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Yellowstone River Fishing Report for April 19, 2025: Runoff, Midges, and Surprise Trout
This is Artificial Lure, back with your Yellowstone River fishing report for Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Weather-wise, spring is finally showing itself around the Yellowstone, but don't let the sunshine fool you—nights are still chilly and the river's running cold, thanks to snowmelt from the high country. Daytime highs are pushing into the 50s and low 60s, with patchy clouds expected. Sunrise hit around 6:30 am and sunset will be close to 8:10 pm today, giving you plenty of daylight to work the water. No tidal swings out here, just steady flows beefed up by runoff.
River conditions are typical for mid-April: water clarity has taken a hit from all the melt and the river's holding that classic early spring off-color look. The fish don't mind as much as you might think. Trout are hugging those consistent runs, usually four to six feet deep with a steady but not ripping current. You want to avoid the real fast stuff for now[2][1].
Fish activity is solid, with rainbows holding steady post-spawn, browns still cruising in the buckets, and a few chunky cutthroats showing up. Anglers this week have reported good numbers—nothing crazy, but folks are putting fish in the net most outings, with 12 to 16-inch trout being the norm and the occasional two-foot surprise. Paradise Valley spring creeks are fishing well too, if you want to sneak in some smaller water[3].
Bug-wise, midges are still present, but Baetis (Blue Winged Olive) mayflies and even a few March Browns are becoming the show. On overcast days, especially late morning into early afternoon, dry fly purists might get a shot at some heads. Still, most fish are coming subsurface.
Best bets for flies and lures:
- Nymphs: Zebra Midges, Perdigons, WD-40s in size 18, and brown Girdle Bugs or TJ Hookers in size 8–10
- Streamers: Small Zirdle Buggers, black or brown Woolly Buggers, dead-drifted or slow stripped
- Dry Flies: Small (#16–22) BWOs and midge clusters like a Griffith’s Gnat—only tie one on if you’re seeing noses poking up[1][5].
Hot spots to try today are Carter’s Bridge down to Mayor’s Landing for a float, or the fast water above Pine Creek access for waders. Also, the confluence areas near DePuy and Armstrong spring creeks are holding hungry fish.
If you head out, dress in layers, bring extra tippet, and be prepared to swap tactics—nymphing will get you numbers, but keep an eye out for rising fish mid-afternoon. Good luck and tight lines out there.
Weather-wise, spring is finally showing itself around the Yellowstone, but don't let the sunshine fool you—nights are still chilly and the river's running cold, thanks to snowmelt from the high country. Daytime highs are pushing into the 50s and low 60s, with patchy clouds expected. Sunrise hit around 6:30 am and sunset will be close to 8:10 pm today, giving you plenty of daylight to work the water. No tidal swings out here, just steady flows beefed up by runoff.
River conditions are typical for mid-April: water clarity has taken a hit from all the melt and the river's holding that classic early spring off-color look. The fish don't mind as much as you might think. Trout are hugging those consistent runs, usually four to six feet deep with a steady but not ripping current. You want to avoid the real fast stuff for now[2][1].
Fish activity is solid, with rainbows holding steady post-spawn, browns still cruising in the buckets, and a few chunky cutthroats showing up. Anglers this week have reported good numbers—nothing crazy, but folks are putting fish in the net most outings, with 12 to 16-inch trout being the norm and the occasional two-foot surprise. Paradise Valley spring creeks are fishing well too, if you want to sneak in some smaller water[3].
Bug-wise, midges are still present, but Baetis (Blue Winged Olive) mayflies and even a few March Browns are becoming the show. On overcast days, especially late morning into early afternoon, dry fly purists might get a shot at some heads. Still, most fish are coming subsurface.
Best bets for flies and lures:
- Nymphs: Zebra Midges, Perdigons, WD-40s in size 18, and brown Girdle Bugs or TJ Hookers in size 8–10
- Streamers: Small Zirdle Buggers, black or brown Woolly Buggers, dead-drifted or slow stripped
- Dry Flies: Small (#16–22) BWOs and midge clusters like a Griffith’s Gnat—only tie one on if you’re seeing noses poking up[1][5].
Hot spots to try today are Carter’s Bridge down to Mayor’s Landing for a float, or the fast water above Pine Creek access for waders. Also, the confluence areas near DePuy and Armstrong spring creeks are holding hungry fish.
If you head out, dress in layers, bring extra tippet, and be prepared to swap tactics—nymphing will get you numbers, but keep an eye out for rising fish mid-afternoon. Good luck and tight lines out there.
