Please check the fishing regulations before fishing.
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Jefferson River Fishing info by Fins and Feathers (December 6, 2024)
2/5
This small weather window to finish out this week is probably gonna be the last solid week to get out and fish Montana’s Jefferson River. This warmer weather could get a few fish into the mood to chase some streamers. However if you’re looking for numbers nymphing the deep slow runs and buckets will be the name of the game.
The nymph menu is pretty basic, anglers have been doing well fishing a red San Juan worm to a small perigon style nymph size 14-18 in dark or flashy colors. For streamer selection keep it on the smaller side, Mini Dungeons in black and olive or a rusty trombone are some go to flies. Use a heavy sink tip line and really focus on the slow runs and bends.
Once winter fully takes its hold the Jefferson ices over making it a non option to fish so get out there while we still can!
Hell Creek General Recreation Information (December 11, 2024)
Click here: www.HellCreekRecreation.comCLICK HERE for Hell Creek webcam.
Gallatin River Fishing Report via Fins and Feathers (December 6, 2024)
3/5
We still got some good weather holding on to finish the week and start of the weekend before old man winter takes hold of the Gallatin river again. The canyon stretches close to Big Sky and the valley section from the mouth of the canyon to Four Corners are both fishing well with nymphs. Saturday is nice and warm with great cloud cover to keep an eye out for a dry fly window that afternoon mostly on Midges.
Anglers have been having luck fishing a red worm or a small golden stonefly nymph dropping to a small Peridgon in dark colors. Focus your fishing on deep slow moving water, inside bends on the drop off have been holding fish. Start with your indicator set to 5’ and make sure to add some split shot for those deep holes.
If some fish are coming up to the surface try fishing a Peacock Cluster size 16-20 on a 9’ 4X leader.
You can get an idea of the water conditions in the Big Sky area by viewing this webcam, hosted by our friends at Montana Whitewater.
Lake Frances Ice Update (December 9, 2024)
“just as an example as to how fast ice can change. Today on Lake Frances, near shore is 4 inches. I didn’t go further. Won’t be building much ice this week with 40 degree weather in the day and middle to upper 20s for the low. Unless something drastically changes weather wise not much ice is gonna be forming this week.”
Yellowstone River Fishing Report by Bozeman Fly Supply (December 9, 2024)
Fishing on the Yellowstone is finally starting to slow down with the cooler temperatures, and pretty much all the good reports we have been hearing from the Yellowstone river have been from Carters bridge to Livingston. Fishing has been more consistent with nymphs and streamers as of late with stoneflies, worms, eggs, prince nymphs, green machines, hare’s ears, bead baetis, blowtorch’s, and Duracell’s having the spotlight. Dry fly fishing can also be a good option too with midges being key. For dry flies, if you see fish rising we would throw a buzzball or a griffith’s gnat. As far as streamers go, some of the bigger flies have been working better for us with the double gonga, sex dungeon, Drunk and Disorderly, Schultz’y sculpin, Sluggo’s, and swim coach’s being our best flies as of late.
Suggested Fly Patterns
- Dry FlySweetgrass Hopper (8), Henneberry hopper grey (12), Thunder Thighs hopper Yellow/Tan (10), Donkey Kong hopper pink/tan (10-12) Parachute Adams (16-20), Purple Haze (16-18), Buzz Ball (14-16), Corn fed Caddis (14-16), X-Caddis (14-16), Parachute PMD (14-16), Extended Body PMD (14-16), Larimer’s Yellow Sally (12-14), Water Walker (8-12), Chubby Chernobyl (8-16)
- StreamerWoolly Bugger (4-12), Ditch Witch Black/red/purple/ Yellow/white(2), Mini Peanut Envy Black/Yellow/Tan (6) Mini Dungeon Black/purple /Olive/Yellow (6), Montana Intruder (4), Sparkle Minnow JJ’s/Silver/Sculpin (4-8), Double Gonga Black/Rainbow (4), Sculpzilla Black/White/Olive (4-8), Seasoned Geezer Gold/Natural/Olive (6)
- NymphPat’s Rubber Legs (6-12), Zirdle Bug (6-12), Perdigon Blue/Purple/Pearl (14-18), Jig thread Frenchie Brown/yellow (14-18), CDC Pheasant Tail (10-18), Jigster PMD (14-18), Formerly Known Prince Nymph (10-18), BH Hare’s Ear (12-18), Sizzlin’ Hot Squirrel (14-16), Matt’s Shagadelic Mop Tan/Brown/Chartreuse/Cheeto (10)
Flint Creek Fishing Report by Flint Creek Outdoors (December 8, 2024)
With the warm weather we have been having the creek has been wide open for the most part. Fishing has been okay but look for things to start freezing back up here soon.
