Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 10/08/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River is fishing well right now. Water clarity is good across most of the river, and stable flows have kept things consistent. Cooler weather and shorter days have helped water temps, and trout are feeding steadily through the afternoons.
Nymphing has been the most reliable way to find fish. Large stonefly attractors and rubberlegs have been solid lead flies, followed by smaller droppers like perdigons, prince nymphs, or zebra midges. Fishing these rigs through the deeper runs and along the seams has been productive, especially when the sun is high and fish are staying close to the bottom.
Streamer fishing has been good this week. Fishing a 7-weight setup paired with a heavier sinking line in the 250-grain range has been effective for covering water and keeping flies down. Black and olive have been the colors to stick with. Patterns like the double gonga in olive and the full-size sex dungeon in black have been turning some nice fish in deeper buckets and around structure. Mornings and cloudy days have been the best windows to find a few aggressive fish.
Dry fly fishing has been slow, with only a few BWOs and small mayflies showing up on calm or overcast afternoons. It’s not enough to build a hatch around yet, but worth keeping a couple small parachutes or emergers handy if you see fish rising in softer water.
Overall, the Yellowstone River is in great shape. Nymphs will keep rods bent, and streamer fishing is only getting better with the cooler weather and lower light. It’s a good time to be on the river before the full push of fall sets in.
Additional Resources:
- Yellowstone River Fly Fishing in the Fall
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Olive Mini Dungeon
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
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: 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