About 30 minutes from Bozeman, the Yellowstone River is the last major undammed river in the Lower 48 and flows 671 miles. Starting in Yellowstone National Park, it flows through Paradise Valley and Livingston, eventually catching up to the Missouri River before making its way to the Atlantic Ocean. The Yellowstone River is know for its excellent fly fishing and river access.
The Yellowstone can be a tricky one as we move into the winter season, as the fishing tends to switch readily between hot and cold. Nymphing small Baetis patterns and midges will be productive. Pairing a smaller offering with a larger bug (buggers, sculpins), whether slowly stripped, or fished under an indicator will be another highly productive method. Dry fly fishing can be hit or miss. Look for rising fish in the slow water on the edges and corners. Small Blue Winged Olive and Midge patterns are the go-to’s. Large streamers are a popular option this time of year, although time and dedication play a large part in success with this method. Be sure to keep an eye out for redds and spawning fish. Make sure to admire from afar, as stressing these fish can create diminished returns for new recruitment. Also be sure to avoid walking on, downstream, or immediately above the redds to avoid damaging the eggs.
Parawulff Dennis BWO (16-20), Thorax BWO (18-20), Parachute Adams (14-20), Purple Haze (16-20), Sparkle Dun (16-20), Film Critic BWO (16-20), Smoke Jumper (16-20), Ext. Body BWO (16-20), Imp. Sparkle Dun Baetis (14-20), Griffith’s Gnat (16-20), UV Sparkle Midge (18-20)
Woolly Bugger (4-12), Yellow Cone Head Madonna (2-4), Tan El Sculpito(2), Sculpin/Royal Sparkle Minnow (6-8), Olive/Black/White Sculpzilla (4-8), Olive Circus Peanut (2-4), Olive/Black/Yellow Dungeon (2), Olive/Natural Mini Dungeon (4-6), Olive Articulated Trombone (2-4), Olive/Black/Rainbow Gonga (2), Olive/Rainbow Mini Gonga (6-8), Olive/Black Dragon (2), Olive/Black Mini Dragon (6-8), Olive Flash Fry (6)
Pat’s Rubber Legs (8-12), Pheasant Tail (14-20), Juju Beatis (16-20), Hare’s Ear (14-20), Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear (14-18) Purple Lightning Bug (14-20), Prince Nymph (14-20), Zebra Midge (16-20), Perdigon (14-20), Tan/Chartreuse Shagadelic Mop, Jig Bugger, Worms
