Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Vacations

The Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, hosting world-class trout fishing for rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and cutbows. Most anglers fish the river in Paradise Valley and near Livingston, Montana. The lower Yellowstone is often overlooked and underappreciated. Anglers assume the river is too slow, warm, silty, and only holds trash fish and warm water species. Yep, that’s right, keep thinking that. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. The lower Yellowstone supports a healthy population of wild trout. One would assume the river would be dominated by brown trout. While browns are common, rainbows predominate with occasional Yellowstone cutthroats and cutbows seen. Most trout average 12” to 16” with larger trout sometimes exceeding 20”. Warm water species are present, including native goldeye shad, which devour hoppers, are sporty, and have a striking resemblance to baby tarpon. And on occasion, anglers may tie into smallmouth bass on hoppers or while stripping streamers.

The river braids into multiple channels, flowing around wildlife-filled islands with Bald Eagle nests and heron rookeries. Whitetail deer bounce through streamside foliage, beavers mow down cottonwoods, swallows dart from cliffside burrows, Great Blue Herons hunt the river’s edge, and Ospreys hover above. The river’s swift currents plunge over shelf-rock drops, surge over powerful rapids and pour over broken inside riffle corners. Currents push around broad sweeping bends lined with vast cottonwood galleries, carving tall muddy, root balled banks. Trout feed in foam back-eddies, along seams created by rip-rapped points, and beneath hopper-filled grassy cutbanks. Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs blanket broken sandstone hillsides. Anglers twitch hoppers along overhanging sandstone cliffs and on seams projected by streamside boulders, provoking explosive strikes. Vast pools and runs transition into glossy flats and sprawling tailouts where trout slurp mayflies, hoppers, and nocturnal stones. 

In the spring, hatches of Baetis, march browns, and Mother’s Day caddis create superb dry fly opportunities. As the river recedes from runoff in late June to early July, golden stones, large sedges, caddis, green drakes, PMDs, and yellow sallies bring trout to the surface. As these hatches wane, the fish switch to a diet of hoppers, terrestrials, and nocturnal stoneflies from August to mid-September. In a good hopper year, two anglers in a boat can induce 50 to 100 takes on hopper patterns, landing dozens of brawny trout. Upon fall’s arrival, Baetis are the primary hatch. At the same time, attractors with droppers continue to work wonders, and streamers pounded along shoreline structures trigger hulking browns.

The Stillwater River is anything but “still,” descending rapidly, through prairied foothills and soaring cliffs tumbling through rock gardens and Class II and III whitewater. 

The Stillwater is a guide favorite and a dry fly fisher’s delight. In the spring, baetis mayflies, March Browns, and Mother’s Day caddis bring wild trout feeding upon the surface. Hatches of PMD’s, various caddis, yellow sallies, golden stoneflies, and Green Drakes provide ample dry fly opportunities from late June through July. Nocturnal stoneflies, grasshoppers, and other terrestrials such as ants and beetles continually source dry fly opportunities during August and September.

You will make countless casts for miles through varied water from bankside seams to mid-river pockets and deep pools. You can expect to have excellent action for the river’s plentiful rainbows and browns, with an occasional Yellowstone cutthroat and cutbow tossed into the species mix. These hard fighting and vividly colored wild trout average 10” to 15” with occasional 16” to 18” specimens landed. Intermediate and experienced anglers can expect to hook dozens of these fish daily during prime summer months. Beginning anglers will be challenged with the river’s fast pace but can expect to catch many fish and learn swift pocket-water fishing techniques.

The thrilling whitewater ride combined with solitude, wildlife, mountain vistas, and superb dry fly fishing for feisty wild trout makes this action-packed freestone river one of our favorites! 

The Boulder River drains north from the Absaroka Range and associated plateaus into the Yellowstone River near Big Timber, Montana. This fabulous action-packed freestone river, over an hour from Red Lodge, is a summertime favorite among guides and clients! 

The river is aptly named for its innumerable lichen-covered granite boulders, creating miles of multi-colored pocket-water on its tumultuous white-water descent to the Yellowstone. Dry fly enthusiasts and non-anglers enjoy the exciting raft ride through one of Montana’s most scenic and secluded valleys.

During peak season, experienced anglers can hook dozens of plentiful rainbows and browns, averaging 10” to 15” with some larger. Wild trout swim under shaded banks of twisted vines and deciduous branches, in swirling currents behind mid-river boulders, in shallow riffles, and emerald holes. Hatches of PMDs, caddis, yellow sallies, golden stones, and Green Drakes lure the trout to feed on the surface.

   

There’s something about the sound of rushing water, the sight of multi-colored rocks wavering under clear, swift currents, and the thrill of an acrobatic rainbow engulfing your dry fly! You rapidly fire casts with dries and dry-dropper combinations to structured banks and bouldered pocket-water as you descend Class II and III white-water rapids. The excitement heats up as you hook a nice brown, battling it as you descend one of these drops before your guide eddies out and nets the buttery brown. After a moment of admiration, the fish slides out of your hands back into the river; high-fives and smiles ensue.  

The surrounding area offers many activities for anglers and non-anglers alike. Guests often plan several extra days to enjoy other activities and explore the area in combination with their fishing trip. Explore Yellowstone Park’s natural wonders, take scenic drives over the Beartooth and Dead Indian Passes, through Sunlight Basin, and visit Cooke City, Montana, or Cody, Wyoming. And take a scenic driving up the Stillwater past Nye to Woodbine, looping back through Dean along Fishtail Creek.  

Non-anglers often enjoy riding along in the back of the boat, taking in the action, scenery, photographing, reading a book, and relaxing. 

Non-angling partners and family may take scenic day hikes to waterfalls and pristine mountain lakes or explore hundreds of miles of trails. Rent an ATV to explore back roads, go horseback riding, mountain biking, or whitewater rafting on the Stillwater River. Schedule a tee-time at nearby Stillwater Golf Course, Laurel Gold Club, or Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course. Or take a guided van tour or a self-guided hiking or biking tour of the unique large-scale, outdoor art sculptures at Tippet Rise, a 12,500-acre working cattle and sheep ranch with over 13 miles of trails. The art center also features classic musical performances in the Olivier Music Barn or outside under the Domo.

  

Red Lodge is an hour away, where you may enjoy a spa day, massage, or browse its many shops and galleries. Red Lodge hosts many festivities, concerts, live music, events, rodeos, and festivals, including the Beartooth Motorcycle Rally and Red Lodge Car Show.

Celebrate with a Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Vacation for your guests, as exciting bachelor and bachelorette parties, or on your honeymoon! 

Are you planning a family reunion? Let us assist you with accommodations, meals and arrange a Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Vacation for the whole family. 

Are you looking for an attractive location for business meetings? We can help arrange your group’s accommodations, meals, transportation and plan corporate and business fly fishing retreats.

Montana Fly Fishing Trips are a popular way to entertain important clients and excellent employee and sales rewards.

Host continuing education and training events for business, medical, and health care parties, combined with Montana Fly Fishing Vacations.

We partner with a professional facilitator for on-the-water outdoor leadership and team-building events. Why hold these indoors? Bond better with your team on the river on Montana Overnight Fly Fishing River Trips or Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Vacations.

Are you a member of a club, a non-profit organization, a women’s group? Let us put together a Montana Fly Fishing Vacation for your group! Involved in a fly shop or fly fishing business? Host a Montana Fly Fishing Vacation.

We recommend booking your Montana fly fishing vacation well in advance to ensure the best guides and accommodations. Guides and accommodations may be hard to reserve on short notice. A 50% deposit is required to finalize your Montana fly fishing vacation reservations. Please read our Terms and Conditions for complete details. 

Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up, or ground transfers will take you to your accommodations. You may also choose to rent a vehicle. Having independent transportation allows more flexibility and freedom during your trip.  

We recommend arriving the day before your fishing begins. Upon arrival, you may purchase any last-minute provisions and settle into your accommodations. Relax, explore the local area, enjoy your favorite beverages, appetizers, and dinner at your accommodations overlooking the Yellowstone River. 

Each day, after coffee and a delicious breakfast, you will make final preparations and drive to your fishing destination, where you will enjoy an exciting day of fishing and adventure. Yellowstone River boat ramps are only minutes away. On some mornings, you’ll walk directly from your accommodations to boats already anchored in the river. Other fishing locations are within an hour of your lodging, though some can be further. Expect to spend six to eight hours on the water fishing, taking in the scenery, watching wildlife and songbirds, photographing, trading jokes, and having a great time. Delicious lunches with non-alcoholic beverages are served on the water daily; feel free to bring any alcoholic beverages of your choice.

After a full day of fishing and adventure, return to your comfortable accommodations, perhaps stopping at a favorite watering hole on the way back. Back at your accommodations, clean up with a refreshing shower, relax and enjoy apres fishing. 

Customized dinners will be served at your accommodations or at a gathering area next to the river. You may also choose to sample regional craft beers or sink your teeth into a juicy ribeye steak, grab an elk burger, or a healthy salad on the lighter side. Wrap your day up with a nightcap and live music before settling in for a rejuvenating night’s rest. 

