The river’s sitting at 1,630 CFS at Carter’s, summer has officially left the room, and the cottonwoods are out there ready for the pumpkin spice crowd while the whitefish pile up…which is always a dependable “at least something’s tugging on the line” backup plan. Yellowstone Angler reported on October 26, 2026 that the week ahead looks fairly friendly with partly cloudy skies, hovering around 50, and not too much wind. So, it’s streamer season — grab something olive and even a little ridiculous, swing it across the current, and fish like you’re going for the fences; if the sun gets all bright and sunshiney, downshift to a double-nymph rig with an unholy mix of stoneflies, baetis, and perdigons in whatever colors you prefer.
The bug menu, abridged: dries if you must (nocturnal stones, golden stones, hoppers, ants, caddis, green drakes, PMDs, spruce moths), nymphs if you must (rubberlegs, Princes, perdigons, Blow Torches, CDC pheasant tails), and streamers if you want to have fun — Zonkers, Sex Dungeons, Silk Kitties, Sparkle Minnows, Home Invaders, Swim Coaches, all the good trouble.
Flies are the easy part; getting there is easier — Yellowstone Angler, 5256 US Highway 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047, (406) 222-7130, open Mon–Sat 7–5 and Sun 8–4, and yes, they’d genuinely like you to call and book a trip. Give them a call at 406-222-7130!
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