Please respect all private property and fishing signs. At the corral on the Johnson Tuning Fork spot if the sign is up please find another spot to access.
See below for our tips on fishing Flint Creek near Philipsburg, Montana.
Here are a few tips for fly fishing Flint Creek:
1. Try nymphing in deep pools or under the banks.
2. Fish a single dry on the bank or the bubble lines.
3. Try swinging a streamer or a soft hackle through the ripples.
Here are a few fly suggestions:
1. Kreelex – Gold and Copper size 6
2. TJ Hooker – Brown and Black size 12
3. TJ Hooker – Tan and Brown size 12
4. PMD, size 12-14
5. Jig Frenchie – size 14,16
6. Spanish Bullet – black size 14,16
7. Pheasant Tail Nymph size 16-20
Flows and looking ahead:
Flow: 57 cfs at the time of publishing this report
Here is a link to the Flint Creek USGS Water Information.
Stop by the shop in Philipsburg for the latest report and for everything you need for your trip. We are open Thursday through Monday 7am-4PM and 7am-11am Tuesday and Wednesday. Tight lines!
Pump House at Georgetown Lake Update (December 10, 2024)
“Pump house is sketch from what I heard from two guys that met me at rainbow point”
Southwest Montana Fishing Overview by Montana Angler (December 4, 2024)
Winter is here on our local rivers near Bozeman and Big Sky. Check out a recent blog post on Winter Fly Fishing Tips That Go Beyond Just Dressing Warm and then go fishing! That doesn’t mean we have hung up the waders and the rods until March. In fact, many of our rivers can fish quite well in winter…just have to pick wisely and fish at the appropriate times. Rivers like the Yellowstone and Madison can fish well in winter, but the comfort factor of staying warm and functionable in cold conditions often dictates how good the fishing can be–if you are comfortable and can fish through the cold and are prepared for it, you should find some success.
Most local Bozeman fly fishing guides, if not all of them, have stored their boats for the winter and are spending time exploring local waters on foot. Winter is a good time to fish a river a little more intimately. Because trout are going to be in deeper and slower pools, fishing more thoroughly in a long slow run will be the best tactic. Fly fishing in winter isn’t meant to be rushed. It is a time to slow down, enjoy the environs, and treat the fish as a bonus. With winter now fully set-in here in Montana nearly all dry fly fishing is over except for the random right-place, right-time midge action. Check out some of our blogs that cover winter fly fishing: Winter Fly Fishing Options Around Bozeman, 5 Tips to Improve Your Fly Fishing with Streamers, and Winter Fly Fishing in Montana: The Only Flies You Will Ever Need.
Overview
Most of our fishing guides have put up the oars for the season but as long as the snow doesn’t fall too deep or the temps get too cold, there is still fishing to be had. Most likely you can have the river to yourselves as mostly only local anglers are left on the water and even then a good portion of them are out chasing 4 legged creatures to fill the freezer. By and large the program will be nymphing as well as some streamer action. If you get the right day some dry fly action can be had.
