The Yellowstone River flows through Paradise Valley and is noted as a premier fly fishing destination. Aptly named, Paradise Valley is surrounded by stunning snow capped mountains against the big sky of Montana. The valley hosts other natural wonders such as several natural hot springs, including Chico Hot Springs near Emigrant, Montana, La Duke Hot Springs near Gardiner, and Hunter’s Hot Springs near Livingston.
From Livingston to Gardiner, Montana, the Yellowstone river gives you 60 miles of drift boat fishing and is hosts to high numbers of Yellowstone Cutthroats which populate the upper section near Yankee Jim Canyon. The upper section is also known for its prolific salmon fly hatch, starting in mid to late June. Mother Nature timed this hatch perfectly, occurring shortly after run off and post-spawn, making these trout ready to feed! From Emigrant, Montana to Livingston, the Yellowstone offers a variety of species – rainbows, browns, cutthroats, cutbows and mountain whitefish. The Yellowstone River’s fishing season typically starts later than tailwaters like the Madison, Big Horn, and Missouri because it lacks dammed reservoirs that allow sediment to settle or dissipate.
The region from Livingston down river to Columbus may not be as scenic, but it makes up for it with larger than average brown trout! This stretch of river offers outstanding terrestrial fly fishing, because the river cuts through miles of hay fields loaded with grasshoppers. The structure is similar to the upper Yellowstone with long distinct runs, deep pools, and cut banks, all great habitats for trout.
Yellowstone River Trout Fishing Schedule
[one-third-first]Dry Flies
1. Adams – Sizes 16-20
2. Royal Wulff – Sizes 12-18
3. Caddis – Sizes 14-18
4. Pale Morning Duns – Sizes 16-20
5. Stimulator – Sizes 4-12
6. Grasshoppers – Sizes 6-10
7. Ants & Beetles – Sizes 14-18[/one-third-first]
[one-third]Nymphs
1. Pheasant Tails – Sizes 14-18
2. Beadhead Caddin – Sizes 14-18
3. Prince Nymphs – Sizes 12-18
4. Brown Rubber Leg Stonefly – Size 4-6
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[one-third]Streamers
1. Woolly Bugger- Sizes 4-12
2. Muddler Minnow – Sizes 4-10
3. Spruce Fly – Sizes 2-6
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