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Yellowstone River FLy FIshing

Classic Montana Freestone Fly Fishing

Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Trips

Fly fishing the Yellowstone River with our Montana fly fishing guides is the classic big river Montana fly fishing trip.
 

The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the contiguous 48 states and one of the finest freestone trout rivers in the world. From it’s headwaters in Yellowstone National Park, down to the roaring rapids of Yankee Jim Canyon, on through Paradise Valley, and further down east of Livingston, the Yellowstone River offers anglers a lifetime of fly fishing on a uniquely diverse and productive fishery.

The Yellowstone River has something to offer every angler, and is easily one of the favorite rivers amongst both anglers and guides. Our Yellowstone River fly fishing trips focus on the most productive stretches and anglers can expect to cover 8-15 miles of river per day. Our guides use drift boats to access the more than 200 miles of productive trout water, and rafts with fly fishing frames through the whitewater sections. The Yellowstone River is well suited for both seasoned and beginner anglers and should be considered a ‘must-fish’ river for anglers on any Montana fly fishing trip.

Fly Fishing the Yellowstone River

In many ways the Yellowstone River is the classic Montana fly fishing river. The Yellowstone is big, broad, and loaded with wild trout. The river is host to a variety of species of fish. Anglers can expect a mixed bag of rainbow trout, brown trout, and native cutthroat trout. The Yellowstone is famous for its dense hatches of caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, and terrestrials that all provide for excellent dry fly fishing from March through November.

Floating is the preferred means to access the Yellowstone River for our Montana fly fishing guides. Opportunities for wade fly fishing are plenty on the many inside bends, gravel bars, and islands, one flows are at safe levels, but covering large stretches of water is the best way to maximize the fly fishing and scenery. In Yellowstone National Park our guides lead hikes into the remote reaches of the Black Canyon as well as more accessible wade fly fishing near the mouth of Yellowstone Lake.

Due to its length, there is a wide variety of fly fishing to be had on the Yellowstone and tactics to employ. Dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fly fishing can all be effective and anglers can expect to use all methods over the course of a Montana fly fishing season. The combination of dense hatches and eager trout make the Yellowstone River of Montana’s premier rivers for dry fly fishing. The annual salmonfly hatch and hopper-season generally give anglers the best opportunities at catching truly trophy-sized trout with dry flies. Streamer fly fishing is most effective early in the Spring and again in the Fall when the large, predatory brown trout become aggressive.

Book Your Next Montana Fly Fishing Trip

Plan Your Trip

Prime Season:

April 1-May 10 and July 1-October 15

Notable Hatches:

Mothers Day Caddis (Early May); Salmonflies and Goldenstones (July 1-July 15); Hopper-Season (August 1-September 15)

Nearby Towns:

Bozeman, MT; Livingston, MT; Gardiner, MT; Big Sky, MT

Nearby Rivers:

Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, Gallatin River, Boulder River, and Stillwater River

Trip Offerings

    What Our Clients Say

     ★★★★★

    My wife and I had a wonderful experience fishing with Montana Angling Company. Max was able to teach my wife to fly fish from scratch and she caught 5-10 really nice 18-20” fish her first time! He was very patient and knowledgeable. Thank you for such an amazing day! I would highly recommend from beginners to advanced fly fishermen and women.

     

    - Cooper M.

    What Our Clients Say

     ★★★★★

    Max is the perfect guide and teacher. My wife and I are newly retired and wanted to try fly fishing for the first time. We learned tons and caught lots of trout float and wade fishing. Can't wait to come back for our sophomore course. Thanks Max and Peter.

    - Cliff B.

    What Our Clients Say

     ★★★★★

    I've been guided by Max and his guides on the Yellowstone, Madison, and Missouri rivers and have had a blast every time. Their guides are knowledgeable, respectful, and patient--even when I tangle my line. The Montana Angling Co is a great choice whether it's your first time fly fishing or you're a seasoned pro--these guys know where the fish are and what they're hungry for.

    - Maggie O.

    What Our Clients Say

     ★★★★★

    Max’s professional demeanor, unmatched knowledge of fly fishing, and top rate gear combine to make any guided trip with him a special experience. Regardless of your ability or experience, you will not only catch fish, but you will have an excellent time as well.

    - Josh W.

    What Our Clients Say

     ★★★★★

    I have fished with guides across the United States and South America, and can say with confidence that Max's patience, passion, and knowledge of fishing are second to none. Whether you are an expert angler or fishing for the first time, Max is the guy you want to have in your boat.

    - Wesley R.

    What Our Clients Say

     ★★★★★

    We had an awesome experience with Montana Angling Co. Max worked with us to make sure we had the perfect day to go fishing. Our guide was Guy Flynn, and he was great. He was very patient with us and we enjoyed the conversation. He was putting us on fish all day long. Overall, we had a great experience, and I will definitely use Max's company again on our next trip to Montana.

    - Bryan L.

    Don't Wait, Book Your Fly Fishing Trip Today!