Yellowstone River
Streamflow: 2,530 Cubic Feet per Second on August 5, 2026
An early week cold front and improved water clarity have created excellent fishing conditions on the Yellowstone River. Water temperatures dropped into the mid to high 60s, creating a reprieve from a week straight of 70°–plus water temperatures. Please note, the Yellowstone River is still in Hoot Owl restrictions from the Highway 89 bridge near Livingston to the Highway 310/212 bridge in Laurel.
We are finding fish in aerated riffles and runs in the long seams adjacent to those areas. Fish can often be found in the shallow aerated riffles as well.
Most of our fish are being caught on nymph rigs. Stonefly patterns paired with a smaller mayfly or caddis nymph have been putting fish in the net. Additionally, we have been catching fish on streamer patterns early in the morning. We are working those streamers actively across riffles and through runs and along banks. Grasshoppers are becoming active on the banks, and the dry fly fishing should really begin to improve in the afternoons.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
Photo by Jan Axtell
The Paradise Valley spring creeks are fishing well, although technical fishing conditions are prevalent as always on these waters. Focusing your attention on approach and presentation is essential to success.
Anglers are doing especially well in the evenings on the western sulphur (Pseudocleon) hatch. This diminutive mayfly has been bringing fish to the surface with some consistency. Additionally, fish are eating terrestrials, especially beetles and ants in holding water during the day. Nymph rigs with a small scud or sowbug paired with a size #20 to #22 mayfly nymph or midge have been working well.
Yellowstone National Park
Despite being on Hoot Owl restrictions, Yellowstone National Park is fishing remarkably well. The Lamar River, Soda Butte, and Slough creeks are starting to see good hopper action from midmorning up until the 2 p.m. Hoot Owl restriction deadline. Small terrestrials have also been putting fish in the net. You can fish either of these patterns with a small dropper, which also has been catching fish. Water levels are low, so look for fish in the deepest portions of runs and in the pools.
Alpine Lakes
If you’re looking for some exercise and the incomparable experience of hiking to an alpine lake, August offers exceptional fishing in southwest Montana’s high country. The mountain lakes of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness contain more lakes than one can fish in a lifetime with healthy populations of Yellowstone Cutthroat trout as well as non-native rainbow and brook trout.
Dry fly fishing can be outstanding. The alpine angler should have a good selection of Parachute Adams patterns, caddis, spruce moths, stimulators and especially terrestrial ant and beetle patterns late in the summer. A stealthy 4x tippet is recommended, and giving your fly gentle twitches or skates is a good way to attract cruising fish.
Nymphing small beadheads under a stimulator or terrestrial will produce fish, as will stripping smaller streamers like a Thin Mint.
Make sure you have everything you need in your pack before heading out; getting to a lake only to find you left your rod or reel is not a good feeling. Please also carry bear spray and practice good bear awareness for your safety and our wildlife’s.
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.”
