Montana Troutfitters is Bozeman’s oldest fly fishing shop Since 1978

Jul 23, 2026

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There has been some mud coming through and the river is currently looking like chocolate milk. People have been out there fishing and catching the last couple of days however today could be iffy. The Yellowstone is starting to get warm. The hoot owls are in place from HWY 89 down. The upper valley is still fishing well, but take care of those fish. We want them to stick around a few years. Land them quickly and try to keep them wet. Things have rapidly turned towards terrestrial season on the Yellowstone. The hopper, ant, beetle bite has been solid out there. Smaller hoppers, red ants, and purple haze have been good options. When the dry bite has slowed down, adding a dropper has been effective as well. There are a bunch of tricos out in the mornings. Size 18 droppers have been the most consistent. By midday, the caddis nymphs in 16 have been taking over. There have been a few nocturnal stones kicking around as well, especially on the cloudy days. Don't be afraid to run the big chubby dropper or water walker when conditions look right.


View USGS Streamflows

Fly Pattern Suggestions

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Dries:

Chubbies size (8-14), Elk Hair caddis (12-16), Sallies (10-12), Hoppers (8-14), water walker (6-8), Purple Haze (12-18), CFO ant (12-16), Maddonna's Panty (16)

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Nymphs:

Mega Prince (6-12), Rubber Legs (6-12), Frenchie (16-18), Lil Spanker (14-18), Blowtorch (16-18), Prince Nymph (12-16), Worm patterns, Wooly Bugger (6-10), Delektable Stones (6-10),

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Streamers:

dungeons, mongrel meat, Schultsys sculpin, rusty trombone, trout slider, sparkle minnow

Other River Reports

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