On a mild winter day you might be lucky enough to run into some rising trout feeding on midges. Even freestone streams like the Gallatin will produce some sporadic midge hatches. If the hatch isn’t too strong dries that imitate single midges are more productive such as a palomino pattern. On tailwaters like the Missouri River the midge hatches in the winter can be thick in the late morning and the insects will cluster together so many of the patterns such as the Griffiths gnat that imitate these “rafts” of insects can out produce single insect patterns.
Hatches
Most, if not all, of the hatches are done for the season. As the water temps gradually get colder and colder, expect the intensity of the hatch to dwindle. Midges are going to be the only hatch of the next several months. On most freestone rivers the trout are going to eat subsurface rather than rise to midges. The exception to this is on the Missouri River near Wolf Creek and Craig where the tailwater fishery can produce some excellent midge hatches on a warm December day.
Fly selection
With the onset of winter the fish will take advantage of the still somewhat warmer water temps and feed heavily at times to get that last bit of bulk on before they go into maintenance mode. So fish your largish attractor nymphs like sculpins, rubber legs, worms, leeches, eggs, crayfish, etc. with confidence. But don’t forget about small mayfly nymph patterns or midge larvae and pupa patterns as well. A Zebra midge is a great option for fly fishing the Upper Madison River in May.
Beadhead Little Green Machines in olive or natural in sizes 16 to 22
Firebead or hot bead SJ wormies in sizes 8-12
Beadhead Perdigons in natural, olive, peacock, black, in sizes 16 to 22
Sawyer Pheasant Tails in sizes 16 to 22
Home Invaders in darker/contrasting colors in size 2 – 10
Sculpzillas in black, olive, or brown in size 2- 10
Sparkle Minnows in a variety if colors in size 2 – 10
Your favorite go-to streamer pattern
Reading water
Streamflows can vary by river in winter in the Bozeman and Big Sky areas. Check your water temps via the river reports page as temps can vary from location to location by quite a lot depending on where the water is coming from, ie. the high country, a dam, low elevation spring creek, etc. This can help you determine the most likely place the fish will be holding. A good general rule in winter is that most fish will be holding deeper and slower runs and holes compared to fall or summer. Where the fish are holding, and feeding, is the most important aspect of fishing during the winter months.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report by Yellowdog Fly Fishing (December 11, 2024)
Flow Data: Missouri River below Holter Dam near Wolf Creek, MT
A little bit of a “heat wave” in Craig this week. Moderate wind too. Just crazy. Nymphing will still be hot, but it will be tough to keep the ice out of your guides. Dry fly action has dropped off. Some fish may rise to midges if you are lucky. If you find fish rising and present them with a Parachute Adams, or midge cluster, or Griffith’s Gnat. Tailwater Sowbug is tough to beat now. A scud will work too. Midges will also probably work. Worms will work all winter. Swinging soft hackles has given way to bugger, small streamers and leeches. Doesn’t hurt to try a streamer. Smaller will be better. Buggers. Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex, or Skiddish Smolts are also excellent choices.
Chancy and Dave’s Fish Camp Fishing Report (December 7, 2024)
Smith Lake – 3 1/2” of ice
Rodgers Lake- 2-3” of ice, catching some grayling.
Lower Stillwater- Frozen- NOT SAFE 
Lynch Lake- Frozen- No Reports
Blackfoot Lakes- 3-5” of ice on most of lakes.
Georgetown Lake- Frozen, some rainbows and salmon.
Flathead River- Still catching lots of whitefish.
ICE EXPO DEC 14th
Seminars start at 9:00 am
STAY SAFE OUT THERE- ICE IS VERY THIN!
Flathead Valley Fishing Report by Snappy’s Sport Senter (December 5, 2024)
- Flathead River – The Whitefish are still in the river but the bite is starting to slow some. We are still seeing decent numbers being caught around Old Steel Bridge.
- Echo Lake – Reports of open water on the main lake but some of the bays are starting to see ice forming.
- McWennegar Slough – Ice is beginning to form but it is not safe.
