Yellowstone River
MT
•
River
About Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River in Montana offers a vast and productive fishery for anglers targeting cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout. This extensive river is best fished from a boat due to its width and depth, with numerous access points and boat launches available, particularly between Carbella and Livingston. Late summer is a prime time, as the water clears and sets the stage for excellent hopper fishing conditions, especially in areas like Paradise Valley. A 9-foot 5-weight rod is ideal for dry flies and small nymphs, while a 6-weight with a sink tip is recommended for larger offerings.
Yellowstone River Hatch Chart
Loading active hatches…
Quick Actions
Trip Planning
Best fishing typically occurs during summer. Check water conditions before heading out.
See what insects are emerging on Yellowstone River's hatch forecast — including active hatches, water temperatures, and which patterns to have in your box this month.
Get IdentaFly on your phone
Hatch forecasts, river gages, fly scanning, and your journal — built for on-stream use. Be prepared before you get to the water. Free on the App Store and Google Play.
Conditions Report
Read tips and insights about recent conditions for Yellowstone River — gathered from on line sources.
Read the Conditions ReportWater conditions (USGS)
Water conditions for the last 7 days. You can gain insights to fishing activity based on these conditions, like water temperature and flow.
Data sourced from USGS National Water Information System
Access
Seasons
Terrain
Water
Fish Species
Cutthroat
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout