As of October 18, 2024, the Yellowstone River in Montana is offering some fantastic fall fishing opportunities. The weather is crisp, with a mild morning and a high of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal day to be out on the water.

Sunrise was at about 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 6:15 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the river. The water flow at the Yellowstone River is currently well below average for this time of year, which makes it easier to locate the trout. They have moved into deeper and slower runs, pockets, and areas next to shallow water, riffles, and banks where there is a consistent flow and food source.

Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of rainbow and brown trout, with the browns becoming more active as they prepare for their fall spawn. The fish are generally holding in water that is 4-6 feet deep with some current, but not too fast or pushy.

For dry fly fishing, natural-colored hopper patterns in tan, gray, yellow, and possibly pink are working well. These hoppers are a bit smaller than those used in the summer. Attractor dries along the banks are also effective, especially during the late morning to early afternoon when the pseudo Blue-Winged Olive mayflies are active.

Nymphing remains productive, with tandem nymph rigs being successful. However, casting large streamers on cloudy days can produce some exciting strikes from trophy-sized fish. Flies like the Chubby Chernobyl, North Fork Specials, and jigged soft hackles are good choices.

Hot spots include the top of longer and slower runs, as well as the banks where hoppers can be effective. The area around the Yellowstone Lake outlet, with its flow of 760 cubic feet per second, is also worth exploring.

Overall, the Yellowstone River is in great shape for fall fishing, with fewer anglers on the water and plenty of opportunities to catch some beautiful trout. Enjoy your day on the river