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By Quiet. PleaseThis is Artificial Lure, back with your Yellowstone River fishing report for Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Weather-wise, spring is finally showing itself around the Yellowstone, but don't let the sunshine fool you—nights are still chilly and the river's running cold, thanks to snowmelt from the high country. Daytime highs are pushing into the 50s and low 60s, with patchy clouds expected. Sunrise hit around 6:30 am and sunset will be close to 8:10 pm today, giving you plenty of daylight to work the water. No tidal swings out here, just steady flows beefed up by runoff.
River conditions are typical for mid-April: water clarity has taken a hit from all the melt and the river's holding that classic early spring off-color look. The fish don't mind as much as you might think. Trout are hugging those consistent runs, usually four to six feet deep with a steady but not ripping current. You want to avoid the real fast stuff for now[2][1].
Fish activity is solid, with rainbows holding steady post-spawn, browns still cruising in the buckets, and a few chunky cutthroats showing up. Anglers this week have reported good numbers—nothing crazy, but folks are putting fish in the net most outings, with 12 to 16-inch trout being the norm and the occasional two-foot surprise. Paradise Valley spring creeks are fishing well too, if you want to sneak in some smaller water[3].
Bug-wise, midges are still present, but Baetis (Blue Winged Olive) mayflies and even a few March Browns are becoming the show. On overcast days, especially late morning into early afternoon, dry fly purists might get a shot at some heads. Still, most fish are coming subsurface.
Best bets for flies and lures:
- Nymphs: Zebra Midges, Perdigons, WD-40s in size 18, and brown Girdle Bugs or TJ Hookers in size 8–10
- Streamers: Small Zirdle Buggers, black or brown Woolly Buggers, dead-drifted or slow stripped
- Dry Flies: Small (#16–22) BWOs and midge clusters like a Griffith’s Gnat—only tie one on if you’re seeing noses poking up[1][5].
Hot spots to try today are Carter’s Bridge down to Mayor’s Landing for a float, or the fast water above Pine Creek access for waders. Also, the confluence areas near DePuy and Armstrong spring creeks are holding hungry fish.
If you head out, dress in layers, bring extra tippet, and be prepared to swap tactics—nymphing will get you numbers, but keep an eye out for rising fish mid-afternoon. Good luck and tight lines out there.
Weather-wise, spring is finally showing itself around the Yellowstone, but don't let the sunshine fool you—nights are still chilly and the river's running cold, thanks to snowmelt from the high country. Daytime highs are pushing into the 50s and low 60s, with patchy clouds expected. Sunrise hit around 6:30 am and sunset will be close to 8:10 pm today, giving you plenty of daylight to work the water. No tidal swings out here, just steady flows beefed up by runoff.
River conditions are typical for mid-April: water clarity has taken a hit from all the melt and the river's holding that classic early spring off-color look. The fish don't mind as much as you might think. Trout are hugging those consistent runs, usually four to six feet deep with a steady but not ripping current. You want to avoid the real fast stuff for now[2][1].
Fish activity is solid, with rainbows holding steady post-spawn, browns still cruising in the buckets, and a few chunky cutthroats showing up. Anglers this week have reported good numbers—nothing crazy, but folks are putting fish in the net most outings, with 12 to 16-inch trout being the norm and the occasional two-foot surprise. Paradise Valley spring creeks are fishing well too, if you want to sneak in some smaller water[3].
Bug-wise, midges are still present, but Baetis (Blue Winged Olive) mayflies and even a few March Browns are becoming the show. On overcast days, especially late morning into early afternoon, dry fly purists might get a shot at some heads. Still, most fish are coming subsurface.
Best bets for flies and lures:
- Nymphs: Zebra Midges, Perdigons, WD-40s in size 18, and brown Girdle Bugs or TJ Hookers in size 8–10
- Streamers: Small Zirdle Buggers, black or brown Woolly Buggers, dead-drifted or slow stripped
- Dry Flies: Small (#16–22) BWOs and midge clusters like a Griffith’s Gnat—only tie one on if you’re seeing noses poking up[1][5].
Hot spots to try today are Carter’s Bridge down to Mayor’s Landing for a float, or the fast water above Pine Creek access for waders. Also, the confluence areas near DePuy and Armstrong spring creeks are holding hungry fish.
If you head out, dress in layers, bring extra tippet, and be prepared to swap tactics—nymphing will get you numbers, but keep an eye out for rising fish mid-afternoon. Good luck and tight lines out there.