Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Livingston, Park County, Montana · Last Updated: May 28, 2026
The longest undammed river in the lower 48, the Yellowstone offers some of the most spectacular wild trout fishing in North America. Its freestone character and prolific salmonfly and caddis hatches make it a bucket-list destination for any serious fly angler.
Today's Fishability
Conditions at a Glance
The Yellowstone River near Livingston is running very high at 9230 cfs, 152% above average for this date.
- High water - consider safety
- Flow significantly off optimal
- Moderate winds
How Do You Fish a 5.7/10 Day?
See the fly patterns built for today's conditions, where the fish are holding, and how to work the 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM window. The full read takes 10 seconds to unlock.
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USGS Water Monitoring
Real-time data from 3 monitoring stations
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Yellowstone River Fly Fishing — FAQ
Is the Yellowstone River fishing well right now?
DriftWise scores the Yellowstone River every morning on a 0–10 fishability scale that weighs real-time USGS flow and water temperature, National Weather Service forecasts, and lunar data. Check the live fishability score and condition summary above for today's rating before you head out.
What is the current water flow on the Yellowstone River?
The Yellowstone River's flow is tracked by USGS streamflow gauges near Livingston, Park County, Montana and refreshed daily in the condition summary above. Flow is reported in cubic feet per second (cfs) and compared against the seasonal average so you can see whether the river is running high, low, or normal.
What is a good water temperature for trout on the Yellowstone River?
Trout feed most actively when water temperatures sit roughly between 48°F and 62°F. DriftWise reads live Yellowstone River water temperature from USGS sensors near Livingston, Park County, Montana — see the summary above for the current value.
When is the best time of day to fish the Yellowstone River?
The most productive windows shift with the season: cold months fish best around midday (10 AM–2 PM) once the water warms, while summer rewards early mornings and evenings. Each Yellowstone River report factors in the current season.
Do I need a fishing license to fly fish the Yellowstone River?
Yes. A valid Montana fishing license is required to fish the Yellowstone River. Check current Montana regulations for seasons, limits, and any special catch-and-release or fly-fishing-only sections before you go.
Is the DriftWise Yellowstone River fishing report free?
Yes. The daily Yellowstone River condition summary — flow, water temperature, weather, and fishability score — is free. A free account (3 reports per month) unlocks the full AI analysis with fly-pattern recommendations and a detailed hatch forecast.
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