Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 02/06/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River has been seeing good and bad days throughout the week. Large sections are open and accessible, with some ice present along the edges depending on location. Snow has not been a major issue, but where you choose to fish has mattered.
Late morning through the afternoon has been the most productive window. Early hours have been slow, and the river has fished better once the day settles and temperatures come up. Wind has played a role, but timing has mattered more than anything else.
Nymphing has been the most effective approach. Fish have been holding deeper and responding to heavier, straightforward rigs. san juan worms, stonefly nymphs, and larger mayfly nymphs have been producing. Getting down has been critical, and lighter rigs have struggled.
Streamer fishing has been a viable secondary option. Larger streamers have moved fish during calmer or overcast periods, particularly in slower water. Results have varied, but it has been a reasonable way to cover water when conditions line up.
Dry fly fishing has been minimal. There has been little consistent surface activity, and it has not been something to plan around.
Overall, the Yellowstone River has offered solid fishing with a subsurface focus. Success has come from timing the day well, fishing deeper water, and adjusting to changing conditions rather than forcing a single approach.
Additional Resources:
- Yellowstone River Fly Fishing In Winter
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Prince Nymph
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Olive Double Gonga
Olive Mini Dungeon
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.
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