Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 04/17/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River is still a bit hit or miss right now, but it’s fishable below Livingston and worth a look if you pick your water.
Flows are up and there’s some color, so fish aren’t spread everywhere. Most of them are holding along softer banks, inside bends, and any slower water off the main current. If it looks fast, it probably isn’t worth your time.
Nymphing has been the most consistent approach. Worm patterns are still part of the mix with the added color, paired with baetis nymphs or pheasant tails underneath. It’s more about getting your flies in the right spots and keeping them down than dialing in anything too specific.
Streamer fishing has been a good option with the color in the river. Fish are willing to move, especially tight to the banks and along structure. Slowing things down has been better than covering water too fast.
Dry fly fishing has been limited. There are a few BWOs around, but not enough to build a day around right now.
The Yellowstone isn’t the easiest option at the moment, but if you stay on the softer water and fish it right, you can put a day together.
Additional Resources:
- Yellowstone River Fly Fishing In Spring
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In April
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Prince Nymph
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Olive Mini Dungeon
Olive Double Gonga
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
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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