11 February, 2025 - Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fly Fishing Report
It’s February, and it actually feels like winter should out there! Montana has been getting pummeled with snow, and Livingston is cozily buried after the last few storms. Be careful driving, and savor all your favorite winter sports while you can.
The snowpack is welcome news for us anglers as well, and with all drainages showing near normal levels we are hopeful for a good water year. A lot of this does depend on how quickly the snow comes out with how warm the spring gets, but one thing at a time. We’re grateful for every single flake of snow we can get right now.
February is generally when winter fishing really picks up, and we are seeing some good action out there. If you’re up for getting cold breaking ice out of your guides, read on.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River isn’t really known as a winter fishery, and there’s a couple reasons for that. First, the river isn’t all that friendly to wade fishermen at the best of times. In the winter, we see lots of shore ice that really cuts down access. Many of the boat ramps get iced in as well. Being a freestone, the river tends to run quite cold with the fish being quite lethargic.
If you can find safe access and a spot out of the wind, you’re likely to find some midges around midday, and can likely get a trout to rise to a well presented fly. Nymphing deep and slow with Zebra Midges, Rainbow Warriors, and small Little Spankers behind a wooly bugger, large Prince Nymph, or big Copper John is a good way to find a few fish. If you’re wondering if the water is too slow, it’s probably not. Get deep, get slow.
The better option for more consistent fishing is our local spring creeks.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
Wintertime in the spring creeks is a wonderful time. Rod fees are lower, it’s generally less crowded, and you can pick and choose your days with a bit more flexibility. The biggest factor is going to be the wind. If you can go on a calm day, go then. Each creek does have some spots that can be sheltered from the wind, and that’s where you will find fish.
Even in the less pressured winters, these are still very technical waters. Bring the full box of tiny midges, long and fine leaders, and your A-game. Lots of patience is required on these waters, but if you do it right it’s well worth it. Look for midges midday and fish them subsurface all day long. Is it too early to start fishing some BWO nymphs? We think not.
Gallatin and Madison Rivers
The Gallatin River and Madison River get a lot of attention from anglers this time of year, and for good reason. The Gallatin Canyon stays reasonably ice free with the warmer water from Big Sky flowing in, and the Lower Madison has long been known as a great spot for winter fishing. On the Gallatin, fish the deep, slow water with a big attractor nymph with a midge dropper. Zebra Midges and Rainbow Warriors are always a good bet. You should find some midges coming off midday, and you can have some decent dry fly action if you find an active pod of fish. Don’t expect anything too big, but it’s a good time.
The Lower Madison also has some great midge action, but the wind is a big factor. The Lower gets some very windy days, and that can definitely affect fishing. Get in the rock gardens in the canyon, and hope the wind isn’t howling. If it is, nymph the buckets. Crayfish and dead drifted streamers are a good choice year round here, and if you put your time in you will be rewarded.
Fly Tying Season
Winter is a great time of year to hunker down behind the vise and fill some fly boxes. Fly tying is a sport within a sport that so many people dearly love. It adds an entirely new dimension to the sport, and can allow you to express your creativity in a new way. We’ve got a great selection of kits for beginners and materials for all.
We’re here with the gear, flies, info, and apparel you need to get out on the water and stay warm, safe and productive. Stop by and tell us a fish story at some point soon! See you at the shop.
