Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 05/29/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River has started to bump again with the warm weekend weather, and flows are back on the rise heading into the next few days. The river is still fishable in a lot of sections right now, but conditions are changing quickly again.
Water clarity has held together surprisingly well so far, although the river is definitely carrying more color than it was earlier in the week. Fish are still feeding, but they are starting to slide back toward softer banks, slower shelves, and inside seams as flows continue building.
Nymphing has been the most productive approach. Rubberlegs, worm patterns, and heavier attractor-style nymphs paired with smaller perdigons or caddis nymphs underneath have been producing the most consistent fish. Adding a little extra weight has helped with the faster water and rising flows.
Streamer fishing has also been worthwhile with the added color in the river. Smaller olive, black, and white streamers fished tight to the banks have been moving fish, especially during lower light periods.
Additional Resources:
- Yellowstone River Fly Fishing In Spring
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Amber Jiggy Caddis Pupa
Peacock Elk Hair Caddis
Olive Double Gonga
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Prince Nymph
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Rainbow Warrior Jig
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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