Yellowstone River, Montana Fishing Report Today

Artificial Lure here with your Yellowstone River fishing report for Saturday, October 25th, 2025. Let’s get right to the conditions and what’s biting so you can make the most of this late-season window.

Fall’s in full swing along the Yellowstone between Livingston and Big Timber. Early this morning brought chilly temps in the low 30s, but expect it to gradually warm up—looking at highs only in the upper 40s today. Winds will be a factor, cranking up to 30 or even 40 mph by afternoon, and clouds will thicken as a Pacific front moves in. Overnight, conditions are looking rougher, with snow and rain showers expected in the high country and a good chill settling in, so plan to fish hard while you’ve got the daylight. Sunrise hit at 7:49 am, sunset will be at 6:18 pm. No tides to worry about here, but water flows remain steady, and clarity is surprisingly good for late October, thanks to only modest recent precipitation. The big snow is expected to hold mostly in the mountains for now, leaving the valley rivers clear and cold.

According to Montana Outdoor and Bozeman Fly Supply, hungry rainbows are feeding well in the main channels and runs, while aggressive browns are out patrolling for big meals as they prep for the spawn. Cloud cover is helping; streamer action is prime, especially as the afternoon wears on and the wind moves those surface layers around. Nymphing is still producing, particularly in seams and tailouts, with fish holding in slightly slower water during these brisk mornings.

Reports from this week confirm that 14-18" rainbows and chunky browns have been netted in numbers, especially on olive and black streamers, as well as smaller soft hackle nymphs and gold beadhead stonefly patterns. Some locals even picked up a few late-season cutthroat in softer secondary channels between Carter’s Bridge and Mallards Rest. Action eases in the evenings as temps drop, so don’t linger too long after sunset.

If you’re rigging up, bring some weight and a variety of streamers—articulated sculpins, zonkers, and sparkle minnows are getting swatted as brown trout kick into full autumn aggression. For nymphs, think big stones, hare’s ears, and even smaller baetis if you’re targeting the pickier risers in clear water. Terrestrial action with hoppers is winding down fast, but a few are still working midafternoon when the sun peeks out. For bait, if you’re using conventional gear below the town stretches, nightcrawlers and small spoons are the go-tos and have pulled in bonus whitefish and an occasional smallmouth.

Two hot spots for the day: First, try around Pine Creek Bridge in the morning—deeper water is holding stacked rainbows and is mostly sheltered from the heaviest winds. By lunch, make your way up to the Paradise Valley Spring Creek junction; the side channels here are loaded with staging browns. If you’re looking for quieter water and less pressure, the stretch below Emigrant Access can be surprisingly productive, especially with cloud cover and

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Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at you on this beautiful Friday, October 24th, 2025.

The Yellowstone River is absolutely firing right now with classic fall conditions. Montana Outdoor reports calm morning waters with golden fall colors lining the banks, and those hungry rainbows are really turning on. Water temps have been crashing with the cooler weather we've been getting, which has flipped the switch from that summer slump straight into full autumn action.

The weather today calls for those crisp fall mornings we all love, with temps starting around the mid-30s and climbing into the low 50s by afternoon. Sunrise hit at about 7:45 this morning, and we'll have light until around 6:15 tonight, giving you a solid window to get out there.

Now here's what's working: Blue Winged Olives are popping off during the warmer afternoon hours, so keep those size 18 to 22 BWO patterns handy. For subsurface action, nymphing has been absolutely consistent. Recent reports show anglers having success with pheasant tails, zebra midges, and prince nymphs in the deeper runs and seams. If you're a streamer junkie like me, now's your time to shine—those brown trout are getting aggressive as they move into pre-spawn mode. Olive and black buggers, sculpins, and articulated streamers are pulling some nice fish.

The fish are stacked up in the usual fall haunts. Look for them in the deeper pools and along current seams where they can hold comfortably while ambushing food. The tail-outs are producing well too, especially during those afternoon BWO hatches.

For hot spots, I'd recommend hitting the stretch between Livingston and Big Timber—the access points near Pine Creek and Mallards Rest have been particularly productive. The water above Livingston near Paradise Valley is also fishing well with clear conditions and good flow.

