Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 04/11/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The weather cools off a bit for the weekend on Montana’s Yellowstone River before quickly shaping back up early next week. This weekend is calling for some rain and snow but there is still definitely some fishable weather. Nymphing has been hot as well as the streamer bite lately. We are starting to see some fishing rising as well to Midges and an occasional Blue Wing Olive.
Nymphing the obvious deeper holes has really been producing. We have been having luck fishing a tandem nymph rig. A Pat’s Rubber Leg has been the hot top fly but a worm is also worth a shot. Below that Zebra Midges, small flashy Peridgons, and Lighting Bugs have been the ticket. Make sure to add some split shot about a foot above the top fly to make sure those flies are getting into the “zone” quickly.
Streamer fishing can be at its very best this time of year on the Yellowstone River. We have been having luck fishing slightly smaller streamers slowly through the deeper runs. Some go to patterns have been Peanut Envys, Mini Dungeons, and Sculpzillas. White has been the hot color but if some thick clouds roll in we will switch to olive or black.
You can check current water clarity through a handful of webcams in the area,here is a link to one that our Bozeman fly fishing guides watch
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Black Zebra Midge
Yellowstone River Fishing
The Yellowstone River is a 600-mile-long river in Montana that originates in Yellowstone National Park. The river offers world-class trout fishing opportunities and flows through breathtaking mountain landscapes with cottonwood-lined banks. Anglers can enjoy diverse fishing experiences, ranging from the whitewater of Yankee Jim Canyon to the peaceful glides near Livingston and the broad riffles near Big Timber.
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