18 September, 2024 - Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fly Fishing Report
Fall is in the air here in Livingston! It’s forecast to rain all day, and the highs for the next couple of weeks are in the 60s and 70s. After what felt like a very hot summer, this is quite nice. Fall is one of the best seasons here in Montana, and the fishing is a big part of that.
Our local rivers are all flowing quite low, but cooler nights have helped keep water temps in check. Aside from a full closure on the Big Hole River, we are no longer dealing with any restrictions or closures. Late summer conditions are still in effect, and our great fall hatches are still ahead of us.
Yellowstone River
Fall on the Yellowstone River is a gem. The leaves start turning, hatches start kicking off, and there are always some of the best fish of the year caught this season. Since we haven’t had a hard freeze yet, hopper season is still in full swing. Thunder Thighs and Moorish Hoppers are a great starting point in yellow, orange, and pink. Bring a couple different sizes and profiles to cycle though. At this point in the summer there are some really big hoppers around, but sometimes going small is a good option.
Since hoppers make a great indicator, try hanging a nymph below it. We’re still a bit early for our fall BWO hatches, but they will be showing up any day now. A BWO nymph, pheasant tail, or copper john is a good bet, as is any general attractor nymph. Perdigons or any jig style nymph work great and have an added benefit of drifting hook point up which lessens your chance of snagging on weeds and rocks in this low water.
The fall streamer bite attracts anglers from around the region, and for good reason. If you want to catch a big brown on the Yellowstone, fall is the time. Cool and cloudy days are the best, but as the fish get more aggressive they’ll be chasing in any conditions. Whether you are stripping, swinging or dead drifting, be sure to have some different profiles, actions, and colors to cycle through until you find what they want.
Madison River
The fishing is improving on the Madison River. The Upper Madison is a haven for anglers the world over this time of year through October. The river is flowing pretty low, but flows should be bumped back up later this month. Hoppers are still the main course, with the fall hatches of BWOs not quite showing up yet. Would a BWO nymph be a good choice under a hopper? You betcha. With these low flows, be ready to bump the boat if you’re floating. Focus on the buckets and deeper water and you’ll find the fish.
The Lower Madison is back open and the summer crowds have largely dissipated. That being said, warm weekends will still see a good number of floaters. It’s a great option for close to town, but it’s still a bit early for it. The Lower really shines later in the fall. Hoppers and streamers are a good bet here.
Streamer fishing on the entire river is solid. Smaller sizes would be a good starting point, and don’t be afraid to simply dead drift them under a hopper or indicator. Work the banks, work the buckets, find the deeper water and keep changing it up until it starts to work.
Gallatin River
The entire length of the Gallatin River is open to fishing, with no restrictions. That being said, the lower Gallatin below Belgrade is very skinny right now. Water temps are fine, but might give that a bit more time to really shape up. The Gallatin Canyon is, as always, a good option. Hoppers are working, especially in places with grassy fields or ag near by. Think smaller here on the Gallatin as far as pattern size.
Ants, beetles and attractors are still a good option in the canyon and up as well. The Spruce Moths are largely gone, but you might find a few around on the warmer days. Fall BWOs are still a few weeks away. If you want to fish the Park stretch of the Gallatin, now is a great time to do it just carry your bear spray.
Yellowstone National Park
Fall hits Yellowstone National Park ahead of everywhere else, and you can certainly see and feel it now. The mornings and evenings are crisp, leaves are changing and elk bugles fill the air. The fishing season lasts until October 31, and fall is the true gem here. The fall BWO hatches will arrive sooner (not quite yet though), and the streamer fishing is incredible. Water temps have fallen to a point where all fishing restrictions have been lifted park wide.
Being in Livingston, we are partial to the NE corner and the incredible wealth of opportunity that the Lamar, Gardner River, Slough Creek and other waters offer but anywhere in the park will be good. The large lake run brown trout moving out of Hebgen Lake up the Madison give some a chance at a fish of a lifetime. The technical dry fly fishing on the Firehole appeals to others. Regardless of what you are after, fall in Yellowstone has it for you.
High Country
The small water and high country lake seasons are nearing their yearly end, but there is still time to get up in the high country and enjoy these incredible spots. Pull out a map, dust off the boots, and go exploring. Every year it seems there is never enough time to spend in the mountains in pursuit of trout, so make the most of every opportunity! Most times a small puck of flies will keep you in business all day long. While we won’t drop spots, our staff can help point you in the right direction.
Livingston and the Shop
School has started, fall colors are showing up, and the pace of life here in Livingston is starting to change. So is our shop! New fall arrivals are coming in every week, with technical gear and comfortable clothing to keep you warm, dry, comfortable, and out on the water longer. We’ve got a great selection of waders and wading boots for fall fishing, and the flies and knowledge you need.
Tight lines this week!
