Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 09/02/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River is fishing great, after the recent mud plug passed through from the Lamar Valley. Water clarity has cleared up and has a nice green tint, giving the fish a nice reset. Early mornings remain the most productive time of day, both for visibility and fish activity. For anglers fishing the upper stretches from the point of rocks to Emmigrant, be wary of low flows if fishing from a drift boat, and plan accordingly
Terrestrial fishing is still very much in play. Hoppers and ants are getting attention along the banks, particularly in the softer edges and foam lines. Pairing a big dry with a small dropper nymph, something like a lightning bug or perdigon, has been a consistent producer, even when the water is off-color.
For those leaning on subsurface tactics, nymphing is picking up the slack where dries fall short. Stonefly patterns are fishing well right now, a pats rubberleg, mega prince, or heavy beadhead with a dark profile, all are great choices for getting something down fast that trout can still find with ease in off-color water. Trout are hugging the bottom in many stretches, so make sure your rig is getting down and staying there. Slower, deliberate presentations are key when visibility drops.
There’s not much in the way of hatch activity right now, which is typical as summer winds down. You might see a few caddis or small mayflies on cooler, overcast days, but don’t expect much surface action outside the terrestrial window. Most fish are feeding subsurface.
Streamers have still been moving a few fish in the right water, but with reduced clarity, it’s best to stick to cleaner edges or wait until the afternoon sun improves visibility. Olive, black, and white patterns fished tight to structure might turn some heads, especially if water conditions start to improve later this week.
Additional Resources:
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing in September
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide to September
Livingston Fly Fishing Guide to September
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Olive Mini Dungeon
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Golden Morrish Hopper
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
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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