Rich’s Yellowstone River Fishing Report – 2/4/26

Sweetwater’s Rich Ridgeway got out on the Yellowstone recently in the unseasonably warm weather. His advice follows. Gonna be a lovely spring weekend in February and you should get out while the gettin’s good!

The Yellowstone is in full winter mode, but it’s fishing better than most people expect if you slow down and adjust your approach. Fish are holding in classic winter water—soft edges, deep buckets, and slow seams—and while overall numbers are lower, the quality has been solid when you connect. Nymphing is the primary tactic right now, with a slow, deep, and methodical presentation being key. Pat’s Rubber Legs in sizes 8–10 paired with Zebra Midges in red or black (16–20) have been effective, with a size 12 Pheasant Tail standing out as the top producer. Run a long leader, use plenty of weight, and don’t be afraid to tick the bottom; short, controlled drifts in the right water are far more productive than trying to cover miles this time of year. Extra caution is advised due to ice shelves along the banks, and anyone planning to float should confirm their chosen section is free of ice jams before launching. Tip: If you’re fishing near ice shelves, leave the short wading net at home—use a long-handled boat net and stay off the shelf whenever possible.