Well...if there was a window on the Yellowstone this week and for the weekend, it has now closed. With highs in the high 70 degrees F forecasted for the next four to five days, expect the Yellowstone to be off the menu for awhile. However.....the ten day forecast is calling for colder weather to hit next week so there is a slight possibility the Yellowstone could come back on line.
Mostly out till late June or early July, but if we get a prolonged cold, dry spell, then the Yellowstone could fish great for a short window.
If you are looking for a little something more consistent than the Yellowstone River rightn now, consider one of the Paradise Valley spring creeks of DePuy's and Armstrong's. The Paradise Valley spring creeks offer some of the most challenging fly fishing conditions for wild trout in the world. These technical fisheries originate from underground aquifers and flow cold and clear year round. The biomass in the spring creeks are astounding and trout densities are extremely high. The combination of abundant food options and gin clear waters produce conditions that require stealth and match the hatch presentation. Many anglers consider spring creek fly fishing to be the ultimate challenge in the sport.
Best Flies for the Yellowstone River Right Now:
Pat's Rubberlegs in brown/tan or black in sizes 8-12
Beadhead FKA Princes in sizes 10-16
Para Adams in sizes 10-18
Para Purple Haze in sizes 10-18
Beadhead Pheasant Tails in size 16-20
Beadhead Copper Johns in sizes 16-20
Rainbow warriors in sizes 16-20
Zebra Midges in sizes 16-22
Beadhead PTs in sizes 18-22
Juju beatis in flash, black, or olive in sizes 16 and 18
Current Conditions:
Day to day based on streamflows.
The Month Ahead:
As weather slowly warms remember to be mindful of air temps and check the river gauges so avoid spikes in levels from early snowmelt.