Flows have stabilized on the Yellowstone and could drop even more by the weekend making the Yellowstone River a nice option for local anglers. However, if the air temp hits 70 degrees Friday or Saturday (although not forecasted), flows could bump. We are officially in Day to Day Mode on the Yellowstone. What does that mean? Well...that means because the Yellowstone is a freestone river and the streamflows are the product of daily weather patterns, the river's streamflows and clarity fluctuate on a daily basis. Hatches are somewhat consistent but even if there is a strong hatch, the clarity may not be there for decent fishing.
Sping creeks and tailwaters may provide a more consistent option, but, if a cooler weather pattern settles in and streamflows drop on the Yellowstone River, a window of great fishing conditions can occur.
Water temps are still cool in the morning hours and fishing tends to improve in the late morning and into the afternoon as temps rise. Trout are still in their winter lies so expect to find them in slower runs with a bit of depth for protection. Trout will be highly concentrated so search for the right holding water and once you find some fish slow things down and work the water. Nymphs will be very productive most days.
If you are looking for a little something more consistent than the Yellowstone River for the next two months, 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.