Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 11/05/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River is fishing well this week between Paradise Valley and Livingston. Clear water remains while morning temperatures dip into the 30s and afternoons climb into the upper 40s—conditions that are keeping trout active through late morning and into the afternoon.
Nymphing with patterns such as small stonefly-attractors, perdigons, and zebra midges have been working up front, especially in medium-depth runs and tailouts. Consider using a 9-foot fluorocarbon leader in 3X or 4X for most situations.
Streamer fishing is presenting good opportunity in the deeper runs and bank breaks. Natural-toned streamers in olive, tan or black—such as smaller sculpin and baitfish patterns—have been producing fish when cloud cover is sustained. A 5- to 6-foot leader in 1X or 0X fluorocarbon offers better handling of larger flies on this stretch.
Dry-fly activity is emerging as blue-winged olives and midges appear during the calmest afternoons. Having a few emerger or parachute dry flies in size 18-20 ready can pay off during these short windows of surface activity.
Overall, the Yellowstone River remains a strong late-season option. Solid nymph fishing leads the way, streamers are producing when conditions align, and early dry-fly chances are providing welcome variation for anglers around Bozeman.
Additional Resources:
- Yellowstone River Fly Fishing in the Fall
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Olive Double Gonga
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Olive Mini Dungeon
Prince Nymph
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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