mini Dungeon

							  Zebra Midge Black Copper

Black Zebra Midge

Experience Yellowstone River fishing with our team of Bozeman fly fishing guides. We have been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips on the river between Yankee Jim Canyon and Columbus MT for over two decades.

Experienced anglers fishing with our guides can expect to cover a diverse range of water types using a variety of fly fishing techniques on day trips tailored to their skills and interests.

The novice or first-time angler will quickly improve their skills with patient instruction while immersed in the spectacle of Big Sky Country.


  • $695 for 1 or 2 Anglers Per Guide
  • Float Trips With Wading Opportunities
  • Use of All Fishing Equipment Is Included
  • Single And Multi-Day Trip Bookings Available
  • Meet In Bozeman, Livingston, Emigrant, Or Big Timber
  • Book Online or Contact Us To Learn More

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.