Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 08/08/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River has been fishing well overall, with day-to-day changes. Overnight lows in the 40s have kept water temperatures in the safe, mid-60s range through much of the day, with clarity running clear and green. The cooler nights have extended prime dry-fly windows well into the afternoon, though early starts remain the smart move to beat both the midday sun and the afternoon winds that are typical in August.
Hopper season is fully engaged, with trout showing aggressive takes on large foam patterns. Grassy cutbanks, shaded inside turns, and mid-river shelves are all holding fish. Productive patterns this week have been chubby chernobyls in gold or pink, sweetgrass hoppers, and panty dropper hoppers. When the surface bite slows, a size 14–16 Perdigon or tungsten frenchie as a dropper has been picking up fish, especially along mid-river seams and tailouts.
Subsurface action remains consistent during bright, mid-day hours. A pat’s rubberleg or mega prince followed by a smaller tungsten beadhead nymph is effective in deeper green buckets and along drop-offs. Seams and soft edges adjacent to faster runs are producing well, especially where fish can hold without expending much energy.
With water temps staying healthy and flows stable, the Yellowstone should continue to fish well through the coming week. The hopper bite is likely to strengthen as August progresses, and early morning floats will remain the best bet for steady action before afternoon wind picks up.
Additional Resources:
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing in August
Livingston Fly Fishing Guide to August
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
King Prince
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Gold Lightning Bug
Prince Nymph
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Sweetgrass Hopper
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