- Smith Lake – 3 inches of ice
- Rogers Lake – 3-4 inches of ice
- Loon Lake (Ferndale) – Open Water
- Horseshoe Lake (Ferndale) – 1 inch of ice
- Blanchard Lake – 2 inches of ice
- Lion Lake – Lake is only about half frozen and not safe.
- Halfmoon Lake – 4 inches of ice
- Lake Five – 2.5 inches of ice
- Reminder no matter the thickness… “No Ice is Safe Ice”
Bozeman Fishing Reports (December 6, 2024)
We have some great weather the next few days around Bozeman Montana and fishing has been solid.
The name of the game in the winter will be nymph fishing for the most part. Sticking with a fairly basic winter fly menu. San Juan worms and rubber legs will be staple top fly patterns, we are dropping small dark perdigon style droppers of those tops flies. The canyon section on the Gallatin River will be a good nymphing option for the winter.
It’s possible we will see some sporadic dry fly hatches in the next month as well as the later half of the winter. Wait for the warmer overcast days before you dig your dry fly box out. The Lower Madison can be a good section for dry flies.
Kootenai River Fishing Report by Linehan Outfitting (December 9, 2024)
This Kootenai River Montana fishing report is being brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Linehan Outfitting. This report will be updated weekly to provide current conditions, weather, hatches, patterns, and flows to our local waters and across the state.
Flows from Libby Dam: 4000cfs
Water temperature at Libby Dam: 42 degrees
Hatches: midge, baetis
patterns: zebra midge, parachute Adams, parachute pmd, Rosenbauer’s olive rabbit foot emerger, purple haze, purple chubby, red chubby, olive sparkle dun,bh prince, soft SJ worm, bh pheasant tail, bh rubber legged stonefly, big streamers in white, pink and olive, circus peanut, black conehead buggers
It’s not quite spring up here in Kootenai River country but we have good news. Flows from Libby Dam have been reduced and will be stable at 4000cfs through the end of March for now. That means there’s some great early season fishing available right now.
Expect more clammy cloudy weather through the weekend and into next week. March continues to come in like a lion and we’ve yet to see the lamb. Rain and snow mix will dominate forecast. Fortunately daytime temps will ooch into the forties which is at least a small sign of spring around here.
At the moment the river is clear and in good shape. Don’t expect much in the way of dry fly fishing and insect activity until we get some substantially warmer daytime temperatures. The water is still cold but trout will start to feed a bit in the coming weeks.
This is always a good time of year for nymphing. With low flows you don’t need a heavy rig. You just need to get the flies down in softer runs and pools where trout are most likely to be holding this time of year. Don’t spend a ton of time fishing fast riffles.
Streamer fishing is also productive this time of year especially since bigger fish will be hungry after laying low for a couple months during the dead of winter. Keep in mind they will not necessarily want to move too fast or too far to get a meal. Get your streamers down and fish them slowly and erratically. Nothing like a wounded minnow to get a big rainbow interested in at least a sniff.
In Boston Red Sox news, it’s PLAY BALL! After several weeks of a lockout the players union owners have finally come to an agreement. Spring training will start immediately and while opening day was and remains delayed until April 7, the season will still be 162 games. For now the Sox have managed to keep essentially the same playoff roster they had last season. Infielders Dalbec, Arroyo, Bogaerts, and Devers are key players. In the outfield Jackie Bradley Jr. has returned to Boston and Kike Hernandez and Verdugo will anchor the deep green. Ace Chris Sale will hopefully be healthy and other starters from last year will hopefully pick up where they left off in October. Go Sox!!!
