By Jan Axtell
Yellowstone River
Streamflow: 2,240 Cubic Feet per Second on August 20, 2026
Despite an early week mud plug that appears to be resolving as of this writing, the Yellowstone River is fishing very well. Last week's cold front and cool nights have been keeping the river temperatures low, and Hoot Owl restrictions were lifted a week ago.
With cold water temperatures, fish will be holding in riffles and deep seams. Focus your morning efforts on nymphing and streamer fishing, which have been very productive lately. During the afternoon, switching to a dry fly or dry-dropper has also been catching fish. Hoppers and attractor patterns are working well.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
The Paradise Valley spring creeks are fishing quite well with hatches of morning tricos and midges. We found a number of fish rising to both these bugs each morning.
Terrestrial patterns, such as ants and beetles, have also been putting fish on through the midday. Cast these flies to high-probability holding water to prospect for laid-up trout.
Nymphing with sow bugs, scuds, midges, and small fly patterns continues to be productive in well-defined and stable holes. Drifting a small soft hackle size #18 and smaller, greased and in the surface film, can be the ticket for dry fly-wary trout.
The evening hatch of western sulphurs continues to produce good dry fly fishing throughout the evening. On your spring creek day, go early and stay late.
Yellowstone National Park
There's been a little mud in the Lamar Valley this week, but fishing continues to be productive when you find clear water. It's hopper season in the Park, and anglers are reporting some very nice fish out of Slough Creek as well as Trout Lake, which can be great alternatives when the Lamar River is off color.
For stillwater trout, a leech pattern fished slowly off dropoffs is a great way to actively present a fly and catch fish. Additionally, a midge rig that puts your flies below the thermocline end near the bottom is a great way to take big stillwater trout in the Park.
Our summer days are starting to dwindle as we enjoy the first taste of fall. It's an exciting time of year to not only catch fish during summer conditions, but eagerly anticipating the fall fishing. Looking forward, we should begin to see fall conditions start to replace the heat of the summer in Yellowstone National Park. We can expect to see green and gray drakes hatching in the next few weeks as well as mahogany duns and hecuba mayflies, not to mention some great streamer fishing to come.
About Jan Axtell
Jan is a father, husband, and guide in Livingston, Montana. A self-described “Jackass Of All Trades,” he has guided trout anglers for 25 years in Wisconsin, Vermont and Montana.
He guides on the Yellowstone River, the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, the Bighorn River, and in Yellowstone National Park.
When not fishing Jan enjoys Nordic skiing, reading, wingshooting over his pointing dog…and more fishing.
Additionally, he enjoys tying flies for his clients, area fly shops, and his own fly box.
He lives in Paradise Valley with his very loving and tolerant wife, Vicki, their very awesome daughter Zoe, and their two dogs, Greta and Parker. He and his family operate Fin & Feather Enterprises together “in three-part harmony.”