Montana Outdoor mentions that fishing around Bozeman and the greater Yellowstone area is hitting its stride with steady flows and active fish all day long. The combination of cooler nights, clear water, and abundant food sources has these trout looking up and feeding aggressively.

Whether you're swinging streamers, dead-drifting nymphs, or waiting for those afternoon risers, the Yellowstone is giving anglers plenty of chances to hook up right now. This is prime time fishing, folks—don't miss it.

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Yellowstone River locals are waking up to classic fall fishing weather—chilly but mostly sunny, with highs topping out in the low 50s, dropping to the 20s at night according to the latest National Weather Service and AccuWeather updates. Water temps are holding steady between 61 and 67 degrees, which is just right for those hungry rainbows and browns coming out to feed as the seasons change. Sunrise hit at 7:50 AM, sunset’s right around 6:21 PM, giving anglers a full day to work those runs and riffles.

No tides to worry about here in Montana, so it’s all about river flows and temperature. U.S. Geological Survey numbers have Yellowstone running at a comfortable 1,580 CFS near Livingston—a bit lower, clear, and very “trouty,” perfect for sight-fishing and watching those pods of risers.

Fish activity has ramped up big time this week: folks are reporting solid days on big valley rainbows, chunky browns, and the occasional fat cutthroat. Popular stretches like the Valley section and above Yankee Jim has given up several healthy fish—including bows pushing 20 inches, and a few colored-up browns ready for fall spawning. Hopper rigs fished tight to the banks have turned heads, but nymphs and streamers are pounding fish in the deeper seams.

On the fly selection, local shops and today’s guides swear by peach and pink hoppers (sizes 8–14), Purple Bruce, and plenty of grand hoppers and thunderthighs if you’re drifting big foam. Floating ant patterns have been lights-out, especially by mid-morning. For subsurface work, the go-to nymphs are Euro styles like Blow Torch Black and Duracell Bombs in the #12–16 range, plus classic prince nymphs. Black and coffee rubber legs—as always—get the job done, while streamers like Black Leadeye, Yellow Silk Kitty, and the ever-reliable Coffee Sparkle Minnow in #4–6 sizes are moving the biggest fish.

For those after non-fly action, spinning anglers do well with little gold and silver spoons, Mepps spinners, and soft plastics in natural tones. Still, live bait like worms is less productive this week—artificial lures and flies rule the river right now following the Montana Outdoor fall report.

Two hot spots not to miss:

- **Town Stretch at Livingston:** Early-morning hatches and that cooler water pull in big pods. Work inside bends and shallow riffles, but also probe those deeper outside runs with a streamer.

- **Mill Creek Confluence:** The mixing water attracts feisty browns right now, and some surprisingly aggressive cutthroats have been hitting hopper-dropper rigs in the afternoons.

Lastly, river crowds have thinned out but remember to give a little space—a Montana smile and an extra rod length go a long way this season.

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Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with today's fishing report for the Yellowstone River here in Montana.

Well folks, fall has truly settled in along the Yellowstone, and I've got to tell you, the fishing scene is shifting gears as we head deeper into October. The river is beginning to slow down compared to the frantic pace we saw through summer, but don't let that discourage you. There are absolutely still fish to be had if you're willing to put in some effort and cover water.

Recent reports from Montana River Outfitters show that cold morning temps are crashing water temperatures, and that's flipping the trout bite from the summer doldrums into full autumn action. The blue-winged olives are starting to pop, which is always a welcome sight this time of year. Early mornings are serving up calm waters with those gorgeous golden fall colors reflecting off the surface, and hungry rainbows are definitely on the prowl.

Water conditions are holding steady and clear, which is perfect for sight fishing if you've got polarized lenses. Flows are running at comfortable levels, making wading manageable in most spots. With cooler weather settling in, you're looking at water temps in the upper forties, which has the trout more active during the warmer afternoon hours rather than early morning.

