Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your April 20th Yellowstone River fishing report, straight from Montana’s heart.
We’re rolling into late April and the river is showing its springtime mood swings. Recent rain and early snowmelt have bumped up flows, adding a bit of color to the water but not enough to keep folks off the river. If anything, the slightly off-color water is making fish a little less wary — so long as you pick your spots and mind your approach.
Mornings are still chilly, with water temps slow to climb, but things really start heating up late morning into the afternoon as the sun works its way overhead. Sunrise today is at 6:23 AM, with sunset at 8:18 PM, so you have plenty of daylight. If you’re fishing early, focus on deeper, slower runs where trout are still holding from winter. Late morning brings midge and baetis hatches, especially on calm days, enough to see some fish rising if you’re patient.
The best action right now is coming on nymph rigs. Top picks include beadhead Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Rainbow Warriors, and Zebra Midges in sizes 16 to 22. With the river carrying extra color, Squirmy Worms and San Juan Worms paired with a visible stonefly nymph have been drawing steady strikes. Dead drifting and slow stripping streamers — think olive or black buggers — will move the bigger browns, especially in side channels and near structure, but nymphing is still your best bet for numbers.
Reports from the Paradise Valley spring creeks are just as strong, with consistent baetis hatches bringing fish up for emergers. Fish are feeding well on nymphs and emergers over midges, another sign that spring is in full swing.
If you’re looking for hot spots, Carter’s Bridge to the Highway 89 Bridge is a local favorite, with back eddies and riffles holding pods of rainbows and browns. The stretch from 89 to Big Timber — the Lower Yellowstone — can be less crowded and is known to cough up some of the river’s largest fish this time of year. As always, check ramp accessibility if you’re floating, since spring flows can cause surprises.
No tidal report for us this far inland, but keep an eye on river gauges for flow bumps if you’re planning a trip. Weather today is expected to be in the low 50s by the afternoon, with a chance of wind later. Fish activity has been solid, with plenty of healthy rainbows and browns in the net, especially for anglers nymphing the softer edges and foam lines.
That’s the latest from the Yellowstone — good luck out there, and remember, respect the river, and she’ll reward you. Tight lines!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