Give a call anytime if you need more Kootenai River details or information on any of our hunting or fishing adventures. And please check out our e-commerce site for all Linehan Outfitting branded swag and Orvis gear. https://linehan-outfitting.myshopify.com/
We look forward to hearing from you. 406-295-4872
Gallatin River Fishing Report by Montana Angler (December 4, 2024)
Winter fly fishing in the Big Sky and Bozeman area on the Gallatin River is as consistent as any winter fishery as any in the area. Additionally, the flows on the Gallatin River in winter are low, which means the fish are concentrated in the deeper runs, pockets, and holes. Because the Gallatin River is low you will need to cover a lot of water when you fish. If you fish a deep run or hole and catch a few fish, consider moving up to the next run or hole. With the low and clear flows on the Gallatin River right now fishing subsurface is the best way to get into fish at the moment.
The Gallatin is low and gin clear right now. The fish are starting to stack up in the slower slicks and runs with some depth and slow to medium speed currents. Nymphing has been most productive most of the day with smaller baetis patterns offering the most productivity. Egg patterns are also producing in wake of the whitefish spawn and before the brown trout spawn. On mild days we have observed some decent midge hatches that are bring a few trout to the surface so bring some small midge dries just in case.
Choose tandem nymph rigs with flies in the size 18-22 range. See the list of flies below for the best choices. With the low, clear water for success you will need to drop down in tippet sizes so you are getting a better drift. Many anglers are going to 9 foot 5X leaders with 5X fluorocarbon for their tippets. Trout are being found in the 5-6 feet deep medium fast runs during most of the day. Be sure to read one of our latest blog posts on choosing the best leader for fishing.
The Gallatin is low and clear and is fishing well for most of its length. The ice shelves are still at bay on the lower water and the river in the valley is still fishing well. Mild days are even producing some risers over the midge hatch. Nymphing is the best bet and it pays to skip a lot of water and jump from one deep run to another. Look for steady currents that aren’t too strong but still enough to bring food to trout. Slow water that is 3-6 feet deep and located just below a riffle is always a good bet. Nymphing stone fly nymphs trailed by a baetis nymph or midge larva is a good bet but egg patterns and worms are also good flies to try.
The Month Ahead:
The Gallatin River near Big Sky and Bozeman fishes well all winter. Don’t mess with the fast water as the fish will have moved into the slower and deeper runs. There are several springs near the Big Sky junction that keep the upper canyon waters ice free and this is a great place to fish in the colder months. During cold snaps the valley waters develop slush and big ice shelves. If you find icy conditions just keep driving upstream towards Big Sky. Upstream of Big Sky ice is also a problem so the 15-20 miles from Big Sky down is the best on the coldest days. Nymphing smaller patterns and eggs is the big producer.
Flies for the Gallatin River for the Next Month:
Lightening Bugs in sizes 16-18
Juju baetis in black or olive in sizes 18-20
Firebhead or hotbead SJ worms in sizes 12-16
Sawyer PTs in sizes 18-22
Zebra Midges in black, red, or olive in sizes 18-22
Pheasant Tails in sizes 16-20
Little Spankers in sizes 18-20
Pat’s Rubberlegs in sizes 12-14
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The info above will be the forecast for most of the winter. Once March hits, the Gallatin River will produce a little more variety as the baeits mayflies become active again.
Salmon River Steelhead by Jimmy’s Fly Shop (December 7, 2024)
Thanksgiving week was the coldest week so far on the Upper Salmon River this fall, but despite the chilly temperatures, steelhead anglers were still having success downstream of Deadwater in location codes 14 and 15. The fishing was much tougher upstream of Deadwater though because the slush (or frazil) ice started flowing on Friday.
Catch rates last week remained good downstream of North Fork. Anglers interviewed downstream of the Middle Fork Salmon River in location code 14 averaged 8 hours per steelhead caught, and anglers interviewed downstream of North Fork in location code 15 averaged 9 hours per steelhead caught.