For flies, you'll want to have your nymph rigs dialed in. Perdigons in olive and hot spot colors are producing, along with smaller baetis patterns in size eighteen. Don't overlook soft hackles and leeches if you're willing to swing through likely holding water. Streamer fishing is always a solid bet this time of year for those of you chasing bigger brown trout getting ready for their spawn. Olive mini dungeons and sparkle yummies in black are worth tying on.

As for hot spots, focus your efforts in the northeast corner tributaries like the Lamar, Slough Creek, and Soda Butte. These smaller waters are fishing better right now due to higher fish concentrations and easier access. You'll need to move around and work for your fish, but that's half the fun of October angling.

The Madison and surrounding Park waters are also showing life with lake-run fish moving through the system in good numbers. Afternoons remain your sweet spot as fish wake up once the water warms a degree or two.

Pack your warm layers, bring extra tippet for those tiny flies, and remember that patience pays off this time of year. The crowds have thinned out considerably, so you'll have plenty of room to work.

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This is Artificial Lure with your Yellowstone River fishing report for October 21st, 2025. We’re waking up to classic Big Sky autumn—the leaves are about peak, there’s a dusting of fresh snow up high, and if you’re stepping outside early, you’ll feel that snap in the air Montana anglers wait for all year.

Sunrise this morning rolled in about 7:48 a.m., with sunset expected at 6:33 p.m. According to the Weather Service, today’s forecast calls for clear to partly cloudy skies, highs near 55°F, with a light southwest breeze. The river’s running steady, holding at roughly 1,580 cubic feet per second, with water temps still a bit warm for late October—expect between 61 and 67°F midday, though they’ll cool off fast overnight. No tidal swings in these interior waters, so you can focus on timing your fishing with the day’s temperature swings and afternoon bug activity.

Fish activity on the Yellowstone in this last week has been fitful but promising. The valley around Livingston remains busy, but the reports from local shops say the bite is back on as water temperatures trail off from their summer highs. We saw cutthroat, rainbows, and browns all in the mix—plus plenty of mountain whitefish, which are taking nymphs eagerly, especially upstream of Livingston. Downstream, trout make up a bigger portion of the catch, but whitefish are still thick depending on where you land.

For quantities, you’re not likely to see hand-over-fist numbers as in spring, but boats are reporting solid half dozen to a dozen good fish per trip, with a few client groups last weekend reporting bows and browns into the 18-21 inch range. Most fish are coming on a mix of dry dropper and nymph rigs, though a couple of solid streamer fish have been landed in longer slow runs and along undercut banks. The browns, in particular, are feeding with fall aggression as they push toward their spawning season.

If you’re wondering what to tie on, look local. Peach, pink, and tan hoppers in sizes 8 through 14 are producing surprises, especially midday, as the last of the terrestrials roll through. Try a Purple Bruce, Morrish Hopper, or any Grand Hopper. Floating ant patterns have been picking off the more selective risers, especially above Yankee Jim Canyon. On the nymph side, go with Little Green Machines in #18, Duracell Bomb Browns in #12-16, and Euro-style bead nymphs—think Blow Torch Black and Torch Light. For streamers, local shops report sex dungeons, black leadeye buggers, and yellow silk kitties are all moving better-than-average browns for those willing to strip slow and stay patient.

Best bait is still a tungsten-headed nymph under a hopper, but don’t sleep on drop-shot rigs with #12-14 jigs hinting at BWO or Mahogany duns—the first decent cloud bank that rolls through will send those blue-wings popping. On clearer days in the early afternoon, whitefish and trout are both eager for a slow drifted nymph through riffles and tailouts.

For hot spots, aim for:

- The Valley above Living

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Morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your fresh-off-the-bank Yellowstone River fishing report for October 20th, 2025.

It's a brisk and clear fall day in Yellowstone County, Montana, with temps starting off in the mid-30s and climbing to a high near 60 by noon. Sunrise hit at 7:36 AM, lighting up those cottonwood banks just as I got the thermos brewed. Sunset’s set for 6:21 PM, so you’ve got a solid window to wet a line. We’re far enough inland there’s no tidal influence, so nothing to worry about there.

