17 May, 2025 - Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fly Fishing Report
Has runoff started yet, or is this just a tease? Will the above average temps from a couple weeks ago have an impact on the spring melt? There’s been a lot of back and forth lately on these topics and more. Our weather lately has been typical Montana May - lots of back and forth without a clear consensus on what it’ll be.
The very warm recent temps (in the 80s) are abnormal for May, and pushed a lot of our low and mid level snow out of the mountains and into the rivers. That, combined with some rainy days, pushed the Yellowstone River to almost 18,000 cfs a few days ago. With some cooler weather, the river has slowly been dropping down and as of this writing is flowing at just over 8,000 cfs. Clarity has improved to 18-24” of visibility, which is plenty for good fishing action on this river.
If you are out enjoying it, please be careful. Even at these lower flows, the river still has a lot of water running through it. The recent high waters have also reshuffled a lot of debris and odds and ends in the river, so be mindful of new hazards. The muddy water can make wading and floating more challenging so keep a close eye out.
If you are fishing the Yellowstone River, you’ve got a lot of options. In the turbid waters streamers are often a go to. Working the banks with big, dark colored streamers can be really productive. Darker colored patterns show up well in the darker waters, and twitching one off the clearer water along the bank can be good.
Dead drifting a wooly bugger, sparkle minnow, or zonker with a perdigon or san juan worm behind it is a great rig. A caddis pupa is also a good choice for a dropper. The Mother’s Day caddis have come and gone, but a pupa is a good bet for a nymph for the next few months. Stonefly nymphs are a good bet for a nymph, especially as the water gets more murky. We’re all day dreaming about big bugs on top, but we have quite a while to go before that.
All our local freestone rivers are in this back and forth flux - and it’s hard to say how they’ll be from a day to day perspective. By the time a lot of you are reading this it will have changed again. Be flexible, and look more toward the tailwaters. The Missouri River, Lower Madison and Upper Madison are all good options. Expect to see other people out there, but the spring fishing can be really good.
Lake fishing is really heating up, and our local stillwaters can be fantastic. A boat, float tube or kayak will help you cover a lot more water but you can still get it done from the shore. Leeches and wooly buggers are an excellent option. A slow strip or finger roll with a twitch or two can be deadly. Prince nymphs, midges, and size 12-14 classic nymphs can work great on the retrieve as well. Some of the lower level mountain lakes are opening up as well!
Another great option are our Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. The creeks run consistently year round, maintaining even flow and water temp that the trout love. If you’re after consistent dry fly action this is the spot, but be forewarned - you better bring your A-game. This fish will test you. The creeks do charge a rod fee, and many weekends and nice days are booked up. Always worth checking though!
Livingston is definitely entering the busy season with lots of people out and about lately. Regardless of your outdoor pursuit, we’re here to get you outfitted with the right gear and good info to get outside and enjoy a Montana spring.
Tight lines this week!