Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fishing Report – April 9, 2026

Dust off the waders and grab your polarized lenses, because the Yellowstone Valley is officially shaking off its winter slumber. While the rest of the world is busy with spring cleaning, we’re busy watching the river temps creep toward that magic 50°F mark—a literal wake-up call for some very hungry trout. Whether you’re stalking rainbows on the crystal-clear spring creeks or hunting for a mid-afternoon dry fly sip on the main river, the window of “prime time” is officially open. Here is the lowdown on what’s biting and where to cast as we head into the second week of April.

Here’s the latest from Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop for the Yellowstone River and Livingston area:

Spring fishing is in full swing here in the Yellowstone Valley. Yellowstone River temps
are crawling toward 50℉, waking up dormant trout, and our local spring creeks are full of rainbows spawning a new generation of fish to catch. Now is a great time to get on the water.

Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone is fishing very well these days, especially after water temperatures
eclipse 45 degrees, which has been during midafternoon. Many anglers are reporting
doing well on stone fly nymph patterns paired with Perdigon-style and other attractors
nymphs. We’ve seen a few skwala adults on the banks, and we’ve also been seeing some good baetis action. Fish are looking up to emergers and dries. However, day in day out, it’s the nymph putting fish in the net. With that said, don’t overlook the streamer bite, which has been sporadic but is putting some big fish in the net as well.

3,020 CFS in Livingston on 4/9/26

Spring Creeks

Our spring creeks are now loaded with spawning rainbows. The fish that are eating
are focused on egg type patterns, suds, sow bugs, midges and baetis nymphs.
Afternoon has seen some spring baetis dry action. Look for overcast days for it to really
get rolling.