Right now, every bend of the river is showing off autumn gold, and so are the trout. Water levels are slightly below average for this time of year, running clear in most stretches, with just a bit of leaf debris coming down from the wind late yesterday. The river’s holding steady at around 50°F—a sweet spot for those browns and rainbows to feed up before the hard chill settles in.

Fishing’s been hot the last few days, especially with the cooler nights. According to word from the fly shop in Livingston, anglers are seeing strong action in the riffles and deeper runs. Browns are definitely on the prowl, prepping for the tail end of spawning, while rainbows are starting to thicken up for winter. A few late-season cutthroat have also been reported—most of them were small, but still a thrill on light tackle.

The bite’s been best right after dawn up until about 11 AM, and then again from 4 PM through dusk. Folks drifting between Pine Creek Bridge and Carter’s Bridge reported steady hookups on streamer patterns—think olive or black woolly buggers, articulated sculpins, and smaller muddler minnows. Spin anglers are having luck with classic silver or gold Panther Martin spinners and Rapala countdowns, especially in the slower deep edges.

If you’re fishing bait, you can’t go wrong with nightcrawlers or fresh-cut sucker under a slip float, particularly around the undercut banks. For fly fishers, blue-winged olives have been coming off in good numbers mid-morning. Size 18-20 BWO dries and emergers have produced some exciting topwater eats during the hatch windows. Don’t forget small stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails in tandem with a little weight if you’re getting down deep—those bigger trout are foraging hard before winter.

The hottest spots right now? Give the stretch below Mallard’s Rest a try—there’s plenty of structure and pools, and the browns have been stacking up. Downstream, the islands near Yankee Jim Canyon are also fishing well, with quality fish pulled out of the deeper channels.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reports that recent surveys turned up healthy numbers, especially of browns in the 16–20 inch range and rainbows averaging 14–16 inches, with some pushing 20. A few lucky anglers even claimed chunky whitefish for a bonus fry-up.

A reminder: Respect the spawning redds—step lightly and fish the deeper water to avoid trampling the next generation.

That’s the word from the river today. Tie on something flashy, l

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Yellowstone River anglers, it’s Artificial Lure with your Sunday, October 19, 2025, river report. It’s late fall in Montana, and the Yellowstone is delivering big for those willing to bundle up and brave the weather. We’re sitting at sunrise 7:46 AM with tight, cold air and a touch of frost on the willows. Sunset’ll hit at 6:35 PM, so daylight’s short—make every cast count. No tides in these parts, just good Western flow and that classic autumn bite.

According to the National Weather Service for Yellowstone, today starts off mostly sunny, then turns blustery with clouds building and a chance of afternoon rain and snow—maybe up to 2 inches in the high ground. Afternoon highs are topping out in the upper 40s, but expect strong southwest winds gusting up to 50 mph. By tonight, it cools fast, lows dipping to the low 20s, so layer up and keep your eye on changing conditions.

Fishing action on the Yellowstone’s been hot for browns and solid for rainbows as fall streamer season hits its peak. Montana Outdoor’s October 18th report highlights how brown trout are staging for their spawn, aggressively hunting big streamers. Cloudy spells this week brought some excellent blue-winged olive hatches, so midday dry-fly action is still an option for patient anglers. Reports from local guides say streamer fishing outshines nymphing right now, especially on slower, deeper glides and just off the cut banks.

Recent catches—anglers are reporting solid numbers of browns in the 16–22 inch range, with a few pushing 24 inches landed. Rainbows are showing up in the riffles, especially around floating weed mats, most averaging 14–18 inches. The odd cutthroat’s been caught closer to Livingston, and the odd whitefish keeps things lively below Emigrant.

Best lures and baits: For streamer enthusiasts, olive and black sculpin patterns, conehead wooly buggers, and articulated patterns like the Sex Dungeon or Circus Peanut have been hot. Big black and gold streamers swung deep are moving big browns early and late in the day. If you prefer spinning gear, 1/4 oz. Kastmasters, Rapala Countdowns in rainbow or brown trout colors, and classic Panther Martins are producing. For dries, blue-winged olive patterns in sizes 18–20 get eats midday when a hatch kicks up. For bait anglers (where legal, always check regulations), nightcrawlers drifted through deeper runs just outside Livingston are still pulling in some good rainbows.

