Yellowstone River, Montana Fishing Report Today

Artificial Lure reporting from the banks of the Yellowstone River, Montana, for Friday, September 5, 2025.

We woke to a crisp morning, light smoke hanging in the air from distant fires, but mostly sunny skies are on tap. Expect highs reaching the upper 60s today with lows dipping into the mid-30s tonight according to the National Weather Service. Winds will be gentle, coming out of the northwest at around 10 mph this afternoon. Sunrise hit us at 6:52 AM and you should expect sunset around 7:54 PM. Those cooler temps and shorter days mark the start of true fall fishing out here.

No tides here in the heart of Montana, just steady flowing current and clear water. Big Sky Anglers reports that the Yellowstone has cleared up nicely after the mud plug rolled through earlier in the week, now showing off a classic green tint. That clarity puts the fish back on the feed, but the pressure’s on—you’ll want your best presentation. Long leaders, clean drifts, and technical dry fly tactics are the ticket for the wiser late-season trout.

In terms of activity, mornings and evenings are the best windows to hit the water. Fish are active early, moving to feed aggressively before the afternoon sun warms things up. Afternoons remain decent, with hoppers and terrestrials still pulling some solid strikes, especially as those nights keep cooling. Lately, anglers have reported solid numbers of healthy rainbows and big Yellowstone cutthroat, with the occasional brown showing up near the deep runs. Fall means you’ve got a shot at some of the largest trout in the system; bring your A-game, because these fish have seen it all.

Best lures and bait for the day: Terrestrial patterns are still producing—think *hopper imitations*, *Chubby Chernobyls*, and *ant patterns* in size 10-14. Technical dry flies like the *Parachute Adams* and *Purple Haze* are key mid-morning on tricky targets. Nymphing with *small beadhead Pheasant Tails* and *Lightning Bugs* works well once the sun gets up. If you’re streamer fishing, fall is when you want to strip big, articulated patterns like *sculpins* and *olive zonkers*—that’s how the locals find the bruisers working deep water and cut banks.

Two hotspots worth targeting today:

- **Point of Rocks**: A stretch with deep runs and undercut banks, perfect for those big autumn browns and cutties.

- **Carter’s Bridge Access**: Reliable hatches and easy wading; the pools above and below the bridge are holding plenty of fish thanks to steady flows and improved clarity.

Overall, it’s prime time to fish the Yellowstone. The weather’s right, the river’s clear, and the fish are hungry. Morning action should be solid; mid-afternoon pick up with terrestrials, and the last hour before sunset could see some heads up on smaller dries in the slicks.

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This is Artificial Lure reporting from the legendary Yellowstone River, Montana, where late summer is offering up a classic mix of hot afternoons and cooling rains. Today, Wednesday, September 3, 2025, we saw sunrise at 6:44 AM and sunset will hit at 7:52 PM. Weather’s been mostly hot, with highs around 90 and intermittent east winds shifting west — plus a patch of clouds rolling in by late afternoon. River flow near Miles City’s about 8,930 cfs; a slight bump up from yesterday, keeping things lively after those late August rains helped recharge soil moisture and cool down the water just enough to open more fishing stretches after a tough summer of restrictions according to Snoflo and Montana Outdoor.

Fishing pressure is easing most mornings, but “hoot-owl” restrictions remain for the Madison and the stretches in Yellowstone National Park. That means no fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight, all to reduce stress on trout during peak heat — and the same logic applies here on the Yellowstone: get out before lunch, handle fish quick, and keep ‘em wet for a strong release, per Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Now, for fish activity: Recent days brought solid reports of chunky rainbow trout and native cutthroat, especially near Livingston and Paradise Valley, where water temps flirted with 60°F early but rise sharply by midafternoon. Even browns are getting active, tucking into the deeper seams and cut banks where the flow stays cool. The area around Pine Creek and Emigrant remains prime for both numbers and size. The best bite has come at first light or after dinner; midafternoon action tapers sharply.

As for techniques, this week’s best lures have been:

- Chubby Chernobyls in purple or peacock on mid-sized dry-dropper rigs.

- Pat’s Rubberlegs in black or brown for deeper nymphing.

- Copper Johns and Lightning Bugs trailed behind for picky fish staring down small mayfly nymphs.

