Winter is here on the Yellowstone River which means the big-time trophy trout hunters might have to wait another year before the behomoths really chase streamers again. For those anglers desiring their Yellowstone River trophy, this weekend might could still work as the forecast highs are going to possibly hit 50. That doesn't necessarily mean the big browns will be on the prowl, but it means the comfort factor will be nice enough to get in several legit hours for fishing. The trout on the Yellowstone River have moved on from their faster and shallow holding and feeding lies and have moved into deeper and slower runs and pockets.
Float fishing isn’t as productive as wading but a short float to taxi from run to run is still a nice option and the weather this weekend will prove nice enough to be in a boat. Nymphing the slower deeper runs with stoneflies, small attractor nymphs and egg patterns will produce trout as long as you find where they are holding.
Target the top of longer and slower runs to find feeding trout first but if success doesn't happen, go deeper and find even slower water. Plan on fishing the after lunch hours with nymphing being the staple. Rubber legs trailed by a prince is as fancy as you need to get. The most important thing is to find a nice winter holding run with steady slow current and a few feet of depth.
Best Flies for the Yellowstone River Right Now:
Beadhead Pheasant Tails in size 16-20
Beadhead Copper Johns in sizes 16-20
Rainbow warriors in sizes 16-20
Zebra Midges in sizes 16-22
Beadhead PTs in sizes 18-22
Juju beatis in flash, black, or olive in sizes 16 and 18
Current Conditions:
Streamflows are well below average for this time of year which makes it a little easier to find the trout. Look in the deeper water next to shallow water, adjacent to riffles, shelfs, and banks. Trout will still be where there is some current because the current is what is bringing them food. Most trout are going to be caught in water that is 4-6 feet deep and has some current but isn't too fast or pushy. Trout want consistency right now...consistency of flow and food source. Trout on the Yellowstone River right now aren't actively feed nearly as much as they were even just a few weeks ago. But if you fish during the warmer parts of the day you might get into some pretty solid action.
The Month Ahead:
The ‘Stone will be a tough option once the big ice shelves begin to form and the slush is in the river. The best winter fishing tends to be up near Gardiner and around Livingston where a few springs and spring creeks enter into the river.