A couple of hot spots: Don’t overlook the stretch just east of Pine Creek, where deep cut banks drop off hard and browns are holding low. Downstream near Springdale Bridge, seams off rock gardens are stacked with browns on the hunt. Closer to Livingston, the mouths of small spring creeks on the south bank are pulling bigger rainbows, especially if you work the transitions after a cloudy afternoon.

Word to the wise—pressure’s light, and the river’s got some color from snowmelt runoff higher up, but still solid clarity for streamer fishing. Take care on the bank

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Artificial Lure here—fresh off the water and bringing you the latest fishing report for the Yellowstone River in Montana on this chilly Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Sunrise hit at 7:36 a.m. and sunset will bring the colors down at 6:33 p.m. out here, with daytime highs right around the mid-40s. We’ve got that classic autumn mix: cold mornings, mild afternoons, and a low chance of scattered rain—just enough cloud cover to kick off some reliable Blue Winged Olive hatches. Water temps are crashing, and that’s got the fish hungry and on the move according to Montanaoutdoor.com and Montana Angler’s recent reports.

Yellowstone’s flows are solid (667 cfs below the lake outlet), clear, and dropping into prime shape after last week’s rain and flurries. There’s no tidal activity—Yellowstone being a mountain river, but water levels are holding steady and cooling down.

The main activity: **Trout are fired up!** Browns, rainbows, and cutthroat are all in the mix. Big browns are sneaking towards the spawn and are getting aggressive. Fish are moving out of the skinny water and packing into transition areas—those riffle/run seams and foam eddies. Guide reports from North Fork Anglers and Montana Angler say dry droppers and nymph rigs are producing fish all day; streamer fishing is just starting to heat up, especially with overcast skies.

Recent catches:

- Browns landed pushing 24 inches in spots, especially near Livingston and Paradise Valley.

- Rainbows and cutthroat showing up with steady action from Gardiner down through Emigrant.

- Anglers are seeing decent numbers—average counts are about 10-20 fish/day if conditions hold and pressure stays light.

Best flies and lures:

- Surface action: Hoppers, ants, and beetles are still catching, but swing to **BWO dries, Elk Hair Caddis, and Rusty Spinners** as those fall hatches come off.

- Nymphs: Beadhead Pheasant Tails, Princes, Pat’s Rubberlegs, Firebead Sow Bugs, and Lucent Perdigons are money right now.

- Streamers: Sculpzillas, Mini Dungeons, and Slump Busters in black, olive, or brown. Fish are chasing streamers when the clouds roll in or as the sun drops.

Go-to bait: For bait anglers—worms are effective, but most action is still on the fly. If you’re swinging hardware, bright spoons or jerk baits will move trout in deeper runs where the big ones are stacking up.

Hot spots:

- **Pine Creek down to Carter’s Bridge**: Consistent with both dries and nymphs—transition water is loaded.

- **Paradise Valley spring creeks** (DePuy’s, Nelson’s, Armstrong’s): Lower pressure, technical dry fly action, and chunky browns.

- **Near Gardiner and Yankee Jim Canyon**: Recent reports say streamer anglers are hitting migratory browns gearing up to cut upstream.

Tips: Fish are less likely in fast riffles now—target softer water and seam lines. Afternoon is the sweet spot; early mornings are cold and slow, but once the sun hits and water warms, activity jumps.

Safety note: Pack your bear spray and stay alert—fall is big cri

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Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Yellowstone River fishing report for Friday, October 17th.

We're in the sweet spot of fall fishing right now, folks. The Yellowstone River is running at solid fishable levels and clarity is decent despite some recent weather. According to Fins & Feathers in Bozeman, the river has been fishing well across most sections near Livingston, with cloud coverage keeping conditions prime throughout the day.

Sunrise today is around 7:45 AM with sunset near 6:30 PM, giving you a solid window to work with. There's no tidal influence here in Montana - we're pure freshwater territory.

