Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fly Fishing Report - May 29, 2025

May/June is a time of transition here in Montana, and the Yellowstone River is no exception. Spring runoff is in full swing. Many rivers like the Yellowstone are currently unfishable, and fishing options are limited.

The best options for fishing locally would be Dailey or Hyalite lakes. An early morning on Dailey, before the wind kicks up, can be particularly good fishing right from the shore. And just to be at Hyalite fishing in that spectacular scenery is about all a person needs, but the fishing can also be quite good. Think in terms of stripping a bugger, or fishing a lake midge larva imitation below an indicator. Smaller area tributaries can be fishable higher up, but flows are high and cold and fish activity is limited, but you may be able to catch a few fishing deep. Spring flows can be very dangerous, even on smaller creeks, so please exercise caution when wading.

If you’re looking for a guided trip, we have days available with our roster of experienced guides. Book a trip today!

Yellowstone River

14,500 CFS in Livingston on 5/29/25

The Yellowstone is high and muddy for the foreseeable future. We might see a few fishing windows if we get another significant cold spell, but the Stone is likely not fishing until it comes back down at the end of June/early July. We’re here to keep you posted on any changes, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at the shop if you have questions. And if you haven’t already booked a guided fishing trip on the Yellowstone River for later this summer and fall, be sure to give us a call today: 406-222-1673

Paradise Valley Spring Creeks

Cloudy days are seeing some good hatches with baetis and midges on our local spring creeks. If the sun is out, count on the perennial scuds and sow bugs for good nymphing action. As always, these are spooky fish, so bring your A game. A day on these spring creeks is an experience you won’t forget, and we have guided days available on both DePuy’s and Armstrong’s spring creeks.

Yellowstone National Park

Firehole River: 353 CFS near West Yellowstone on 5/29/25

Madison River: 567 CFS near West Yellowstone on 5/29/25

Fishing season is on in Yellowstone National Park. Remember you do need a separate license to fish in the Park, which can be bought online here. 

Park waters are generally high, off-color and cold with the warmer cycle we're in, but cooler temps starting next week could bring things back into shape if we don't get too much rain.

The main focus of fishing in Yellowstone right now is the west side waters of the Firehole, Gibbon and Madison Rivers. Look for good action on PMDs and caddis early and late in the day. Fishing terrestrials or even salmon flies in bigger buckets of pocket water are good bets in the afternoon.

The Firehole River is famous this time of year for swinging soft hackles, an incredible approach that can be absolutely deadly. Cast an unweighted pair of soft hackles down and across, letting your line go tight as you lift your rod at the end of the swing. This imitates emerging insects rising from the depths and the fish key in on the movement. 

BWOs, white miller caddis, and PMDs should all be making appearances soon on the west side rivers. You might find some midges as well. If you want to fish dries all day and not chase a bobber, you certainly have the chance to.

Gallatin River

3,350 CFS near Gallatin Gateway on 5/29/25

The Gallatin is in full runoff. If colder temps return, look for clarity higher up above the Taylor’s Fork. Streamers and big, leggy nymphs will be the ticket to get their attention in muddier water. The Gallatin usually starts to clear up before the Yellowstone, so stay tuned for fishing opportunities here later in June.

Lower Madison River

2,730 CFS near McCallister on 5/29/25

The lower Madison River is fishing relatively well with limited dry fly action on cloudy days (caddis). Chubby Chernobyls can do some good work on cloudy days as well, and make sure to throw a dropper underneath. Nymphing rubberlegs, caddis pupa, worms, and larger attractors like Perdigons, and lightning bugs will all do well  on the Lower Madison too.

Missouri River

6,230 CFS near Cascade on 5/29/25

The fishing was excellent on the Missouri in May, which is standard for this exceptional tailwater fishery. The fishing is starting to change a bit; the Pseudo Baetis bite is waning, but the PMDs are just getting started and will provide some awesome fishing in the days ahead. Anything that the fish are feeding on year round is a good bet right now, with sow bugs being the primary meal.

Big Horn River

3,500 CFS at Yellowtail Afterbay Dam near St. Xavier

Fishing on the Big Horn has been a little slow, but the tradeoff is bigger fishing are making an appearance. Worms, sow bugs, scuds and midges will all pick up fish. The streamer bite hasn’t been great, but don’t be afraid to swing olive or white streamers with a sink tip to pick up bigger fish. The rainbows are spawning, so please be aware and stay clear of redds.