Spring Fishing Report!

Recent weather patterns have brought cooler temperatures and much-needed moisture to Yellowstone Country—and that’s great news for anglers. Flows have dropped, water clarity has improved, and spring fishing is good right now. Fish are active, feeding consistently, and conditions are lining up nicely over the next couple of weeks.

If you’ve been thinking about getting out, now is the time. OUr Yellowstone Fishing Guides would love to get you on the water.

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Fishing Now

Expect to adjust your approach throughout the day.

Start your mornings fishing subsurface with larger attractors like Rubber Legs or a TJ Hooker, paired with a smaller dropper such as a Perdigon. As temperatures rise, be ready to switch over to a dry fly setup—caddis patterns and caddis droppers are producing, especially when fish begin keying in on surface activity.

Focus on foam lines and softer seams. By afternoon, consider shortening your nymph rig to around 24 inches and target banks where fish are actively feeding. It’s a fun and dynamic time to be on the river.

Weather Patterns

Spring in Montana delivers a little bit of everything. Mornings are often cold, with rain or snow possible. Midday brings gradual warming, and afternoons can be sunny and comfortable.

Ideal conditions are highs in the 40–55°F range with some moisture. This combination helps trigger insect activity—caddis, March Browns, and BWOs—while keeping the river clear. Warmer days pushing into the 70s can accelerate snowmelt and reduce water clarity.

Walk-Wade Trips!

Float Trips

Snowpack Outlook

It’s no secret this was a mild winter across the West, and additional moisture is always welcome. That said, conditions here are holding up better than in some neighboring states. The Upper Yellowstone snowpack is currently around 88% of average snow-water equivalent—not ideal, but still workable.

Recent snowfall in Livingston is a good reminder that every storm helps as we head toward runoff.

Looking Ahead

Summer is just around the corner, and now is the time to secure your dates.

Whether you're interested in a float trip on the Yellowstone River or a walk-and-wade adventure in Yellowstone National Park, we’d love to help you plan a memorable day on the water.

Give us a call to book your Spring or Summer 2026 trip.

See you in Montana,
Yellowstone River Outfitters