Here’s a casual, clever, and witty one-paragraph summary:
Winter has officially clocked in, the river’s sitting at 1,450 CFS, and suddenly wade fishing sounds a whole lot smarter than committing to a 10-mile float in sub-freezing temps and wind that feels like it’s trying to relocate you to another county. Before you even think about launching, check both your put-in and take-out—this is not the weather to discover your truck can’t reach the ramp. Honestly, it might be the perfect moment to stay warm, tie some flies, reorganize that disaster of a fly box, or knock out a little holiday shopping for the fishy folks in your life. And if you need advice (or an excuse to procrastinate), the shop’s just a call away. Meanwhile, the fly menu is stacked—from big meaty streamers to tiny midges—so you’re covered whether the trout want a full steak dinner or a microscopic snack.
Here’s the full fishing report for the Yellowstone River by Yellowstone Angler out of Livingston, MT:
It finally feels like winter is here, with snow on the ground and a shift towards wade fishing. Keep an eye on the forecasts and the area you want to float, and be sure to check out both your put-in ramp and take-out ramp. This isn’t the type of weather you want to be stuck in.
Wade fishing seems like a smarter choice these days, verses committing to a 10 mile float, battling either sub-freezing temperatures or a steady 20 mph wind with gusts in the 40s.
Might be a good time to tie some flies, re-organize your fly box early, or do a little holiday shopping for someone in the family that likes to fish or would like to start. Shop on line or give us a call anytime for advice. 1-406-222-7130.
Fly Patterns:
Home Invader White #2/6 Olive Leadeye Stinger #4/6 Olive Sex Dungeon #4 Black Sex Dungeon #4 Yellow Silk Kitty #2 White Silk Kitty #2 Olive Silk Kitty#2 White Home Invader #2-4 Olive Leadeye #6 Olive Swim Coach #4 Coffee Sparkle Minnow #4-6
Tung. Bead Bugger Legs CAMO size #10 Black Jigged Perdigon #14-18 Fulling Mill Olive Perdigon #14-18 Blow Torch Black #14-18 Hare’s Ear Blow Torch #14-18 Brown (Purple) Duracell Bomb #14-16 Torch Light #14-16 PT Little Spankers #14-18
Join the Ackley Lake Club’s Woodsy Cup Ice Fishing Derby on January 31st, featuring fishing, prizes, and community fun. Entry is $20 for adults; kids fish free. Raffle tickets available for all.
Skijoring evolved from a survival technique in Central Asia to a thrilling sport in America, especially in Montana, blending speed, skill, and culture while maintaining its historical roots.
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Bear, an AKC purebred Anatolian Shepherd from Wild Rooster Farm, will move to South Africa to join the Cheetah Outreach Trust, aiding farmers in protecting livestock and conserving cheetahs.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released the 2026 hunting regulations for deer, elk, antelope, and moose, sheep, goat, and bison. Hunters should review them online before the application period.
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced a closure to hunting female Mountain Lions in LMU 411 and male Mountain Lions in LMU 391, effective January 27th, 2026, after sunset.
Kokanee Quinn shares a quick and easy white perch recipe that’s flaky and sweet, perfect for busy days. It cooks in minutes, requiring no pan-searing, and includes step-by-step instructions.