Few interviews were obtained from anglers fishing upstream of North Fork in location codes 16 and 17. One angler reported harvesting a steelhead in location code 16 which produced an average catch rate of 52 hours per steelhead caught., and no anglers that were interviewed upstream of the Lemhi River in location code 17 reported catching a steelhead. If you have questions about steelhead fishing here,, call the Salmon IDF&G Salmon office at 208 756-2271.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks Fishing Report via River’s Edge Fly Shop (December 4, 2024)
The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks have been fishing well with the warm December weather. Midges and small baetis are on the menu as far as dry flies go. 4x has been fine, though if you are getting refusals don’t be afraid to switch to 5x. A light dropper remains a good adjustment for fish stubborn to come all the way up. Watch out for reds!
GO-TO FLIES:
-Holo Flash Midge Black #18
-BH Bugger Hot Bead #8
-No See Um Baetis #18
-Morgans Midge #20
-Bubbleback Emerger BWO #20
Bighorn River Fishing Report via Yellow Dog Fly Fishing (December 11, 2024)
Flow Data: Bighorn River near St. Xaiver, MT
Great weather for December. Very similar to the Bozeman area. The water is slightly off-color but clearing. Nymphing remains the best option on the Bighorn. A Black Micro Mayfly, Pearl/ Olive Jiggy Perdigon, Black Zebra Midge, or Tailwater Sowbug have worked the best. Scuds are also gaining attention. Worms are starting to play as well. San Juan Worm in wine is my all time favorite. Streamer fishing remains strong with Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls.
Bozeman Fishing Reports by Fins and Feathers (December 6, 2024)
3/5
We have some great weather the next few days around Bozeman Montana and fishing has been solid.
The name of the game in the winter will be nymph fishing for the most part. Sticking with a fairly basic winter fly menu. San Juan worms and rubber legs will be staple top fly patterns, we are dropping small dark perdigon style droppers of those tops flies. The canyon section on the Gallatin River will be a good nymphing option for the winter.
It’s possible we will see some sporadic dry fly hatches in the next month as well as the later half of the winter. Wait for the warmer overcast days before you dig your dry fly box out. The Lower Madison can be a good section for dry flies.
Upper Madison River Fishing Report by River’s Edge (December 4, 2024)
789 CFS @ Kirby. The Upper and been one of the most consistent option recently. Nymping has been the way to go. Eggs, midges, and small stonefly nymphs have all worked well. Dry fly fishing has been slow, though if you are around Raynolds, you may see some fish eating midges. Streamer fishing has been okay. Small flies have worked better!
GO-TO FLIES:
-Sparkle Minnow Smoke #6
-Slush Egg Pink #14
-BH $3 Dip Red #16
-Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #12
-Crystal Bender Baetis #18
Montana Lakes and Reservoirs Fishing Report by Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing (November 1-late December)
This report is valid November 1 through late December.
Best to avoid the lakes for the next six weeks. It’s duck season, so there are hunters out on many, and the lakes will be awfully cold for the trout to be active, anyway. Wait until the ice is fit for walking on to get back after it.
Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River Water Flow Projection (December 6, 2024)
Friday Mo River Fishing Report 12.6.24
All good out there. Warm, windy, an uncommon December.
Staff party tonight. May leave a bit early from the shop at 4pm. Got pre-funking to do.
Water temps 40.5F. Water Flows 2830 CFS.
Swingers liking the scene. Not the wind. Deeper Skagit systems with T-8 tips will get you in the zone. Bright skies, flashy flies. HH is your Trout Spey HQ since the beginning of time in Craig MT. Tons, and tons of lines to match your favorite rod. Demo’s too. Come in and try it out before you buy it. Want a new Spey rod? We got those too. Demo’s as well.
Nymphers finding the slow ass waters and dunking the pink and sow combo into the water. Fish are certainly in the winter mode while the weather does not agree.
Shuttles daily. Guide Trips daily. Winter lodging available as well here in Craig at the anglers favorite Craig Trout Camp. Winter discounts for staying locally right behind the shop!
Dry fly? Maybe?
Strippers like the cover from the windy waves, but truly would enjoy a better day with cloud cover. We like clubs. Trout like winter weather conditions. Not high bright sun. Nope.
Enjoy your weekend. We will here in Craig.
