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Runoff Romp: Yellowstone River Trout Tactics for Spring Flows and Murky Conditions
Artificial Lure here bringing you today’s fishing report for the Yellowstone River on April 30, 2025, straight from the banks near Livingston. We’re in a typical Montana spring swing—snowmelt has bumped the flows and the river’s running a bit off-color, especially after that recent rainstorm that hit the area. No tides to worry about on the Yellowstone, but flows are definitely day-to-day with the weather. Water clarity isn’t perfect right now, but that hasn’t stopped the bite for folks willing to work a little harder.
Weather’s been cooperating for the most part: we’re seeing cool mornings, daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s, and plenty of patchy cloud cover. Sunrise was about 6:30 am and you can fish until sunset around 8:10 pm today—plenty of daylight to get after it[5].
Even with the run-off murk, fish are still on the feed. Trout are holding in deeper, slower runs—look for those four- to six-foot buckets and softer seams. Rainbows are holding steady post-spawn, browns are lurking in the usual haunts, and you’ll find a few chunky cutthroats mixed in. Most catches this week have been in the 12-16 inch range, with the occasional 20-incher keeping things interesting. If you want high-density action and clear water, the spring creeks in Paradise Valley like DePuy’s and Armstrong’s are a top pick right now—lots of wild trout, but technical fishing[3].
As for what’s working, nymphing remains your most consistent play. Go with stonefly nymphs, BWO (Blue Wing Olive) nymphs, midges, and red worms. With the water a bit dirty, don’t overlook flashy or bigger patterns. Streamers have also picked up steam—especially articulated black flies like an Ebony or Peanut Envy. If things clear up and you see surface action, get ready for BWO and caddis hatches. Keep a few BWO dries and caddis patterns handy—those quick splashy rises are your clue[4].
If you’re looking for hot spots, try the stretches just upstream of Livingston for trout holding in classic buckets, or the Paradise Valley reaches where the river slows and deepens around the bends. The mouths of spring creeks entering the river are also prime.
That’s your Yellowstone River update for today. Bring your patience and some good nymphs or dark streamers, and you’ll find willing trout. Good luck out there and respect the redds—let’s keep those fish coming back for years to come.
Weather’s been cooperating for the most part: we’re seeing cool mornings, daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s, and plenty of patchy cloud cover. Sunrise was about 6:30 am and you can fish until sunset around 8:10 pm today—plenty of daylight to get after it[5].
Even with the run-off murk, fish are still on the feed. Trout are holding in deeper, slower runs—look for those four- to six-foot buckets and softer seams. Rainbows are holding steady post-spawn, browns are lurking in the usual haunts, and you’ll find a few chunky cutthroats mixed in. Most catches this week have been in the 12-16 inch range, with the occasional 20-incher keeping things interesting. If you want high-density action and clear water, the spring creeks in Paradise Valley like DePuy’s and Armstrong’s are a top pick right now—lots of wild trout, but technical fishing[3].
As for what’s working, nymphing remains your most consistent play. Go with stonefly nymphs, BWO (Blue Wing Olive) nymphs, midges, and red worms. With the water a bit dirty, don’t overlook flashy or bigger patterns. Streamers have also picked up steam—especially articulated black flies like an Ebony or Peanut Envy. If things clear up and you see surface action, get ready for BWO and caddis hatches. Keep a few BWO dries and caddis patterns handy—those quick splashy rises are your clue[4].
If you’re looking for hot spots, try the stretches just upstream of Livingston for trout holding in classic buckets, or the Paradise Valley reaches where the river slows and deepens around the bends. The mouths of spring creeks entering the river are also prime.
That’s your Yellowstone River update for today. Bring your patience and some good nymphs or dark streamers, and you’ll find willing trout. Good luck out there and respect the redds—let’s keep those fish coming back for years to come.
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By Quiet. PleaseArtificial Lure here bringing you today’s fishing report for the Yellowstone River on April 30, 2025, straight from the banks near Livingston. We’re in a typical Montana spring swing—snowmelt has bumped the flows and the river’s running a bit off-color, especially after that recent rainstorm that hit the area. No tides to worry about on the Yellowstone, but flows are definitely day-to-day with the weather. Water clarity isn’t perfect right now, but that hasn’t stopped the bite for folks willing to work a little harder.
Weather’s been cooperating for the most part: we’re seeing cool mornings, daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s, and plenty of patchy cloud cover. Sunrise was about 6:30 am and you can fish until sunset around 8:10 pm today—plenty of daylight to get after it[5].
Even with the run-off murk, fish are still on the feed. Trout are holding in deeper, slower runs—look for those four- to six-foot buckets and softer seams. Rainbows are holding steady post-spawn, browns are lurking in the usual haunts, and you’ll find a few chunky cutthroats mixed in. Most catches this week have been in the 12-16 inch range, with the occasional 20-incher keeping things interesting. If you want high-density action and clear water, the spring creeks in Paradise Valley like DePuy’s and Armstrong’s are a top pick right now—lots of wild trout, but technical fishing[3].
As for what’s working, nymphing remains your most consistent play. Go with stonefly nymphs, BWO (Blue Wing Olive) nymphs, midges, and red worms. With the water a bit dirty, don’t overlook flashy or bigger patterns. Streamers have also picked up steam—especially articulated black flies like an Ebony or Peanut Envy. If things clear up and you see surface action, get ready for BWO and caddis hatches. Keep a few BWO dries and caddis patterns handy—those quick splashy rises are your clue[4].
If you’re looking for hot spots, try the stretches just upstream of Livingston for trout holding in classic buckets, or the Paradise Valley reaches where the river slows and deepens around the bends. The mouths of spring creeks entering the river are also prime.
That’s your Yellowstone River update for today. Bring your patience and some good nymphs or dark streamers, and you’ll find willing trout. Good luck out there and respect the redds—let’s keep those fish coming back for years to come.
Weather’s been cooperating for the most part: we’re seeing cool mornings, daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s, and plenty of patchy cloud cover. Sunrise was about 6:30 am and you can fish until sunset around 8:10 pm today—plenty of daylight to get after it[5].
Even with the run-off murk, fish are still on the feed. Trout are holding in deeper, slower runs—look for those four- to six-foot buckets and softer seams. Rainbows are holding steady post-spawn, browns are lurking in the usual haunts, and you’ll find a few chunky cutthroats mixed in. Most catches this week have been in the 12-16 inch range, with the occasional 20-incher keeping things interesting. If you want high-density action and clear water, the spring creeks in Paradise Valley like DePuy’s and Armstrong’s are a top pick right now—lots of wild trout, but technical fishing[3].
As for what’s working, nymphing remains your most consistent play. Go with stonefly nymphs, BWO (Blue Wing Olive) nymphs, midges, and red worms. With the water a bit dirty, don’t overlook flashy or bigger patterns. Streamers have also picked up steam—especially articulated black flies like an Ebony or Peanut Envy. If things clear up and you see surface action, get ready for BWO and caddis hatches. Keep a few BWO dries and caddis patterns handy—those quick splashy rises are your clue[4].
If you’re looking for hot spots, try the stretches just upstream of Livingston for trout holding in classic buckets, or the Paradise Valley reaches where the river slows and deepens around the bends. The mouths of spring creeks entering the river are also prime.
That’s your Yellowstone River update for today. Bring your patience and some good nymphs or dark streamers, and you’ll find willing trout. Good luck out there and respect the redds—let’s keep those fish coming back for years to come.