Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Date: 02/17/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Yellowstone River has been fishing decent, with some day-to-day swings. One day can be solid, the next a little slower depending on wind and temperature. Cold mornings have kept early activity down, so timing has mattered more than usual.
Late morning into mid-afternoon has been the better window. Once the sun has been on the water for a few hours, fish have been more willing to eat. If the wind stays reasonable, the fishing improves.
Nymphing has been the most consistent approach. A pat’s rubberlegs paired with a zebra midge or small baetis nymph has been producing. San juan worms have also worked, especially after colder nights. Fish are holding in deeper runs and slower water. Getting down and keeping drifts short has made more difference than changing patterns.
Streamer fishing has had its moments, particularly on overcast days. Smaller sculpin or leech patterns fished slow and close to the bottom have moved fish, but it has not been consistent enough to plan the whole day around.
Dry fly activity has been limited. A few midges have shown up during the warmest part of the afternoon, but surface windows have been short.
Overall, the Yellowstone is fishing decent if you plan around the warmest part of the day and stay patient. Some days have simply been better than others.
Additional Resources:
- Yellowstone River Fly Fishing In Winter
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Prince Nymph
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Coffee/Black Restless Stone
Tungsten Jigged Prince
Olive Double Gonga
Olive Mini Dungeon
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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