26 March, 2025 - Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fly Fishing Report
It feels like Spring out there these days! This week has seen highs in the 60s and you can tell that the change in seasons isn’t far off. Even as everyone breathes a sigh of relief and soaks up the warmth, the big question is how does this warmer weather affect snowpack?
Here in Livingston a lot of the lower level snow has been gone for a while, but if you go over the hill to Bozeman there’s still quite a bit. The mountains are holding onto their snow well, with almost everything in our immediate area over 100% right now. This is great news, and more cooler weather and storms in the forecast sure isn’t going to hurt. It’s pretty impossible to say exactly how the summer flows will be, but we are hopeful at this point.
Spring fishing can be some of the best of the year, and is overlooked compared to summer and fall. The weather can be incredibly unpredictable, necessitating having the proper clothing and gear with you at all times to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. It can be sunny and 65 one minute, and blowing a gale and pouring snow 15 minutes later. You just never know.
The spring hatches are a lot of fun. There’s still midges around, and Baetis are showing up in better numbers every day. If you’re after dry fly action, midday is still the best time. Remember, water temps are still pretty cold and as they slowly warm through the season fish and insect activity will increase.
Spring is also a great time of year to fish streamers. If you’re in a stripping mood, a large articulated option like a sex dungeon is a great choice. It’s hard to outfish a basic wooly bugger or zonker under a bobber though, especially with a small lightning bug or green copper john behind it. More and more people are getting into trout spey, and spring is an incredible time to go swing streamers on our local rivers. Find a pattern with a lot of natural movement from marabou or fur, and have at it.
It’s still early, but remember that spring is the rainbow spawning season. Always watch your step in gravelly areas and LEAVE THE REDDS ALONE. Don’t fish over them, don’t fish through them, don’t walk or drag an anchor through them, just let them do their thing. The long term health of the fishery depends on it.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River isn’t known for as a strong winter fishery due to limited wading access and its freestone nature, but it shines in the spring. Things are definitely picking up, and as any remaining shore ice melts boat ramps are open and people are getting out. Just to be safe, be sure to check both ramps if you are floating just in case.
The main factor on the Yellowstone these days is the wind. Don’t even ask - it’s GOING to be windy. Plan for it, be ready for it, and you’ll be fine. Keep in mind that if you’re after dry flies, you’re going to have to get out of the wind for it. Find a secluded back eddy or sheltered spot and sit down and watch for heads. The best hatches are on the cloudy days - on the bright days you won’t find many fish looking up.
As far as fly selection goes, have a well stocked box with midges and BWO patterns. Griffith’s Gnats are always a winner, as is just a basic Parachute BWO pattern. When the hatch is on, fishing an emerger like a Brook’s Sprout Baetis or a Trailing Shuck Compardun BWo behind an adult can be deadly. If you’re early, fish a double nymph rig or a nymph below an emerger. Stonefly nymphs make a great point fly, and anything shiny will attract whitefish if you just want to catch fish.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
Most of the spring creeks raise their rates in mid-April, so get out while you still can on the cheap! The best fishing in our local area is on the creeks, and they are a riot in the spring. Prolific hatches and picky fish make for technical fishing, which can be a lot of fun if you’re willing to play the game. Take your time, break out the size 24s and 6x, and be ready to be humbled.
Gallatin River/Madison River
Both the Gallatin and Madison Rivers are a solid springtime option for anglers looking to get out of Livingston and take a drive. The valley stretches of the Gallatin are starting to warm up and fish better, and the canyon remains a solid option. Expect temps to be colder in the canyon, and fish to remain in their winter patterns longer there.
The Lower Madison is a very popular spot for spring fishing, and can get busy on weekends and nice days. Be ready to share the river and be kind to all - everyone is out here trying to enjoy it just like you are. Look for good hatches of midges and BWOs around midday, with typical tailwater patterns and dead drifted streamers offering a good bet during the downtime between hatches.
The Upper Madison is a real gem in the spring, but be aware of ice jams and blocked boat ramps. Valley Garden is still pretty packed with ice, and be sure to check the ramps and conditions before launching. The river can yield some very large spring fish for those willing to put in the effort!
Guided Fishing Trips Booking Fast
Our guided fishing trips are booking fast for the year ahead! If you’re interested in prime dates (July-early October) call us and get those reserved now. This is the season to be thinking about and planning summer trips and adventures, and we’re here to help.
The shop is also switching over from winter to spring and we’ve got some great new waders, apparel, and gear for the early season angler. Stop in the shop, see what we’ve got, and tell us a fishing story. Tight lines this week!
