The Yellowstone River has spiked in flows for the time being, expect the cooler weather to slow the process of snow melt and cause the flows to drop back down again through this week. The fishing can be good as the water clears and drops. 

Fishing Yellowstone is starting to take shape, especially on the warmer days when the wind is light. The trout's metabolic rate increases as we head into spring and this can be a good time of year to find some trophy trout in the Yellowstone. When the winds are strong, opting for wading or fly fishing the tail-waters like the Madison River or Missouri River are typically the better options. Look at some of our other Bozeman fishing reports to see how these areas are fishing. 

If you decide to fish the Yellowstone, fishing near Yankee Jim Canyon, south of Emigrant, MT, can be solid for the wade angler. For anglers who decide for float fishing, floating above Carter's Bridge to Emigrant are good stretches to look at. Below Livingston, the fishing can be good around Springdale as long as the Shields is running clear. Nymph fishing is the best method since it allows you to get your flies deep to where the fish are holding. Montana classics like Pat's Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs, Zebra Midges, and small Baetis imitations. 

Dry fly fishing has been productive when the wind is down. With the overcast this week, look for a few trout rising to Midges and BWOs on the surface through Paradise Valley, south of Livingston, Montana. Look behind large rocks on the bank where bugs can pile up in large numbers. Try using a Griffiths Gnat or a smaller Parachute Adams.

Whenever you are fly fishing the Yellowstone River, or fishing in Montana in general, it is always smart to check the weather before heading out to ensure safety while out near water this time of year. Call the fly shops in Bozeman, Montana, or Livingston, Montana to make sure there isn't any ice floating down the river.

Yellowstone National Park fishing is closed for the season, make sure you are outside of park boundaries until the season opens again. When YNP is open to fishing you are required to have a Yellowstone National Park fishing license if you are within the boundaries.

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.