As of October 13, 2024, the Yellowstone River in Montana is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the autumnal changes. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Time
The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit, making it a comfortable day for fishing. Sunrise was at around 7:30 AM, and sunset is expected at about 6:30 PM.
### Water Conditions
Streamflows on the Yellowstone River are well below average for this time of year, which makes it easier to locate trout. The water is clear, and trout are congregating in deeper runs and pockets, typically 4-6 feet deep, where there is consistent current and a reliable food source.
### Fish Activity
Fall is a great time to fish the Yellowstone River, especially with the brown trout entering their spawning season. This period makes them less cautious, increasing the chances of catching larger fish. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of rainbow and brown trout, with the larger browns being more active as they prepare for spawning.
### Best Lures and Bait
For dry fly fishing, natural-colored hopper patterns in tan, gray, yellow, and pink are highly effective. Smaller Chubby flies and Ants are also recommended. If you prefer nymphing, tandem nymph rigs with smaller droppers like Perdigons, Bullet Quills, or Zebra Midges can be very productive. Streamer fishing with larger flies like Dungeon or Ditch Witch can also yield impressive results, especially on cloudy days.
### Hot Spots
One of the best areas to fish is between the lakes and down to Lyons Bridge, where wading anglers can find trout rising to PMDs, Caddis, and Epeorous mayflies. Another hot spot is the upper stretches of the river, particularly around the deeper runs and pockets near riffles, shelves, and banks.
### Additional Tips
Be mindful of the "Hoot Owl" restrictions in some areas, which prohibit fishing from 2 PM until the following morning. Also, consider the time of day; the best dry fly fishing usually occurs from late morning to early afternoon when the Blue-Winged Olive mayflies are most active, although they have been less prominent recently due to warm weather.
Overall, the Yellowstone River is in great shape for fall fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch both rainbow and brown trout using a variety of techniques and lures. Enjoy your time on the water
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
