The Yellowstone River bumped in flows early this week with the warm weather of last weekend, but we are back to some cooler nights, but we are still waiting for the flows to drop and clear to make fishing a reasonable endeavor again. When the flows do drop and clear, the Yellowstone will back online and a legit option until daytime high temps get warm again. Streamer fishing has been very good – not a lot of fish but some nice browns for those willing to pay their dues. Nymphing has also been very productive as long as you are working holding water. The trout are still in slower runs due to colder water temps. The late morning midge hatches are bringing some fish to the surface on warmer, calm days (especially if there is some overcast weather). Baetis are just beginning to show up in small numbers.
Because stream flows are the lowest of the entire year, walking-and-wading anglers have a lot of the river to fish--unlike other times of the year when anglers most often have to use a boat to get around and fish it effectively.
The Month Ahead:
The spring baetis hatch will become a major hatch now, in April, and and throughout May. Large march browns are also going to be emerging soon and can make trout go wild even in small numbers. The Mother's Day caddis hatch should come off in the first 10 days of May. Spring fishing is often spectacular on the Yellowstone.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Yellowstone River should be a decent option until runoff begins in earnest in May.
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