- Streamers like the Circus Peanut or classic Woolly Bugger—especially in olive or black—are drawing bigger browns at dusk and dawn.

If you’re fishing conventional tackle, small spinners—Panther Martins in silver or gold—have turned up surprises, especially with brighter sun. For bait, it’s hard to beat locally sourced nightcrawlers in the muddy slower sections, but remember, artificial only in the park!

Hopper season’s winding down, but there’s still enough warmth that hot afternoons bring fish up for a good grasshopper dry — especially in the open meadows near Mallard’s Rest and the far flats west of Pine Creek.

Recent catches have included steady limits of rainbows and a handful of browns pushing 19 inches near Emigrant. The water’s up enough that boats are getting down as far as Big Timber, with solid streamer action and even a rumor of a 22-inch cutthroat pulled near Springdale just yesterday.

Hot spots for the next couple days:

- Paradise Valley at Pine Creek — for early morning trout feeding on terrestrials and nymphs.

- Emigrant Flats — deeper runs and seams are stacke

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Artificial Lure here with your Yellowstone River, Montana fishing report for Sunday, August 31, 2025.

We're waking up to classic late summer heat again—expect more warm, sunny weather through the afternoon, the kind that stretches water temps up and keeps flows on the lower side. Sunrise hit us at 6:39 a.m. and sunset’s dropping in at 8:01 p.m., giving anglers a full day if you pick your hours right. No tides out here—just that steady pulse downstream, though slack water and low flows mean fish are spooky and finicky.

Yellowstone River’s been running shallow, especially through Paradise Valley, and the Park Service has closed a few stretches due to high water temperatures and stress on native trout. If you're heading out, best stick to open sections and fish early to late evening when waters cool off. The prime window now is 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again after 7 p.m. Some restrictions may change, so check before you cast[National Park Service].

Recent catch reports from the Bozeman guides say we're still into good numbers of rainbow, brown, and a handful of nice cutthroat—though nothing epic. Most locals working the riffle edges and slick seams have been landing a dozen or so solid trout per session, averaging 12-17 inches. Sulphur and PMD hatches have dropped off; terrestrials and prospecting flies have stepped up for surface eaters. Beetles and black ants are working their magic along grassy banks, while folks running nymphs are seeing action with bead head attractors tucked behind small stoneflies[End of Summer Guide Reports].

Fly recommendations:

- PMD CDC Emerger for picky risers hugging flat water

- Black Foam Beetle and Rusty Profile Spinners along the edges

- Stonefly nymph combo rigs for subsurface action in deeper slots

- If you’re swinging hardware, small silver spoons and Panther Martin spinners are still pulling a few late browns from under log jams

Hot spots right now:

- Loch Leven stretch just above Livingston is still kicking out healthy browns before noon.

- Depuy’s Spring Creek (private water, reservation required) remains on every Montana angler’s list for technical trout chasing—stealth and subtle presentation rule here.

A heads-up for bait folks: Fish are still keyed-in on aquatic larvae early, but drifting with natural worms, crickets, or even grasshoppers is best near shaded banks. The fish are cautious, so ditch heavy tackle and use a fine tippet. The smoky weather makes it tough, and you may need to get creative and downsize if you’re getting refusals.

Local chatter says memories of the old Madison crater linger—where slow, deep pockets used to hold some big trout up near West Yellowstone, but that’s filled in now. Still, any deep holes or soft seams along the main stem can be gold if you keep patient and stay low.

Remember to handle fish gently, keep them wet, and move quickly—water temps are stressful for native trout. Don’t play them to exhaustion and always let them revive fully before release.

Thanks for tuni

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Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Yellowstone River report for Saturday, August 30th, 2025.

Sunrise broke over the Absarokas at 6:37 AM this morning, and you can expect sunset around 8:05 PM this evening. The weather out here is classic late-summer Montana—cooler nights have kept water temps in check, hovering between 61 and 67 degrees, but daytime highs will flirt with the 80s. High haze and a bit of smoke still linger, so keep your eye on changing conditions and always check those local fire restrictions.

