Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Reports
Yellowstone River Report 8/27/2021
Current Conditions
The Yellowstone River fishing restrictions have been lifted. Anglers can now once again fish all day. Flows are still unseasonably low so check these good fishing handling/fighting tactics, Heat and Fish Handling.
The hopper bite has been strong and will continue into the first part of September. The afternoons have certainly produced the most fish on the surface. Fish are still mostly in and around the faster more oxygenated water. Juicy Hoppers, Morrish, Thunder Thighs have been our favorites. Streamer fishing has been good during overcast or rainy days and should remain solid in the mornings before switching to hoppers or even throughout the day now that water temperatures are much more ideal for trout. A Sex Dungeon in black or olive or a Goldie have been my go to streamers. Nymphing will always be a safe bet to pick up fish but there is no guarantee they will be trout. Pat's Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs and Caddis pupa have produced best on a double nymph rig while Perdigons have crushed below hoppers.
Fins & Feathers is a full-service Bozeman fly shop and Montana fly fishing outfitter. Yellowstone River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.
Upper Yellowstone River Webcam - Located above the river in Gardiner, Montana.
The Yellowstone could be good option this week with some good weather and relatively low winds. Nymphing with a pats rubberlegs, worms, zebra midges, baetis nymphs, and perdigons should bend the rod. Streamer fishing might be your best bet for a big boy though. Try and focus less on the banks and more on slow stripping the deeper buckets with a dark streamer. Keep an eye out for adult midges and bring some clusters for the fish up on them. It doesn't hurt throwing a peacock or black chubby in search of the fish looking up for the few skwalas that roam the Yellowstone River.
Recommended Guided Trips
Montana Fly Fishing Packages
Fins & Feathers of Bozeman’s Montana fly fishing packages offer convenience and value by bundling our guided services together with lodging options in Bozeman. Check out the example pricing - based on double occupancy in the rooms and with one of our Bozeman fly fishing guides. Email us or fill out our contact form to make a reservation and confirm availability.
Please note that availability is extremely limited during the summer, we strongly encourage you to make reservations sooner, rather than later. Our deposit policy is the "friendliest in the industry" in that we don't require payment ($1.00) at booking and all reservations can be cancelled - with no penalty up to 10 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
These rates are guaranteed until June 1, 2022 and are likely to increase as availability decreases in both rooms and our guides fly fishing services
Learn MoreFull-Day Guided Trip
Full Day guided fly-fishing trips are our standard offering and offer the best opportunity to truly get out and experience the fly-fishing opportunities around Bozeman that attract anglers from around the world
- Typical Full Day Trips Are 6-8 Hours in Duration
- 1-2 Anglers Maximum Per Guide/Boat
- Full Day Trips Are Generally Float Trips
- Full Day Trips Available on Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson rivers
- Drive Time Is Typically 30-60 Minutes Each Way
- Fishing Licenses and Gratuities Are Not Included
Fishing Licenses and Shuttle Info
Fins & Feathers is a full-service Bozeman fly shop and Montana fly fishing outfitter. Yellowstone River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.
For Yellowstone River Shuttles Contact:
B and G River Shuttle: (406) 223-0626
Digger Driver Shuttle: (406) 823-9238
Yellowstone River Overview
The Yellowstone River is the quintessential large western river and provides a unique Montana fly fishing opportunity with over 100 miles of quality, wild trout water. In fact, the Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48. There is every type of water to be found through its course, including the whitewater sections of Yankee Jim Canyon, the placid glides of Paradise Valley, and the long riffles of the lower sections near Big Timber.