Yellowstone River Fly Fishing
The Yellowstone River is the backbone of our guiding season. From the fast upper canyon near Gardiner, through Paradise Valley and Livingston, and down into the lower river near Columbus, it is big, honest, wild trout water.
On this page you will see how the river fishes through the year, how different sections fish at different flows, and what a guided drift boat day looks like if you join us on the Yellowstone out of Livingston, Montana.
The Main River We Guide
The Yellowstone is the longest free flowing river in the Lower 48 and one of the most complete western trout rivers you can fish. In a single day you can work riffles, seams, cutbanks, side channels, and boulder gardens, with plenty of room for long drifts and real mending.
We adjust where we float based on flows, clarity, and time of year. Some days are built around classic dry fly fishing. Other days lean on nymphs or streamers in deeper structure. The goal is simple: match your dates to the stretch that is giving you the best mix of good conditions and opportunity.
Fishing Through the Year
Spring
Early season mixes nymphs and streamers with dry fly windows around midges, blue winged olives, and the Mother’s Day caddis when flows and color line up. We watch the gauges and pick clean, comfortable windows.
Summer
This is the classic Yellowstone summer. Stoneflies, PMDs, caddis, and then hoppers and other terrestrials as flows drop. Long daylight lets us time floats around the best light and water temperatures.
Fall
Cooler nights, lower sun, and hungry trout. Streamers, subtle nymph rigs, and selective dry fly fishing can all be in play. Many regular guests plan their yearly trip around this window.
Winter
The main river becomes less stable once winter sets in. Local anglers still sneak out in small windows, but most guided winter days shift to the Paradise Valley spring creeks and nearby stillwater.
Gardiner to Columbus
Upper Canyon
Fast, technical water closest to Yellowstone Park with big views and cold, strong trout. A good fit for anglers who like active fishing and reading pocket water from the boat.
Paradise Valley
The heart of the river for many anglers. Defined seams, long glides, soft edges, and classic valley scenery. When flows and clarity settle, this stretch carries a large part of our season.
Livingston to Big Timber
A mix of riffles, softer edges, and broader runs with fewer boats than the core valley. It can offer excellent hopper, nymph, and streamer fishing when flows and water temperature are right.
Big Timber to Columbus
Open country lower river with long floats and broad main stem water. We use this reach in select summer and fall windows when clarity and temperature line up down low.
Skill Levels
Beginners
Paradise Valley and the lower valley glides give beginners friendly water to learn on. We slow the pace down, focus on casting to clear targets, and explain what we are doing and why so you leave with real skills, not just a boat ride.
Intermediate Anglers
This is where the Yellowstone really shines. In one float you can fish banks, seams, inside corners, and mid river structure. It is ideal for polishing accuracy, line control, and reading water, with enough repetition to build confidence fast.
Advanced Anglers
Technical banks, tricky foam lines, and longer drifts give advanced anglers plenty to work on. Hopper days, light tippet nymphing, and focused streamer sessions all live here, and we can tailor the day to the way you most like to fish.
What a Day Looks Like
Most Yellowstone trips are full day floats in a drift boat or raft, depending on flows and the stretch we choose. Launch times shift with the season. We start earlier in mid summer, and slide later into the morning in spring and fall when light and temperatures improve as the day goes on.
A typical day includes a mix of longer drifts, shorter technical shots, and time to step out where it makes sense. We focus on good drifts, clean presentations, and reading the water so you understand how the river works and not just where the fly landed.
Summer Evening Float
A relaxed 3 to 4 hour evening on the Yellowstone after the heat of the day. Soft light, cooler air, and steady banks make this one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to fish the river around Livingston and Paradise Valley.
3–4 Hours · Starts Around 5:00 PM · $600 Per Boat · Up to Two People
Evening floats run 3 to 4 hours total, including launch, fishing, and take out. We generally meet and launch around 5:00 PM. Montana summer evenings are long, so daylight is not an issue. Rate is $600 per boat, the same price as a Yellowstone half day, and covers up to two people.
Drift boat, rods, flies, and all fishing gear are provided. Light snacks and drinks are on the boat. Extra rain jackets are available if you need one, and you are welcome to bring your own. Instruction is available for anglers who want it.
Capacity is up to two people per boat, either two anglers or one angler and one non fishing rider, which keeps the boat comfortable and focused.
Local, Year Round Program
We are based in Livingston and stay close to the Yellowstone all season. Keeping the program small lets us pay attention to the details that matter, like small changes in clarity, new channels after runoff, and how each stretch reacts to flows.
You work with guides who know this river in all of its moods, not just a narrow summer window. The focus is on honest advice, clear communication, and a relaxed, professional day on the water.
Ready To Fish The Yellowstone?
If you already have your dates, you can book a Yellowstone River or Summer Evening Float directly through our booking page. If you are still sorting out timing or want to mix in spring creeks, private lakes, or other local water, we can help you build a simple plan around the conditions.
Or call or text (406) 224-0456 to talk through options and find the right window for your trip.
Conservation & Professional Affiliations
Supporting local rivers, professional instruction, and long-term guide development through these organizations.
