• Late-Fall Fishing on the Yellowstone River - A Montana Angler's Guide

  • Nov 10 2024
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Late-Fall Fishing on the Yellowstone River - A Montana Angler's Guide

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  • Summary

  • As of November 10, 2024, the Yellowstone River in Montana is offering some excellent late-fall fishing opportunities, despite the chilly weather setting in. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-40s Fahrenheit. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:30 PM. Check localized weather forecasts, as wind conditions can vary significantly between Paradise Valley and Big Timber.

    ### Water Conditions
    Streamflows on the Yellowstone River are currently well below average, making it easier to locate trout. Focus on deeper water next to shallow areas, adjacent to riffles, shelves, and banks. Trout are holding in water that is 4-6 feet deep with some current, as this is where food is consistently available.

    ### Fish Activity
    With the cooler temperatures, trout have moved into deeper and slower runs. Brown trout, particularly, are preoccupied with fall spawning, making them more susceptible to large streamers. Rainbow trout are actively feeding on small mayflies, especially during the fall baetis hatch.

    ### Catch Reports
    Yesterday saw a mix of trout species caught, with a notable increase in larger brown trout taking large streamers. Nymphing with tandem rigs also produced a good number of rainbows and browns. The most successful flies included beadhead Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, and Prince Nymphs, along with streamers like articulated sculpin imitations and zonkers.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For nymphing, use tandem rigs with beadhead Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, and Prince Nymphs in sizes 14-20. Egg patterns and worms are also effective. For dry fly fishing, target the fall baetis hatch with extended body Blue-Winged Olive patterns, such as the Para Purple Haze or Sparkle Dun in size 18. If you encounter October caddis, try twitching a size 12 Royal Chubby or size 14 Orange Stimulator.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best areas to fish is below Livingston, where the river offers a mix of deep holes and slower runs. Another hot spot is the section from Livingston up into Yellowstone National Park, where the cooler temperatures have improved fishing conditions significantly. The top of longer and slower runs, especially where they meet riffles or shelves, are prime locations to find feeding trout.

    Overall, November can be a magical time to fish the Yellowstone River, with the potential for trophy trout and productive fishing despite the cold and windy conditions. Dress warmly, be prepared, and you should find some success on the water.
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