As of October 3, 2024, the Yellowstone River in Montana is offering some excellent fall fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Water Conditions
The weather is cooling down, with crisp mornings and mild afternoons, typical of early October. Yesterday saw partly cloudy skies with a high in the mid-60s and a low in the mid-40s. Streamflows are well below average, making it easier to find trout, especially in deeper waters next to shallow areas, off riffles, and near banks where there is some current.
### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been robust, particularly with the fall baetis hatch in full swing. Big brown trout are actively moving, preparing for the spawning season. Yesterday, anglers reported catching several large browns, along with a good number of rainbows, primarily on dry flies and streamers.
### Best Lures and Bait
For dry fly fishing, Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are the main attraction. Use dry flies like Stimulators, Parachute Adams, or specific BWO patterns such as a #16-18 Purple Hazy Cripple. For nymphing, tandem nymph rigs with patterns like the copper Duracell, purple Psycho prince nymph, or Pat’s Rubber Legs have been productive. Streamers, especially large ones fished slowly in medium to deep water, are also yielding impressive results.
### Hot Spots
One of the best spots right now is the section of the Yellowstone River between Carbella and the town of Livingston. Here, you can find trout in the deeper pools and runs, especially where there is a mix of shallow and deep water. Another hot spot is the area around the Yellowstone River's confluence with the Lamar River, where the fish are more concentrated due to the recent rains and cooler temperatures.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:45 PM. The ideal window for good sight fishing with BWOs is from late morning to early afternoon.
### Additional Tips
Focus on fishing during the cooler, cloudier parts of the day when the BWO hatch is most active. If you're looking to cast streamers, cloudy days are your best bet. For nymphers, target the deepest slots with BWO nymphs and crayfish patterns.
Overall, the Yellowstone River is in great shape for fall fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch both large browns and rainbows. Enjoy your time on the water
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
