Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to gal for all things rod and reel on the Yellowstone River here in Montana. It's Friday, January 2nd, 2026, and we're kickin' off the new year with some prime winter fishin' conditions 'round these parts.

Weather's lookin' classic Big Sky—cloudy skies with snow showers likely all day, highs hoverin' in the low 30s, southwest winds 10-15 mph. Night temps steady around 30, so bundle up, but that steady flow from recent snowmelt's got the river movin' nice. No tides up here in Montana, but water levels are steady per Montana Outdoor reports from late December. Sunrise was at 8:20 AM, sunset 'round 4:50 PM—short days mean fish are feedin' heavy in the midday light.

Fish activity's pickin' up after the holidays. Recent reports from Montana Outdoor on December 29th note deep pools holdin' big brown trout and rainbows hittin' small flies—anglers pullin' 18-24 inchers steady. Yellowstone cutthroat are showin' too, especially in the slower bends. Numbers are solid, maybe 5-10 fish per good session if you're dialed in.

Best lures right now? Go small nymphs like zebra midges or pheasant tails in black/red, size 14-18, under a strike indicator. For bait, worms or salmon eggs on a light split shot rig if you're spin fishin'. Fly anglers, swing streamers like woolly buggers in olive or black for the big browns.

Hit these hot spots: Paradise Valley stretch near Emigrant—deep runs full of trout. Or try the bends below Big Timber for easier access and consistent action.

Stay safe out there, check ice if you're thinkin' smaller waters, and respect the regs.

Thanks for tunin' in, folks—subscribe for more reports! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI