Written by Matthew Swan of Swan’s Fly Fishing and Montana Classic Boat Tours
One of the greatest joys of fishing a wild freestone river is embracing its ever-changing nature. Unlike tailwaters, which offer predictable conditions, rivers like the Yellowstone shift with the seasons, challenging anglers while providing an unmatched connection to nature. The 2022 flood was a dramatic reminder of this unpredictability, altering the river’s course and temporarily disrupting insect hatches and trout habitat. Yet, as nature often does, the river is healing itself, and with it, the fishing is gradually improving.
In the flood’s immediate aftermath, weaker hatches and shifting channels made fishing difficult. Many insect eggs were washed away, and trout had to adjust to new pools, riffles, and holding water. Dry fly fishing slowed, but patient anglers found success with nymphs and streamers, mimicking the displaced food sources trout turned to during the transition.
Now, the river is finding its balance again. The flood flushed out sediment, exposing clean gravel beds essential for both aquatic insects and spawning trout. As a result, bug hatches are strengthening, with the Mother’s Day Caddis and Salmonflies showing promising signs of recovery. Newly formed deep pools and oxygenated water are also creating better conditions for trout, ensuring a healthier fishery moving forward.
From a conservation perspective, this flood was a natural reset, reinforcing why wild rivers must remain free to shape themselves. While infrastructure took a hit, the Yellowstone’s ecosystem benefited—restoring habitat, improving water quality, and setting the stage for a thriving fishery in the years ahead.
While fishing isn’t at its peak yet, it’s getting better every season. For those who love the challenge and beauty of a wild, untamed river, the Yellowstone remains one of the most rewarding places to cast a fly. If you’re planning a trip, keeping an eye on conditions will be key—I can check current hatch reports and water levels for you anytime.
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- Matthew Swan
- (406) 224-0456
- www.swansflyfishing.com
- Montana Outfitter #26324
- FFI Casting Instructor
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