Yellowstone River Fly Fishing

Flowing nearly 700 miles, the Yellowstone offers quintessential drift boat fly fishing through Montana’s Paradise Valley and beyond

What you can expect

Fishing on the Yellowstone River offers an unforgettable experience filled with scenic beauty and abundant trout. Here’s what you can look forward to on your fly fishing adventure:

  • Flowing out of Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the Lower 48.

  • Located just 45 minutes from our lodge, the Yellowstone River is a perfect destination for anglers with great Stone Fly, Caddis, and May Fly hatches.

  • The Yellowstone River offers fishermen the chance to catch beautiful Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Brown Trout in its pristine waters.

  • The Yellowstone River in southwestern Montana consists of two sections: the Upper Yellowstone - flowing through the Paradise Valley south to Livingston - and the Lower Yellowstone, which flows from Livingston east towards open prairies and the town of Columbus, MT.

Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Seasons

Hot summer days offer epic Hopper fishing on the Yellowstone and with wakes from big trout coming off of the bank to take your fly, it’s hard not to get excited!

The fly fishing season on the Yellowstone River kicks off in April with excellent spring fishing opportunities. As the snow melts and the runoff begins, we typically resume fishing by the first or second week of July when the river flows stabilize. The season features a variety of hatches, starting with Salmon Flies, followed by Stoneflies, Caddis, and Mayflies. The prime fishing season runs from August through September with consistent water temperatures and abundant hatches. Late September to October offers exceptional late-season fishing.

Get To Know The Yellwstone River

Discover the beauty and bounty of the Yellowstone River. Our fly fishing guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and ensuring you have a memorable and successful fishing experience.

Why We Love Fishing the Yellowstone River

“The Yellowstone is the quintessential Montana float fishing experience. Big river, big flies and fig views make the Yellowstone River a special experience for fishing from the comforts of a drift boat.”

— Josh Stanish, Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Fly Fishing on the Yellowstone River

Planning your fly fishing trip on the Yellowstone River? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

  • For fly fishing on the Yellowstone River, we recommend bringing a selection of Stone Flies, Caddis, and Mayflies. During the summer months, hopper patterns are particularly effective. Our guides can also provide recommendations based on current conditions.

  • Yes, we utilize McKenzie drift boats to cover the waters of the Yellowstone. Though most fishing is done from the boat, we do periodically pull-over to fish riffles throughout the day.

  • Though we do not hold a permit to guide in Yellowstone National Park, we highly recommend the crew at Big Sky Anglers who are fun and knowledgeable and will show you a great time in the Park.

Book Your Adventure Today

Ready for an Unforgettable Fly Fishing Experience?

Join us on the Yellowstone River for a fly fishing adventure of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fly fishing, our expert guides will ensure you have an incredible experience.