Yellowstone River
river in Montana
Extremely versatile river known for large brown trout, native Yellowstone cutthroat, and massive insect hatches throughout the summer.
River flow last 30 days
Yellowstone River flow at 6970 cfs
- 01Yellowstone River flow at 6970 cfs, water temp 69°F.
- 02PMD and white miller caddis hatches daily.
- 03Fish can be selective on dries; subsurface patterns are key.
- 04Slough Creek (YNP) is the most productive go-to spot currently.
- 05Firehole and Madison Rivers fishing well with PMD/caddis activity.
Past reports week by week
4 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Zebra Midge
A mandatory winter staple on the Yellowstone. In February, midge larvae are the most abundant food source; fish these in black or red sizes 18-22 behind a heavier nymph.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
While stoneflies aren't hatching, the large nymphs are always present in the substrate. The tungsten version acts as a perfect 'anchor' to get your rig down to the bottom in heavy winter flows.
Buy at AmazonGriffith's Gnat
During the warmest part of the day, midges will cluster on the surface. This is your best and often only chance for dry fly action in February.
Pine Squirrel Leech
Large trout need high-calorie meals to justify moving in 33-degree water. A small, natural-colored leech dead-drifted or swung ultra-slow through deep runs can trigger aggressive takes.
Buy at AmazonRS2
A versatile emerger that mimics both Baetis and midges. It is highly effective as a trailing nymph or fished just under the film when fish are bulging at midge pupae.
Where to fish and who to ask
Carbella Access
The classic end-point for floats through the upper canyon section.
Emigrant Access
Easy access point near Emigrant with great wade fishing opportunities and boat launch.
Mallard's Rest Access
The quintessential 'Home Pool' for fly fishing in Paradise Valley.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Dan Bailey's
Yellowstone Angler Fly Shop
Sweetwater Fly Shop
Dan Bailey's Outdoor Company
Get Yellowstone River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Montana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Felt vs. Rubber Sole Wading Boots: What's Legal Where
Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Quick answers
Common questions about Yellowstone River.
What flies work best on Yellowstone River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Yellowstone River right now are Zebra Midge (85% confidence), Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs (80% confidence), Griffith's Gnat (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Yellowstone River?
Yellowstone River holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Mountain Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Yellowstone River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Yellowstone River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Yellowstone River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Yellowstone River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.