Livingtson, MT Yellowstone River Fishing Report 2.5.26
Winter is definitely still calling the shots on the Yellowstone right now. After last week’s cold snap, the river went full “ice affected,” and while a lot of the slush has cleared out, conditions are still very much mid-winter mode, according to Yellowstone Angler in Livingston, MT. Water temps are frigid, and the fish are moving about as slowly as you would expect. Streamer fishing can work if you’re willing to slow things way down, but nymphing is the name of the game at the moment. Add in spotty midge activity, shifting ice shelves, and the ever-present Montana wind, and this is a week where paying attention to conditions really matters. Here’s what you need to know before heading out:
CFS: “Ice Affected” – (although prob around 1150)Last week’s cold snap changed the river conditions drastically. Mallards Rest 1/29/26…
Much of last week’s ice and slush has melted. As such, the water temp is very cold and the fish have been sluggish to say the least. If you are throwing streamers, make sure you bring your slow motion strip or swing. Nymphing will be the most effective way to fish right now. Depending on the wind, there could also be some midges hatching, although these have areas have been pretty spotty.
Be sure to keep a sharp eye on the forecasts on the area you want to float. As always this time of year, scout your put-in and take-out so you don’t get surprised by an ice shelf. Likewise, check the wind as you don’t want to be “stuck” in, a steady 20 mph wind with gusts in the 40-50 mph range.
Give us a call for the latest conditions or a wind report! 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
$3 Dip #18-20
Harrop’s Hanging Midge Black #18-22
Harrop’s Hanging Midge Grey #18-22
Midge Cluster #18-22
George’s Tailless Midge #18-22
Tungsten Zebra Midge Black #18-22
Tungsten Zebra Midge Copper #18-22
Tungsten Miracle Nymph #18-22
Real Time River Flows
Photo credit: Yellowstone Angler
