Yellowstone River Fly Fishing
The Yellowstone River is a renowned Montana fly fishing destination and our home water. It attracts anglers from around the world for its scenery and abundant trout such as rainbows, browns, Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
Whether experienced or new to the sport, our knowledgeable and friendly fly fishing guides offer memorable fishing experiences and a chance for you to connect with nature.
Book a full or half-day fishing trip along the scenic Yellowstone River, stretching from Gardiner, Montana to east of Big Timber. Choose from a drift boat or a walk-and-wade trip and enjoy an exhilarating day of fly fishing on the Yellowstone.
Best Seasons to Fish the Yellowstone River
Yellowstone River fly fishing is accessible year-round, but certain seasons provide prime conditions.
Spring
March, April, May are productive times due to hatches of mayflies, caddisflies and midges making dry fly fishing productive.
Summer
The river settles into a rhythm, with continuing hatches for dry fly and nymph fishing.
Warm weather and long days make perfect floating conditions.
Fall
Autumn brings cooler temperatures, changing foliage, and another wave of insect activity.
Trout become more aggressive as winter nears, making streamers and nymphs effective choices.
Species of Fish in the Yellowstone River
Brown trout, cutthroat trout and rainbow trout are the most abundant and sought-after gamefish, growing to impressive sizes.
The Yellowstone River is famous for its trophy-sized brown trout and abundant native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
Where We Fish on the Yellowstone
The Yellowstone River is a diverse and dynamic fishery, with each section offering unique challenges for the fly angler.
Here's a detailed look at the notable stretches of this legendary Montana waterway:
The Upper Reaches: Headwaters to Gardiner, MT
Originating in Yellowstone National Park, this section of the Yellowstone is characterized by swift currents and crystalline waters. Access to wading is limited, but for anglers willing to hike the rewards are plentiful.
Native cutthroat trout reign supreme here, with opportunistic rainbows also present. Dry fly fishing with attractor patterns and small mayfly imitations can be highly effective during the summer months.
Gardiner Through Yankee Jim Canyon
This stretch is particularly renowned for its productive trout waters. Anglers can expect thrilling encounters with feisty trout while floating swift water in our Letmrun fishing rafts.
From the small town of Gardiner, MT to the rugged cliff walls of Yankees Jim Canyon, this stretch of canyon is a paradise of adventure and relaxation.
Paradise Valley
As the Yellowstone River exits Yankee Jim Canyon, and flows through the picturesque Paradise Valley, it takes on a more gentle character.
Wide, shallow riffles and deep, undercut banks provide ideal habitat for trophy brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout.
Fly fishing with stonefly and caddis patterns can be incredibly productive, especially during the early season when these insects are most active.
This stretch offers excellent dry fly fishing opportunities from the Mothers Day caddis Hatch in May, big stonefly hatches at the end of a June and July to fishing big terrestrials through late summer and early fall.
Livingston to Big Timber
From Livingston, the Yellowstone stretches into broader, winding bends that offer anglers diverse fishing.
The river here is known for its strong runs and deep pools, where powerful brown trout, stunning cutthroat and energetic rainbow trout await. Fly fishing can be particularly rewarding in this stretch, especially in the cooler months when trout are more aggressive.
Dry fly anglers find success with terrestrial patterns in late summer when grasshoppers are abundant along the banks.
Want to Fish the Yellowstone River?
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Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Reviews
Get out and go fly fishing — you will not regret it!! My wife and I had the best day fishing the Yellowstone River with our guide Johnathon. We had never been fly fishing before and caught 10 fish and are ready to buy our own rod and reels!! John was super enthusiastic, encouraging, and patient.
He made us believe we were true fisherwomen from the start. We are so happy we chose to do this and would recommend it to anyone visiting the Yellowstone area!!
- Laura M.
After three years of unsuccessful fly fishing, I hired Tucker to take me fishing on the Yellowstone River inside YNP.
All I can say is, I caught a BUNCH of Yellowstone Cutthroat trout and learned SO many things about technique, it gave me a new passion for the sport.
Tucker is patient, extremely knowledgeable, a fantastic teacher and funny….Book two trips, because once you learn from him, you're going to want to go again and catch even more fish!
- Kimberly K.
Without a doubt the best experience I have had fishing. Jake was our guide and was unbelievably knowledgeable on the river. He made fishing in a new place easy. The views alone on the Yellowstone river are awesome, but I can’t give Jake enough credit for his patience and how accommodating he was.
Honestly five stars isn’t enough, I can not say how amazing fishing and our guide was! Thanks again Yellowstone fly fishing and thanks again Jake!
- Logan M.