Please remember to keep us in mind when shopping this winter and Christmas. We can ship you anything. Head over to CraigFlyShop.com and get your HH gear today!
East Gallatin River Fishing Report by Montana Angler (December 4, 2024)
The East fishes more like a spring creek than a freestone stream in the winter months. The numerous spring creeks and springs that feed the river in the lower valley keep ice shelves at bay and this is a decent winter fishery for locals. Definitely focus on the bigger and deeper runs that will be holding all of the fish. Nymphing is usually the best option but slow stripping a streamer can sometimes produce as well.
The East Gallatin River is known this time of year for providing some good Do-It-Yourself walk and wade fishing. The hard part about the East Gallatin is getting legal access. There are several place to access the river, but sometimes parking is tough to find. If you do fish the East Gallatin be sure to know Montana’s Stream Access Law.
The East Gallatin River is also home to some great undercut banks so if you are looking to fish streamers and target some of the river’s larger trout, now is a good time work on your double-haul and fire a streamer into a dark and deep spot in hopes of finding a predacious brown trout.
Considering a fly fishing trip to the Bozeman, Montana area? Read one of more recent blog posts: Five of the Best Rivers to Fish Near Bozeman, Montana.
Flies for the East Gallatin River Right Now
Zebra Midge in black or red in sizes 18-22
Beadhead Pheasant Tails in size 14-22
Beadhead Little Green Machines in size 14-22
Beadhead Lightening Bugs in size 14-22
Beadhead King Princes in size 16-22
Sculpzilla in black, olilve, or white in sizes 6-10
Sparkle Minnow in gold/olive in size 6 and 8
Beadhead worms in size 10
Spring Creeks Fishing Report via Yellow Dog Fly Fishing (December 11, 2024)
Bright sun for a while which is not ideal for spring creek fishing. Very nice this week for December. The spring creek fishing has been good. Mostly nymphing now. Still a few midges around throughout the day. Midge nymphs and emergers will be great options when the fish are eating sub-surface or in the film. Nymphing will be pretty consistent in the event that the trout do not want to cooperate and eat bugs from the surface. If nothing else seems to be working a Wooly Bugger can be a fun option.
Yellowstone River Fishing Report via Montana Angler (December 4, 2024)
Winter is here on the Yellowstone River which means the big-time trophy trout hunters might have to wait another year before the behomoths really chase streamers again. For those anglers desiring their Yellowstone River trophy, this weekend might could still work as the forecast highs are going to possibly hit 50. That doesn’t necessarily mean the big browns will be on the prowl, but it means the comfort factor will be nice enough to get in several legit hours for fishing. The trout on the Yellowstone River have moved on from their faster and shallow holding and feeding lies and have moved into deeper and slower runs and pockets.
Float fishing isn’t as productive as wading but a short float to taxi from run to run is still a nice option and the weather this weekend will prove nice enough to be in a boat. Nymphing the slower deeper runs with stoneflies, small attractor nymphs and egg patterns will produce trout as long as you find where they are holding.
Target the top of longer and slower runs to find feeding trout first but if success doesn’t happen, go deeper and find even slower water. Plan on fishing the after lunch hours with nymphing being the staple. Rubber legs trailed by a prince is as fancy as you need to get. The most important thing is to find a nice winter holding run with steady slow current and a few feet of depth.
Best Flies for the Yellowstone River Right Now:
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:
Streamflows are well below average for this time of year which makes it a little easier to find the trout. Look in the deeper water next to shallow water, adjacent to riffles, shelfs, and banks. Trout will still be where there is some current because the current is what is bringing them food. Most trout are going to be caught in water that is 4-6 feet deep and has some current but isn’t too fast or pushy. Trout want consistency right now…consistency of flow and food source. Trout on the Yellowstone River right now aren’t actively feed nearly as much as they were even just a few weeks ago. But if you fish during the warmer parts of the day you might get into some pretty solid action.
