Current Conditions:
The Yellowstone River from Yellowstone National Park down to Billings has still been producing solid results, but has come back to earth a bit. The hopper bite is just starting and should improve in the coming weeks. The best fishing is still early in the morning. Hot days ahead will push trout into the fast water so avoid the long frog water slicks right now and look for the riffles. There are still some nocturnal stones down low and dry fly fishing is good at dawn down there with rubber legs underneath producing some fish.
Beginning on July 22, the Yellowstone River from HWY 89 Bridge to HWY 212/310 Bridge is under Hoot Owl Restrictions. That means the river is closed to fishing from 2 PM to Midnight. You can always check with FWP’s Restrictions and Closures page for the most up-to-date angling restrictions.
The Month Ahead:
As the river continues to drop expect trout to slowly slide into faster water. As banks recede the trout will move to deeper flats with 2-4 feet depth. Giant attracter dries won’t work as well as smaller patterns as the trout see more flies when throwing dries. Trout will continue to move into progressively faster water as temps increase. We are in the summer thunderstorm cycle so pay close attention to the hydrographs of tributaries like the Gardiner and Lamar and if you see them spike after turbulent weather expect some mud to come down.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Yellowstone should be a great option in the fall. As temperatures drop trout will move back into the slower slicks, eddies and glides and the small mayfly fishing will improve over baetis and the random drakes. October fishing is always solid on the stone to aggressive browns.
Visit Our Shop for These Top Yellowstone River Flies Right Now:
Elk Hair Caddis in size 10-14
Para Adams in size 12-22
Pat's Rubberlegs in coffee/black in size 6-10
BH Pheasant Tail in size 12-16
BH Prince in size 12-16
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