No tides to worry about—this is pure Rocky Mountain freestone action. Streamflows are running a bit low for the time of year, right around 1,580 CFS at Livingston as reported by the Yellowstone Angler. Lower flows and warmer afternoons mean you’ll want to target that prime morning window and maybe the last magic hour before dusk. Be respectful out there—lots of folks are taking advantage of this good weather, so give each other some space and keep it friendly.

Fishing has been lively, especially early and late, with the best trout action in the cool, fast riffles and midriver runs. The big story this week: hoppers, ants, and a few sneaky beetle patterns. According to local guides on Montana Angler and recent catches photographed by regulars like Ashby Bell and Jackson Bruff, cutthroat, rainbows, and a few browns have all come to hand. Hopper patterns in peach, pink, or tan—Morrish, Grand, Sweetgrass, Thunderthighs, and Fancypants—sizes 8 to 14 are must-haves. If the fish start refusing, switch to a smaller beetle or floating ant and you’re back in business.

Below the surface, nymphers are scoring solidly with rubberlegs in black and coffee, bead-head princes, Euro nymphs, and variants like the Lil Spanker and Duracell Bomb. Drift those along bankside structure in the morning, or target the heads of riffles as the day warms up. For those chasing a bigger target, streamer fishing right at dawn or in that dusky light has been very productive. The Coffee Sparkle Minnow, Black Leadeye, and Slick Willie in black, olive, or natural have pulled some nice fish from deeper runs and side channels, especially below Pine Creek and Carter's Bridge.

Recent stats from the Yellowstone Angler and Montana Angler reports show several anglers landing cutthroat up to 17 inches, rainbows to nearly 19, and chunky browns pushing 20 if you cover enough water. The hopper bite is expected to get even stronger over the next two weeks, so stock up now.

Hot spots today: Valued stretches include the Valley section below Emigrant—try from Mallard’s Rest down to Pine Creek—and above Yankee Jim if you’re looking for a bit more solitude and active fish. Paradise Valley still offers consistent action, though slightly more pressure. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk-wading the riffles near Springdale or Big Timber can deliver bonus fish with less company.

If you’re fishing inside Yellowstone Park, remember: some rivers like the Madison and Firehole are

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This is Artificial Lure with your August 29, 2025, Yellowstone River fishing report. We're coming to you just after sunrise, which hit at 6:40 a.m. today—sunset rolls in at 8:01 p.m., giving plenty of daylight for anglers to get after it. The weather? Expect mid-70s by afternoon, low humidity, and a little haze on the water as last night’s cool temps fade off. No tides here, but river levels are steady, and water clarity is good—just a touch of late-summer stain from some upstream showers earlier in the week.

Fish activity is up, thanks to consistent flows and cooling nights. In the stretch from Livingston down past Big Timber, trout are feeding early and late, tucking for shade by midday. Rainbows are hunting riffles and seams, while browns hang deeper, holding under slicks and behind boulders. A few cutthroat have also been reported in the upper stretches near Emigrant, and the whitefish bite has remained steady.

Reports out of local tackle shops say brown trout running 14-18 inches have been coming to the net with regularity—not a ton of monsters, but good numbers and a handful of 20-inchers for those willing to work the banks at first light. Rainbows are slightly smaller, 12–16 inches, hitting best in the early morning. It’s been a hopper-dropper bonanza: foam hoppers in tan, pink, or olive, with a small beadhead nymph 18-24 inches below, have been the hot ticket. For subsurface, size 16–18 pheasant tails, red copper johns, and lightning bugs have produced well, especially midriver on sunny afternoons.

Streamer fans have found success with olive/white and black patterns pulled through shaded undercuts—especially just after dawn or at dusk. Natural bait isn’t allowed here, but for those spinning, small silver or gold spoons and Panther Martins are drawing aggressive follows from deeper runs.

For hot spots, hit the Emigrant access early for some of the river’s best wade fishing and a shot at an early riser brown or a pod of feeding rainbows. Downstream, the stretch between Pine Creek and Carter’s Bridge has offered up steady action on both dries and nymphs, with sloughs and side channels giving up some surprise cutties.

Water temperature near Livingston has been sitting comfortably in the low 60s at daybreak and just brushing 68°F by late afternoon, so pay attention and give the fish a break if things warm up too much later in the day—Montana’s “hoot owl” regulations can go into effect quickly if temps spike.