The Month Ahead:
The ‘Stone will be a tough option once the big ice shelves begin to form and the slush is in the river. The best winter fishing tends to be up near Gardiner and around Livingston where a few springs and spring creeks enter into the river.
Bighorn River Fishing Report by Fins and Feathers (December 6, 2024)
2/3
Monatana’s Bighorn River has finally shaped up and is running mostly clear. Fishing has been getting better as the water clears and fish are beefing up pre-spawn. Nymphing has been the name of the game for the most part but some anglers have been getting some love on the streamers as well.
Nymphing the slow deep slots has been producing. Fish a red worm down to an orange scud or pink sow bug. Add some split shot to get down quickly. Streamer fishing has also seen the most action focusing on the slow deep runs out in the middle as fish start to pile up there as the water temps go down.
Soon fish will be spawning and fish will really start to focus on the eggs coming down the river.
Yellowstone National Park Fishing Report by Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing (November 1 – Thanksgiving)
–No New Report–
This Yellowstone Park fishing report is valid Nov 1 through Thanksgiving.
The park general season is now closed. The remaining open fisheries are the Gardner River downstream of Osprey Falls and the Madison near West Yellowstone, basically from the Barns Pools down.
Park Waters are presented in roughly their distance from us, then by water type for generalities like “small streams” and “lakes.”
Gardner River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025 upstream from Osprey Falls. Open year-round downstream of the falls. Too cold down to the mouth of Sheepeater Canyon near the “high bridge” east of Mammoth. From the bridge to Boiling River, the pools are worthwhile on warmer afternoons. Fish stonefly nymph and egg pattern combos. The faster water is too cold. Downstream of Boiling River is good for a wider chunk of the day and in faster water, in fact the pocket water is often where the highest numbers are caught. BWO hatches will be fragmentary but can be great in the afternoons. Otherwise, fish the stonefly/egg combo in the bigger pools and the pocket water. Heavy brown trout spawning activity is underway in the riffles; do not fish them and be careful about where you walk. Regardless of where you’re fishing, beware of redds and avoid disturbing spawners.
Yellowstone River – Black Canyon: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Yellowstone River – Grand Canyon: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Yellowstone River – Headwaters and Lake to Falls: Closed until July 1, 2025.
Lamar River, Slough Creek, and Soda Butte Creek: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Firehole River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Gibbon River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Madison River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025 from Madison Junction down to the Barns Pools. Open year-round from the Barns Pools to Hebgen Lake. This water is a long way from here. The classy choice is to swing streamers and large soft hackles, but most people will nymph using stoneflies, eggs, worms, and the like. Heavy brown trout spawning activity is underway in the riffles; do not fish them and be careful about where you walk. Regardless of where you’re fishing, beware of redds and avoid disturbing spawners. Unfortunately it seems likely that a lot of so-and-sos will not follow this advice. I have been informed by a senior Park Service employee who shall remain anonymous that “if every bro from Bozeman shows up and Euro-nymphs the redds, I’m closing this.” So don’t do that.
Lewis & Snake Rivers: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Park Small Streams: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Park Lakes and Ponds: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Hyalite Ice Report (December 10, 2024)
“About 6 inches yesterday while I was up there.”
What the Fish Bite on at Fresno (December 10, 2024)
“Tip ups with smelt”
Yellowstone River Fishing Report by Yellow Dog Fly Fishing (December 11, 2024)
*Flow Data: Yellowstone River near Livingston, MT
Very pleasant until Sunday around Livningston. Relatively low wind too. Will make for some pleasant fishing conditions. Nymphing is the most effective method to trick fish and will remain the most effective until spring. We may see some fishing rising to midges through the winter. A small Parachute Adams will work if you do find rising fish. A Red Manhattan Midges or #10 20 Incher has been good subsurface. Worms and other stonefly nymphs have also be very effective. A black perdigon with a little red on it will be a good option. You may find some success with small streamers low and slow. I like a Sparkle Minnow or Wooly Bugger through the winter.
