Yellowstone River Fishing Report 3-5-26: Get Out There!

With the unseasonably warm (crazy) weather, the whole Sweetwater crew has been out on the Yellowstone River in the last week and the results have been positive! After a couple of days of winter, it should be a decent weekend to hit the river, though do check the wind on Sunday, especially if you’re planning to float. Without further ado, take it away, guys:

Rich Ridgeway waded in the Paradise Valley:

The Yellowstone is settling into a classic late-winter / early-spring rhythm. Water temps are hovering in the low 40s, and flows remain stable and fishable through the Livingston stretch. Clarity is good, with just enough color in the deeper buckets to let fish feel comfortable.

Trout are holding in winter water — deeper runs, slower seams, and soft edges off the main current. Think inside bends, mid-river shelves, and tailouts with depth. As the day warms, especially after 1–2 PM, fish are sliding into transitional lanes and becoming more willing to move.

Nymphing remains the most consistent producer.

Small natural patterns are getting it done:

   •          #16–18 Pheasant Tails

   •          Small jigged Princes

   •          Perdigons in subtle olive or brown

Add a split shot and don’t be afraid to fish slower than you think.

Mike Allen waded in the Paradise Valley:

Shaun Zgurich and crew floated downstream of Livingston:

Water Temp: 42 degrees

Fishing seemed to be improving during the warmer parts of the afternoon as water temps started to go up. Trout are still holding in typical late-winter water, deeper runs, slower seams, ledges, and transition zones. Nymphing remains the most consistent method, though streamers were moving some quality fish when worked slowly through structure and deep slack water.

We found success on streamers while targeting slower water and ledges along the banks. A slower retrieve was key, with darker patterns producing best. Size 8–10 Peanut Envy in black and olive worked well. Similar patterns worth fishing include Mini Dungeon, Sparkle Minnow, Sculpzilla, Kreelex, and black or olive Woolly Buggers in the #6–12 range. Focus on slow strips or swings through deeper buckets and along cut banks.

Midges were hatching and plentiful from the moment we put in at 1pm. Deep nymph rigs produced steady action when fished through drop-offs and slower winter holding water. Midge patterns were most productive, particularly red and black Zebra Midges or Midge emergers (#16–18) Pheasant Tail nymphs and small Perdigon style patterns (#16–18) also worked well.

Boss Man Dan ads:

A small Zirdle Jig nymph got me some modest rainbows in quick succession at Loch Leven the other day. Then I fell in the water. It was cold. I went home.

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