There’s still plenty of summer hopper action left, but don’t overlook small caddis emergers in the evening, and watch for the hint of trico hatches if you’re chasing picky risers mid-mornings in the flats.

To everyone heading out, as the City of Bozeman reminds us, keep those banks clean and mind the storm drains—everything flows into these waters, and we want to keep the Yellowstone fishing strong for years to come.

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Artificial Lure reporting from the banks of the Yellowstone River on this fine evening, August 28, 2025. If you’re a local angler or just passing through southwest Montana, the word is out: cooler nights and a passing cold front have set the stage for some downright solid fishing. Daytime highs have been in the low 80s, but it’s those crisp mornings that have trout running and biting harder than they have in weeks. Sunrise hit just after 6:30 am, and sunset is coming up close to 8:00 pm, so you’ve got a generous window for action if you beat the sun[1].

No tidal report here in Montana—river flow is all rain, snowpack, and the hand of Mother Nature. Monsoonal moisture brought some rainfall earlier this week according to Western Montana Weather, putting a lid on both smoky skies and wildfire worries for now[2][6]. The skies have been a mix of clouds and sun; the breeze is most noticeable early and late, cooling the valley and setting fish on the feed.

How’s the bite? It’s strong. The Yellowstone is running clear and cool, exactly what hungry trout want before the long winter. Locals have been hooking into robust numbers of **rainbow** and **brown trout**, especially right at dawn. As fisheries experts like Fins & Feathers Bozeman have seen, early starts are producing the best numbers—expect a handful to a dozen solid hookups on a three-hour session if you get up with the birds[1].

What’s working right now? Smaller **nymphs**, **hoppers**, and **streamers** are kings of the river. Blue Winged Olives are making a steady showing on cloudy, cooler days—these little mayflies bring the bigger trout near the surface, especially mid-morning and late afternoon. Anglers have also reported action on attractor dry flies, with Parachute Adams and Purple Haze grabbing attention. If you’re swinging streamers, olive and black patterns are drawing strikes from those deeper, more aggressive browns. Natural bait isn’t permitted in much of the Yellowstone stretch, so stick with classic, local-tied flies and buggers. If you’re after sheer numbers, the hopper-dropper rig has been turning up plenty of respectable rainbows[3][5].

Fish activity will peak the next couple weeks as trout bulk up for the cold. Last few days saw *decent* numbers—a couple dozen fish per float trip isn’t unrealistic if you’re drifting near the hotter sections. Big fish? Yes—lots of medium-sized browns around, but a few folks bagged rainbows pushing 20 inches. Lakes and ponds off the river are starting their spawning cycles, but the river is still where most of the bite is happening[5][7].

Best locations this week:

- **Emigrant and Paradise Valley:** These classic stretches near Arrow Creek are fishing superbly—riffles and runs hold big fish, and pressure is low now that school’s started and the tourists are thinning out.

- **Below Livingston:** The braided sections are producing well, especially around deeper bends and shaded cut banks. Early morning float trips are the ticket for numbers.

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Yellowstone River anglers woke up to an early summer sunrise at 5:35 AM and can expect a sunset around 9:17 PM. The weather in Paradise Valley is holding steady after last week’s heavy rain; flows are dropping fast, clarity is slowly improving, but the river is still running high and slightly off-color. Water temperature is running between 56 and 61 degrees, prime for active fish if you know where to look.

This week, the bite’s been mixed but promising—persistent anglers are pulling in quality trout. Reports from Montana Outdoor say walleye are hitting steady in the 50s, smallmouth bass are stacking up deep, pike are slowing down but still out there, and surprise salmon have been showing up here and there. According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Management Plan, you’ve also got a shot at sauger, sturgeon, channel cats, drum, and, if you’re up near Livingston, browns, rainbows, and the ever-present whitefish. Some extra surprise carp and yellow perch, too, if you’re fishing slower water near the confluences.

Visibility at Carter’s Bridge is about 8 inches—so get ready for “hero or zero” conditions according to the Yellowstone Angler. This is when big fish get bold, so don’t let the color spook you. Boaters are having the best luck—wade-fishing is tough thanks to fast, high water, but possible for the nimble and cautious.

