Yellowstone River Fishing Report

Yellowstone River Fishing Report

9/25/26

The Yellowstone is settling into fall conditions. Recent rain has added some color, but the river is clearing quickly and looking good. Cooler mornings mean there’s no need to rush out at first light right now. Let things warm up and look for the best dry-fly activity later in the morning and into the afternoon.

Hoppers and ants are still worth having on warmer, sunny days, but the focus is shifting toward smaller fall bugs. Baetis are becoming more important, and nymphing should remain productive throughout the day.

Nymphing should be productive throughout the day, with Rubberlegs, Perdigons, Princes, and various jig-style patterns worth having in the box. Streamers are also a great option, especially early in the day. Olive, black, white, and natural baitfish patterns are all worth a shot.

Dries are still in the mix, with Nocturnal Stones, Golden Stones, hoppers, ants, caddis, Green Drakes, PMDs, and Spruce Moths all worth keeping an eye out for.

Dries: Chubby Chernobyl (Purple, Royal Tan) #10-14, Morrish Hopper (Tan, Pink) #10-14, Parachute Ant #14-18, BWO #18-20, Parachute Adams #16-20, Brindlechute #14-18, Elk Hair Caddis (Tan) #14-18

Nymphs: Pat's Rubber Legs (black/brown, coffee, olive, black) #8-12, Perdigon (Hollow Point, Pearl, any color Lite Brite) #16-18, Soft Hackle Lightning Bug (silver, gold) #14-16, Galloup's UV Pupa (Olive, Tan) #16, Primetime Pupa (Tan) #16, BH Pheasant Tail CDC #14-16, Duracell (Black, Brown) #16

Streamers: Kill Whitey's, Barely Legal's, Sex Dungeon's, Silk Kitty's, Sculpzilla, Sparkle Minnows and Li'l Kim

New to the Yellowstone? Head over to our shop in Big Sky or reach out to us for information about trips with our experienced guide staff, up to date fishing advice, and the right tips to get you on the water and finding fish.

Want to fish the Yellowstone summer 2023? We're ready to book trips for 2023, just give us a call at the shop. 406-995-2290

Our Fly Fishing Guide School  has helped lots of anglers achieve their dream of being a fishing guide. With schools throughout the spring and fall, there is likely a week of fishing that will fit your schedule. Check out our Montana Fishing Guide School to become a more rounded fisherperson or to jump-start your career in this amazing industry. 

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Thanks for checking out our Montana fly fishing report for the Yellowstone River Fishing Report brought to you from beautiful Big Sky, Montana. Also serving Bozeman, Ennis, West Yellowstone, Belgrade, and Livingston, Montana.