Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the current fishing conditions around the Yellowstone River in Montana as of February 9, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the weather. We're looking at high temperatures in the mid-40s around Livingston, which is relatively mild for this time of year. However, the wind can be a bit of a factor, so make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for some gusts.
Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:15 PM, giving us a good window to get out on the water. Since we're in the midst of winter, the fish are a bit more sluggish, but with the right tactics, you can still have a productive day.
The Yellowstone River itself is a big river, varying in width from 75 to 300 feet, and it's best accessed by boat, especially in the faster sections. Right now, the river is not in its peak fishing season, but there are still some great spots to check out.
One of the hot spots I recommend is the section from Gardiner to Yankee Jim Canyon. This stretch is loaded with pocket water and several sizable rapids, making it a dry fly fishing heaven. Even in the cold, you can find some midge hatches in the afternoons on warmer days, and fishing a midge or a Blue Wing Olive pattern can be quite effective[3][4].
Another great area is Paradise Valley, just north of Gardiner. This is one of the most scenic parts of the river and is known for its large trout and beautiful scenery. The Tom Miner Bridge and the Emigrant Fishing Access are particularly good spots to try your luck[2][4].
In terms of fish activity, you can expect to find a mix of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Rocky Mountain whitefish are also abundant and can provide plenty of action on days when the trout are tougher to catch. Recently, anglers have been catching a decent number of trout using nymphs and small streamers. Red Manhattan Midges, #10 20 Incher, worms, and other stonefly nymphs have been very effective subsurface. If you prefer dry flies, keep an eye out for rising trout in slow-moving water and have some dry midges or small attractor patterns ready[3][5].
For those who prefer to fish with streamers, a Sparkle Minnow or a Wooly Bugger fished low and slow can also yield some success. In the Gardner River, which is open year-round downstream of Osprey Falls, fishing a midge or midge/BWO crossover pattern, a San Juan Worm, or an egg behind a stonefly nymph can be excellent choices[1].
In summary, while the fishing might not be at its peak, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch some great fish on the Yellowstone River. Just make sure to bundle up, be patient, and use the right lures and bait for the conditions. Happy fishing