Dry fly action has been heating up in the back eddies and foam lines, especially during the thick caddis and March brown hatches in the late morning through early afternoon. Hi-vis elk hair caddis, Butch Caddis, March Brown Parachutes, and good old Purple Haze are top picks. Run a size 12–14 elk hair caddis solo, or toss a Royal Wulff with a three-foot dropper tied to a weighted caddis pupa or a soft hackle pheasant tail.

Nymphing is by far the most reliable. Go to rubberlegs, jig princes, perdigons, caddis emergers, or the stand-by squirmy worm. Streamer junkies are also in luck—dark articulated patterns like black Dungeons, Sparkle Minnows, and McCune Sculpins are moving big browns along the banks and in slower seams.

Hot spots worth a visit today: Pine Creek Bridge is holding fish in the side channels and soft water, and the town stretch through Livingston has been productive in the backwaters and foam pockets. Don’t overlook the spring creek mouths, either—especially if you want to tangle with some whitefish or an opportunistic trout.

No tides to report—this is big Montana freestone fishing through and through.

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Yellowstone River anglers, it’s Artificial Lure on June 21st with your on-the-water report. We’re rolling into prime summer action here on the Yellowstone, and conditions are shaping up just in time for the weekend.

Flows at Carter’s Bridge are right around 8,400 CFS, with water temps running 56 to 61 degrees. The river’s finally dropping after a wet spell, though visibility is still a mixed bag—about 8 inches in spots, so “hero or zero” conditions rule the day. If you’re willing to pay your dues, you might tangle with a fish of a lifetime. With a bit more clarity, you’ll see those cutthroat and chunky browns come out of hiding. Wade anglers, take it slow—flows are still pushy, but boat anglers are faring well fishing tight to the banks and in the back eddies.

Weather’s classic Montana early summer: highs in the mid-70s, occasional clouds, and a light westerly breeze. Sunrise this morning was at 5:34 a.m., and sunset won’t hit until 9:14 p.m., so you’ve got a long window to work the water. No tidal swings in this mountain stretch—just keep your eye on that runoff and cloud cover.

The hatch menu is loaded: caddis and March browns are heavy, so a healthy supply of hi-vis elk hair caddis, stimulators, and parachute Adams in sizes 12-16 will get you into fish. Purple hazes and skwala chubbies also deserve a spot in the box. Nymphers should toss rubberlegs, jig princes, perdigons, and CDC caddis. The squirmy wormie still pulls numbers in this stained water. If you’re throwing meat, streamer anglers are finding success with black leadeye stingers, sparkle minnows, and white home invaders—think big, dark, and articulated. Strip through seams and backwater foam.

Recent catch reports out of Paradise Valley include healthy cutthroat, hybrid rainbow-cutts, and browns—plus a few surprise whitefish. Up near Livingston, folks are boating respectable numbers with mixed nymph and streamer combos. Montana Outdoor just reported walleye stacking up in the 50s and smallmouth gathering deep, so don’t be shocked if you tangle into some bonus species while working the main river.

Hot spots this week include the back eddies and foam lines between Mayor’s Landing and Pine Creek—especially where side channels re-enter the main stem. Yankee Jim Canyon is fishing strong for those willing to brave the whitewater, and the long glides near Emigrant have been producing consistently during afternoon caddis flights.

For bait—if you’re swinging flies, caddis pupae, and worms are prime. Gear anglers, try jigs tipped with soft plastics or a nightcrawler drifted deep for a shot at those bigger browns.

That’s the Yellowstone wrap for today. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe for fresh reports from the river each week. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Artificial Lure here with your Yellowstone River fishing roundup for June 21st, 2025. We’re rolling into summer, runoff’s on the tail end, and the fishing buzz is picking up from Livingston to inside the park.

The river’s finally on a steady drop, running at about 8,400 CFS near Livingston and water temperatures holding between 56–61°F according to Yellowstone Angler. Visibility is coming back—still not gin-clear, but a foot or two in most spots, which is all you need for some strong action on both dries and streamers. Wade fishing will test your legs with these flows, but the drift boat crowd is getting into ‘em.

Sunrise hit at 5:36 AM and sunset’s about 9:14 PM, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to work your favorite runs and seams. There’s no tidal influence here, just watch those afternoon winds and the lingering color from upstream storms.

