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.
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.
Note: We update our general fishing report far more often than our fishery-specific reports like this one, especially between November and April.
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