Yellowstone River Fishing Report

This Yellowstone River fishing report is valid from January 31 until the first extended warm spell, which based on current forecasts might not happen until late February.

Fishing is limited right now due to cold and ice (after today, below freezing temps are forecast until mid-February at least). Stick to areas immediately downstream of spring creeks or the 500 yards of water between the bridge in Gardiner and the mouth of the Gardner River.

Nymphing with midge pupae, slender mayflies, maybe eggs and San Juan Worms, and midsize rubberleg stonefly nymphs or dead-drifted streamers like Zirdles is the most likely option. Some midday midge hatches are possible on calm, cloudy days near or above freezing. Unfortunately, none of these are forecast…

  • Hatches: Both #18 to #22 midges.
  • Dry Flies: #16–22 single midges, midge clusters like Griffith’s Gnats, or tiny purple mayfly-style attractors. Don’t fish dries unless you see fish rising.
  • Nymphs & Wets: #18 Zebra Midge, #18 WD-40, #18 Perdigons, #8 brown Girdle Bugs, #10 TJ Hooker.
  • Streamers: Small Zirdles and Woolly Buggers fished on a dead-drift. We really need warmer weather for swinging.

Learn more about fishing the Yellowstone River (in Montana).

Info about our float trips, a majority of which take place on the Yellowstone.

Info about our Montana walk & wade trips, which in winter and early spring take place on the Yellowstone.

Yellowstone River Fishing Report – Relevant Links

Note: We update our general fishing report far more often than our fishery-specific reports like this one, especially in the winter.

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