Fishing Report Updated July 1, 2022
This Yellowstone River fishing report is valid from July 1 through July 7.
The Yellowstone River is now falling out of the spring runoff, but it isn’t there yet. We plan to run our first trip here sometime between July 5 and July 7. We will almost certainly be nymphing deep with stonefly and large attractor nymphs or fishing streamers under indicators. Salmonflies may be popping, but the river will still be high and dirty enough that the fish will be feeding subsurface rather than on top.
Look for the next report around July 8 when we see how the river is shaping up.
Note that many boat ramps on the Yellowstone are still either closed or only available for walk-in access. This will mean it’s important to get creative on your float routes until more ramps open in a couple weeks. Either plan to float long and skip secondary water or float short and get out to wade-fish some hot spots.
Learn more about fishing the Yellowstone River (in Montana).
Learn more about our float trips, a majority of which take place on the Yellowstone.
Yellowstone River Fishing Report – Relevant Links
- Lamar River, Gardner River, and Shields River streamflow data: Sudden flow spikes in these waters will bring mud into the Yellowstone, the Gardner first.
- Corwin Springs streamflow data: Keep an eye on this graph. Sudden spikes the day before or even the morning you plan to fish can catch you on this section.
- Livingston Streamflow Data: Flows under 6000cfs on this graph mean this stretch is safe to float.
- Springdale and Big Timber streamflow data (east of Livingston): watch for water temps over 70 degrees on these waters.
- Gardiner, Corwin Springs, Emigrant, Livingston, Big Timber, and Columbus weather forecasts. Watch the wind speeds and avoid floating Livingston-Columbus when east winds are forecast.
- Gardiner Webcam This raft company webcam gives a good sense of Yellowstone River level and clarity for the Upper River.