By Jan Axtell
Yellowstone River
Streamflow: 2,080 Cubic Feet per Second on September 1, 2026
Over the course of the last week, a series of rain events has pumped more mud into the Yellowstone River. As the week progresses, we should expect to see clearing and a return to some great fishing. Cool evenings have kept the river temperatures low. We are finding fish in deeper runs off ledges and on seams. Prior to the rain events, we were getting good eats on hoppers, but most of our work was done with a nymph rig using a stonefly pattern paired with a Prince Nymph.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
The Paradise Valley spring creeks continue to fish well. We are seeing morning hatches of midges, tricos and baetis. There are still a few western sulphur mayflies popping in the evening. Many of these insects are size #20 and smaller. Accurate casting is a must to be successful dry fly fishing.
We are doing quite well on small nymphs in the deeper, stable pools. Through the middle of the day, we’ve seen success fishing terrestrial patterns to individual fish in high-probability holding water.
Yellowstone National Park
Late last week, there was a spike on the Lamar River that's largely contributing to some of the muddy water we're seeing in the Yellowstone River. Once that clears and falls, we should expect to see some green drake fishing in the very near future as well as mahogany duns and the onset of other fall hatches. With the Lamar being muddy, it will put extra pressure on Soda Butte and Slough creeks. These fisheries should remain clear though, and we are getting reports of excellent fishing in the lower meadow of Slough Creek. Terrestrial fishing is the name of the game, but we should expect to see our fall hatches begin to pop soon.
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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.”