Big Sky Anglers reports that Yellowstone National Park remains open despite the federal shutdown, so access is still good. The park's fishing season closes October 31st, so time is ticking if you want to chase those native Yellowstone cutthroat trout before winter sets in.

Now, let's talk fish. The cutthroat action has cooled significantly in the northeast corner - Slough Creek, Soda Butte, and the Lamar River are pretty much done for the season. Water temps have dropped and hatches have dwindled. If you're determined to catch one last cutthroat, Slough Creek might deliver on a calm afternoon during a Baetis hatch, but you'll need to fish size 22 dries to highly selective sippers.

Your better bet is focusing on the main Yellowstone River where rainbows and browns are still active. Streamer fishing is productive right now - think Sparkle Minnows and smaller streamers worked low and slow through deeper runs.

For dry fly action, Baetis mayflies are your ticket. These tiny mayflies are hatching in fishable numbers during afternoons, even under brighter skies. Pair a small Baetis pattern with a dropper rig for best results.

Hot spots to consider: the stretch of river near Livingston has been consistent, and if you can access the river through Yellowstone National Park near the lake outlet, you'll find less pressure and willing trout.

Pack layers - mornings are cold, but mid-days warm up nicely. The fishing might feel slow at times, but stick with it. October fish are worth the wait.

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Good morning, anglers—Artificial Lure here with your Yellowstone River fishing report for October 15th, 2025. We’re waking up to a brisk fall day along the Yellowstone, where sunrise hit at 7:36 a.m. and sunset will close things down tonight at 6:36 p.m. The weather is classic October: you’ll want your layers, as it sits near 41° early and should top out around 57° with a light breeze, and there’s some residual haze in the air from far-off fires—just enough to soften the light and turn those trout eager for a well-drifted hopper.

Tidal influence is a non-factor up here, so focus on flows and clarity. According to the team at Yellowstone Angler, flows at Carter’s Bridge are steady at 1,750 CFS, and water clarity is a workable green with roughly two feet of visibility. Water temps are holding at 61-67°F—a little warm for mid-October, but the cooler nights are finally nudging it down.

The fishing’s been steady, with a strong terrestrial bite continuing thanks to those warm afternoons and lingering smoke. Peach and pink hoppers are still king—Morrish Hoppers, Grand Hoppers, and Sweetgrass patterns in sizes 8–14 are taking fish, especially above Yankee Jim and in the Valley. Floating ants are a close second, and getting a lot of attention from chunky cutthroat. If you’re nymphing, Euro nymphs in 12–14, bead-head Princes, and Blow Torches have been productive. Black rubber legs and Tung. Bugger patterns move feisty rainbows and browns out of their deeper lies.

Recent reports spotlight solid action across the board: anglers are landing rainbow and brown trout from 16–22 inches with a healthy number of 12–15 inch cutthroats mixed in. The best windows have been midday into late afternoon, when fish are looking up and cruising for hoppers tight to grassy banks. A few streamer chasers hooked into bigger browns using Black Leadeye streamers and yellow Sex Dungeons—best results are on cloudy swings, or just before dark.

If you’re gearing up, here’s what’s working best:

- **Hopper Patterns:** Morrish Hopper, Grand Hopper (peach, pink, or tan, size 8–14)

- **Ants and Caddis:** Floating Ants, Elk Hair Caddis, Missing Link Caddis (sizes 14–18)

- **Nymphs:** Bead Head Prince, Euro nymphs (sizes 12–16), Rubber Legs (black/coffee)

- **Streamers:** Slick Willie, Coffee Sparkle Minnow, Black Leadeye; fish these deep in the runs

Live bait isn’t permitted on the Yellowstone, so make sure to stick with artificial flies and lures—local regs are strict.

For hot spots, you can’t go wrong fishing the stretch from Emigrant to Pine Creek, where riffles and deep runs are loaded with trout. Another reliable bet is the section above Yankee Jim Canyon—expect less traffic and plenty of willing fish hugging cutbanks.

It’s worth noting: white-tailed deer are experiencing some localized disease outbreaks downstream, especially near Billings, but this hasn’t affected trout populations or fishing conditions on the Yellowstone itself. Otherwise, river crowds are thinning with the

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