YELLOWSTONE RIVER the Yellowstone. A fly fisherman's "Paradise" contact us

the yellowstone.

The Yellowstone River, a tributary of the Missouri River, has no dams and is the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states.  Via its tributaries, the Yellowstone river drains a wide area, stretching from the Rocky Mountains in the vicinity of Yellowstone National Park, across the mountains and high plains of southern Montana and northern Wyoming.

The Yellowstone. A fly fisherman's Paradise.

Fish You'll Find

yellowstone cutthroat trout

Size Range:  “Average “10” — 15″ UP TO 24″+

Once the dominant fish species in Montana prior to Euroamerican settlement, Yellowstone cutthroat trout  are an especially important species in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.  They provide an important source of food for multiple species of birds, and mammals including bears, river otters, and mink.  Cutthroat love to rise for dry flies.

WILD German Brown Trout

“Average” Size Range:  14″ — 17″ UP TO 24″+

Brown Trout are considered to be native to Europe and western Asia and were widely introduced to North America in 1883 and in 1889 to the rivers of Montana.  Brown trout love to eat dry flies, but some of the largest ones are caught using baitfish patterns and streamers that imitate larger prey and a bigger meal.   

Rainbow Trout

Size Range:  12″ — 17″ UP TO 22″+

Rainbow trout, introduced from numerous hatchery stocks into nearly all the rivers in Montana, began in 1889.  Now considered “wild”, Yellowstone River rainbow trout in the 15″-17″ range are abundant and common.  They are resilient acrobatic fighters, often jumping multiple times in an attempt to throw the hook.

Rocky Mountain WHITEFISH

“Average” Size Range:  14″ — 18″ Up to 20″+

Native to the streams and rivers of Montana, the majestic Rocky Mountain Whitefish is a common catch on the Yellowstone river.   Whitefish are one of the most widely distributed salmonid fish of western North America.

LET’S go FISH TOGETHER!

Learning to fly fish with a knowledgeable guide can be the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Book with us for a memorable day fly fishing Montana!