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Montana Fly Fishing Near Livingston in Fall

Fall MT Flyfishing Near Livingston

Fall is one of the best times of the year to fly fish near Livingston. The Yellowstone River has lower, clearer flows, and brown trout become more aggressive. Wind is still part of life in Paradise Valley, but fall generally brings more stable fishing conditions and longer stretches of fishable water.

The Yellowstone River near Livingston fishes well throughout the fall, especially from September into October. Cooler water temperatures keep trout feeding during the day, and brown trout begin to move and become more aggressive as the season progresses. Both floating and wade fishing are good options, with anglers focusing on softer runs, seams, and deeper holding water as flows continue to drop.

Cloudy days can bring out BWO's, while brighter days are often better suited for nymphing or streamer fishing. You don’t need to move constantly—fishing a good section thoroughly often produces better results than covering miles of river.

Paradise Valley’s spring creeks also shine in the fall. Depuy’s Spring Creek remains clear and consistent, offering reliable fishing even when the Yellowstone is windy or conditions are changing. Trout feed predictably during the fall, and anglers willing to fish carefully can find steady action right up until the first hard freezes.

Fall fly fishing near Livingston is about flexibility and timing. With access to the Yellowstone River and nearby spring creeks, anglers can adjust plans based on weather and river conditions. When everything lines up, fall offers some of the most consistent fishing of the year with fewer anglers on the water.

Fall Highlights

  • Consistent fishing on the Yellowstone River near Livingston
  • Aggressive brown trout activity during September and October
  • Reliable fall fishing on Depuy’s Spring Creek
  • Productive midday fishing windows as water temperatures cool

Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro Tip:

In the fall, let conditions guide your approach. Start later in the morning, fish methodically, and don’t rush good water. Cloudy days favor lighter rigs and dry flies, while clear afternoons are often best for nymphs or streamers as trout key in on bigger meals.



Explore Livingston Fly Fishing In Fall


										Yellowstone River fishing with the Crazy Mountains in the background

Yellowstone River

Fall on the Yellowstone River brings cooler water, fewer anglers, and aggressive brown trout. Flows drop, clarity improves, and fish hold along banks and deeper runs. Streamers and nymphs fish well, with cloudy afternoons often producing the most consistent action throughout Paradise Valley in autumn.

										Success while fly fishing on Depuy's Spring Creek.

Depuy's Spring Creek

Depuy’s Spring Creek fishes consistently in the fall, with clear water and steady trout feeding throughout the day. Cooler temperatures reduce pressure, and fish focus on midges and mayflies. Precise presentations matter, but calm afternoons can offer excellent dry fly opportunities for patient anglers here.

										Lower madison river fishing 32

Lower Madison

Just over the hill from Livingston, the Lower Madison River offers stable flows, active trout, and excellent access near Ennis and Bozeman. As water cools, fish feed heavily on nymphs and emergers. Cloudy days improve dry fly chances, while streamer fishing picks up as brown trout grow aggressive seasonally.


Livingston Fly Fishing Trips in Fall

Avoiding the wind is still one of the biggest considerations when fly fishing near Livingston in the fall. Paradise Valley is known for afternoon winds, so our Bozeman fly fishing guides often plan days around the weather. Floating the Yellowstone River through the town stretches or the lower portions of Paradise Valley offers consistent fishing and flexibility for anglers of all experience levels.

Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Bozeman fly fishing trips near Livingston for over two decades. In the fall, our guided trips focus on adjusting daily plans to weather, water conditions, and fish behavior. Brown trout become more aggressive this time of year, and both nymphing and streamer fishing can be productive depending on the day.

Our guides tailor each day to current conditions, helping anglers make the most of the Yellowstone River during one of the most dynamic times of the season.

Reservations for guided fly fishing trips near Livingston can be secured online, via e-mail, or by calling 406-468-5019. Contact Us if you’d like help planning a fall fly fishing trip in Livingston, Montana.


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