Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 11/26/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River has been in good shape this week, with the best fishing showing up once the day warms a bit. Early mornings are still pretty slow with the colder weather, but by late morning and into the afternoon the river has been offering steady fishing through Paradise Valley and into Livingston. Water clarity is solid and overall conditions are stable for this time of year.
Nymphing has been the most consistent approach. Smaller stonefly patterns, attractor nymphs, and perdigons are all producing in the deeper runs and softer edges. Behind those, zebra midges, pheasant tails, and little green machines have been picking up fish. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X works well across most sections, using 4X fluorocarbon from the first fly to the second.
Streamer fishing has been worthwhile during cloudy stretches. Patterns such as baby gongas, kreelex, slumpbusters, or smaller sculpin-style flies have been moving fish in the deeper parts of the river and along structure. A short 5–6 foot leader of heavier fluorocarbon (1X or 0X) gives better turnover with those patterns.
Dry-fly opportunities are limited but still showing up. Light numbers of BWOs and midges have been appearing on the warmer afternoons, and a few trout have been rising in slower holding water or along side channels. Carry a couple size 16–18 emergers or parachutes if you want to be ready for those small windows.
The Yellowstone is a dependable late-season option right now. Plan on fishing later in the day, lean on nymphs for steady results, and keep a streamer rod ready for when clouds roll through the valley.
Additional Resources:
- Yellowstone River Fly Fishing in the Fall
- Bozeman Fly Fishing In November
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Olive Mini Dungeon
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Olive Double Gonga
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
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.
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