Yellowstone River Fishing Report

Yellowstone River Fishing Report

7/3/2026

We've never seen a Yellowstone River so fishable, so early.  If you were lucky enough to be out the last couple of weeks, the opportunities for the Big Bug was very real.

Float if you can, be sure to fish your lines well. Those fish are active and there are a lot of bugs out there right now.

Caddis, PMD's, Green Drakes, and a few Goldenstones still lingering around.

Your main Dry Fly window will be 10 am to 2 pm ish.

Nymphing is going to be good all day.  They aren't always as tight to the bank as you'd think.

Streamer fishing can be a solid way to start your morning before the bugs start to move around.

Dries: Henry's Fork Golden Stone #10, Water Walker (Yellow) #10, Chubby Chernobyl (Royal, Purple and Royal, Tan, Golden) #10, Parachute Adams (Gray, Copper) #16-18, PMD DOA #16, Elk Hair Caddis (Tan) #14-18, Cornfed (Tan or Yellow) #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. 

Even the NY Times has caught wind of the growth of women in the fly fishing industry.Gain the skills to fish confidently on your own in our Montana Women’s Fly Fishing School. 

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.