Caddis and March brown mayflies are all over, making the back eddies and foam lines your best friends, especially with the river a bit off-color. Fish are rising strong midday, with the best hatches and surface activity from late morning through afternoon, and streamer tossers are banging up quality bows and browns along the bank edges. If we get another burst of rain, expect a short shutdown, but when clarity returns, get ready for lights-out dry fly fishing.

On the menu this week:

- Dries like hi-vis elk hair caddis, X caddis, stimulators, Purple Haze, and parachute Adams in sizes 12–16.

- Nymphs such as rubberlegs, perdigons, jig baetis, caddis emergers, and squirmy wormies have been producing, especially off the dropper behind a larger dry.

- Streamers—think dark and articulated—are still drawing chases, notably Sparkle Minnows, black dungeons, and sculpin patterns.

Recent catches have been solid, with rainbows and browns in the 14–20 inch range reported near Carter’s Bridge and Paradise Valley. There’s also the occasional big fish making headlines, like Chad Lillie’s “fish of a lifetime” last weekend, as posted by Yellowstone Angler.

Hot spots right now include:

- Carter’s Bridge down through Paradise Valley for a mix of float and wade action with consistent bug activity.

- Town stretches around Livingston for accessible, productive water and hungry post-runoff trout.

For bait anglers downstream from the park boundary, worms and cutbait can pull in smallmouth bass, goldeye, and catfish. Note from the MT DEQ: there’s a consumption advisory on shorthead redhorse suckers from Reed Point to Columbus, but that’s not a target species for most anglers.

So, grab your caddis box, something meaty to swing along the bank, and a solid leader—the Yellowstone’s shaping up fast for a classic early summer session.

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Artificial Lure here with your Yellowstone River fishing roundup for June 21st, 2025. We’re rolling into summer, runoff’s on the tail end, and the fishing buzz is picking up from Livingston to inside the park.

The river’s finally on a steady drop, running at about 8,400 CFS near Livingston and water temperatures holding between 56–61°F according to Yellowstone Angler. Visibility is coming back—still not gin-clear, but a foot or two in most spots, which is all you need for some strong action on both dries and streamers. Wade fishing will test your legs with these flows, but the drift boat crowd is getting into ‘em.

Sunrise hit at 5:36 AM and sunset’s about 9:14 PM, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to work your favorite runs and seams. There’s no tidal influence here, just watch those afternoon winds and the lingering color from upstream storms.

Caddis and March brown mayflies are all over, making the back eddies and foam lines your best friends, especially with the river a bit off-color. Fish are rising strong midday, with the best hatches and surface activity from late morning through afternoon, and streamer tossers are banging up quality bows and browns along the bank edges. If we get another burst of rain, expect a short shutdown, but when clarity returns, get ready for lights-out dry fly fishing.

On the menu this week:

- Dries like hi-vis elk hair caddis, X caddis, stimulators, Purple Haze, and parachute Adams in sizes 12–16.

- Nymphs such as rubberlegs, perdigons, jig baetis, caddis emergers, and squirmy wormies have been producing, especially off the dropper behind a larger dry.

- Streamers—think dark and articulated—are still drawing chases, notably Sparkle Minnows, black dungeons, and sculpin patterns.

Recent catches have been solid, with rainbows and browns in the 14–20 inch range reported near Carter’s Bridge and Paradise Valley. There’s also the occasional big fish making headlines, like Chad Lillie’s “fish of a lifetime” last weekend, as posted by Yellowstone Angler.

Hot spots right now include:

- Carter’s Bridge down through Paradise Valley for a mix of float and wade action with consistent bug activity.

- Town stretches around Livingston for accessible, productive water and hungry post-runoff trout.

For bait anglers downstream from the park boundary, worms and cutbait can pull in smallmouth bass, goldeye, and catfish. Note from the MT DEQ: there’s a consumption advisory on shorthead redhorse suckers from Reed Point to Columbus, but that’s not a target species for most anglers.

So, grab your caddis box, something meaty to swing along the bank, and a solid leader—the Yellowstone’s shaping up fast for a classic early summer session.

Thanks for tuning in to your local Yellowstone River update. Don’t forget to subscribe for more reports and tips! This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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