Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fishing Report - September 4

September marks another transition on our rivers, but many of August’s techniques will still bring fish to the fly in early fall. We have been graced by consistent late-summer rains, and although the Yellowstone River is at a near all-time low for this time of year, it remains cold and is fishing well.

In late summer, it’s paramount to take extra care not to over-stress fish. Land your fish quickly and without excessive play. Unhook them in the water if possible, and release them immediately.

As always, we’re here for all your fly fishing needs. We have guided days available, and autumn is an absolutely incredible time to fish here. From floating the Yellowstone River to wading Paradise Valley spring creeks or Yellowstone National Park, let our experienced guides show you some of the most unforgettable fishing of your life this fall.

With a warmer high-pressure system setting in, be mindful of water temperatures. It is also possible that further fishing restrictions could be implemented in September, so be sure to check with our shop for up-to-date information.

Yellowstone River

1,520 CFS in Livingston on 9/4/25

Dry fly fishing remains strong on the Yellowstone. Fish continue to take hoppers, but ants are also bringing some really nice fish to the surface. A hopper/ant double rig has been an effective and fun double-dry rig. As always, the hopper/dropper tandem can’t be beat. Start with a larger hopper and size down if you don’t see rises. Any ant pattern in the size #12 or #14 range will do good work; you want the fly big enough for the fish to notice.

Below the surface, baetis nymphs are producing fish consistently with Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs and Perdigons all working well right now. Size down on your nymphs to a #16 or #18, and give about 3 feet of 3x tippet from hopper to dropper.

Our fall hatches are just beginning. The caddis hatches have been picking up in the evenings. If conditions are calm, a small elk hair caddis can give you some excellent dry fly action. Hecuba drakes are also beginning to appear, and the fish can really key in on this hatch.

Streamer fishing has been decent on overcast days. Try darker black or olive patterns both tight to the bank and in faster moving water. With some of the best streamer fishing of the year around the corner in October and November though, we recommend fishing dries now while you can!

Yellowstone National Park

Please note that Hoot Owl restrictions (fishing is closed daily from 2 p.m. until the following sunrise) are in effect on the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon Rivers. For up to date information, please visit the Yellowstone National Park website.

The Park’s best dry fly fishing of the year continues well into September. We are very fortunate to have guided fishing days available in Yellowstone National Park. If you can make it here in the next month or so, our experienced guides can put you into rising native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in some of the Park’s most amazing locations. With fall foliage changing and elk bugling around you, it’s a magical experience that will never leave you. Book your trip today!

On the Park’s stretches of the Yellowstone and Gallatin rivers, hopper fishing is still a great bet in water with grassy banks. Start big and size down, or pay attention to the grasshoppers you see along the banks and match. A well-placed flying ant is one of the most effective patterns across the Park’s waters right now. Fall drake hatches (Hecubas) are beginning to appear in the lower valleys and will be in the Park in no time. These large grey drakes offer some of the best dry fly opportunities of the year.

All of the above holds true on the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon rivers, but these rivers are closed to fishing at 2 p.m. every day. Please respect the fishing restrictions and do everything you can to keep fish in the water without overexerting them. Due to water temperatures on the YNP stretch of the Madison River, we recommend avoiding this area altogether in order to protect the fishery.

Be sure to be bear aware and carry bear spray with you. If you can fish in a group of three or more, do it. Respect for our wildlife is crucial for everyone’s wellbeing.

Madison River

Upper Madison

290 CFS near West Yellowstone on 9/4/25

The Madison River is under Hoot Owl restrictions (fishing is closed daily from 2 p.m. until the following sunrise) for the entire river above Hebgen Reservoir. There are currently no restrictions between Earthquake Lake and Ennis Lake.

On the upper Madison, fishing early and late will be your best bet. Fish continue to key in on hoppers, but they are highly educated at this point in the season. Although fish are predictably in the deeper buckets, make sure you give your fly a great drift to entice picky fish. Giving your big drys a little skating action is another great way to coax a bite. Fast-sinking nymphs will produce as well. Try to size down with #16 or #18 baetis nymphs.

In the evening, caddis hatches are offering some outstanding angling on slicks in the last hour of light.

Lower Madison

1,160 CFS near McCallister on 9/4/25

The lower Madison remains very low and warm. These persistent conditions have held the lower Madison in Hoot Owl restrictions for weeks, and we recommend avoiding this stretch altogether in order to protect the fishery.

GALLATIN RIVER

408 CFS near Gallatin Gateway on 9/4/25

The Gallatin is under Hoot Owl restrictions (fishing is closed daily from 2 p.m. until the following sunrise) from Amsterdam Road to the confluence with the Missouri.

With river temps rising quickly during the day, we recommend fishing the Gallatin early. Dry/dropper rigs with medium or small hoppers and a fast-sinking #14 or #16 baetis dropper is still the move of the day. Look for deep buckets behind rocks or tight to the bank.