Feb 24, 2026

***2026 MT LICENSE SEASON UPDATE***

As of 03/01/2026 all Montana Fishing Licenses, Conservation Licenses and all other recreation licenses are now ONLINE purchase only. Please visit FWP website to obtain your 2026 season licenses.

Fishing the Yellowstone is not too bad right now. Decent amount of slush coming down on the colder mornings and days, but plenty of open water to work with. Keep nymphing deep and streamers low and slow. Fish are not everywhere right now, but they will be stacked up in deep slow runs. If you find one fish, you will probably find a load of them. Keep your nymphs down there on the bottom. If you're not picking fish up, you're probably not deep enough. Adjust your depth before switching fly's and don't be afraid to use a little split shot. Big to small is a great way to go out here in the winter. A big old heavy worm or stonefly pattern as a point fly trailed by something shiny and tiny is a great way to go. On the calm days, which have been few and far between, there have been a few midges around. Fish have been up and looking for midges. If you're having trouble hooking them after they eat it, it could be a few white fish out and about. They always have a little more trouble getting that fly in their mouth. Generally the white fish pod up together, which is super fun, but if you're looking for trout you may want to move on to the next pod. The streamer bite has been a little inconsistent out here but good at some point almost every warmer day. Lately the window has been from 1-3pm or so, but there have been a few warmer mornings and into evening that have been solid as well. Keep the fly moving low and slow. Olives, Blacks, and golds have been good options with white performing well on sunny days.

Winter tips:

• Fish the warmest parts of the day
• Use a wading staff for stability and to check ice thickness
• Winter fishing can be tough on the body, dress in layers and stay warm
• Keep your rod and reel out of the water to eliminate your guides and reel from freezing
• Use a net to land fish, having cold wet hands is the easiest way to end a day of fishing
• Minimize fish handling and land fish quickly.