Rinse and repeat daily as you see fit.  

You may choose from our all-inclusive packages with breakfast and dinner served at your accommodations. You may also prepare your own meals or elect to sample the many local cafes and restaurants. Gratuities for private cooks and caterers are not included.

Shore lunches, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided each day. 

Since we do not have the proper licenses, alcoholic beverages are not included, except when purchased from licensed establishments such as restaurants and bars. You may purchase alcohol to bring to your accommodations and on the water. All alcoholic beverages are the responsibility of clients.

Cell reception at the riverside cabins and rooms is good. Many towns and locations in Montana and Wyoming have good cell phone reception. Other locations have spotty reception or no reception at all. Cell service is often spotty while driving due to the mountainous terrain, rolling hills, draws, and river bottoms.

Wireless internet connectivity is not available at the riverside accommodations. Wi-fi is available at the B&B. Be sure to notify people of your potential unavailability and take care of all personal and business tasks beforehand. 

Three cabins overlook a riverside meadow and beautiful sandstone cliffs which glow during sunrises and sunsets. 

Two 450 square feet cabins each have a queen-size bed, sofa sleeper, jacuzzi tub and shower, kitchenette with microwave and small refrigerator, wood-burning stove, air conditioning, heating, and TV with DVD player.

A third, 650 square feet cabin has a bedroom with two queen beds and a private half bath. An additional full bathroom with a walk-in river rock shower is located in the hallway between the kitchen and bathroom. The full kitchen has a stovetop, oven, microwave, medium-sized refrigerator, and dining table. The living area includes a sitting chair, sleeper sofa, wood stove, air conditioning, heating, and TV with DVD player.   

Cabins include a covered deck complete with patio furniture and gas grills.

Four riverside guest rooms each have a king-sized bed, ceiling fan, sitting chair, desk, small refrigerator, and coffee maker. Bathrooms include large bath vanity and premium walk-in showers with river rock flooring and built-in benches for sitting. Rooms also have a blow dryer, iron, and ironing board. Each room has a private porch with a table and chairs. Enjoy your morning coffee or sip a glass of wine while taking in the scenic river views, sunrises and sunsets.  

The Bed & Breakfast at the main house serves breakfast and provides two rooms with wi-fi connectivity.

The Den Room is furnished with a queen bed, couch, recliner, satellite TV, small refrigerator, private bathroom, and walk-out patio.

The Riverview Room is a larger room on the second floor with beautiful views overlooking the river bottom. It’s furnished with one queen bed, one full-size bed, a private bathroom, a satellite TV, a small refrigerator, and a table with chairs.

Recommended Airports
Once you have confirmed your trip with us, you’ll want to make flight reservations as soon as possible. 
We recommend flying into Billings, Montana (BIL). You may also fly into Bozeman, Montana (BZN). 
Private aircraft and charters may arrive and depart from Woltermann Memorial Airport in Columbus, Montana (6S3).

Served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, United Airlines, and smaller carriers.  

Served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United Airlines, and smaller carriers. 

Depending on your itinerary and preferences, your guide(s) may pick you up at your arrival airport. You may also rent a vehicle for greater flexibility and freedom during your trip. Major car rental companies are available at your arrival airport. We will work with you to finalize transportation details upon booking.

Billings            45 minutes

Bozeman        1 hour, 50 minutes

Please book departing airline reservations for the day after your trip ends. We may book accommodations with shuttle services to your departing airport, your last night. Your guide(s) may also drop you off at the airport, depending on your itinerary. Ground transfers are also available to the airport if you do not have a rental vehicle.

*We may arrange private ground transfers between the airport and your accommodations. You may also rent a vehicle for greater flexibility and freedom during your trip. Transportation not included in Fishing & Lodging Only rates. We will work with you to finalize transportation details upon booking. 

**All meals, snacks, and appetizers are included in all-inclusive packages. Private chef/cook gratuities are not included. Meals, appetizers, and alcoholic beverages are not included in Fishing & Lodging Only packages. Alcoholic beverages are not included with meals served at the accommodations or on the river, but you may bring your own. Alcoholic beverages are included with meals at licensed restaurants.

Our guides very hard to ensure an enjoyable trip, and we encourage you to tip accordingly. We suggest an appropriate gratuity from $100-$200/day/guide, although an excellent day of fishing, a memorable event, or extra effort on the guide's behalf may deserve more. Please consider that our guides work harder when fishing is slow or during adverse weather. Cash gratuities should be given directly to your guide daily or upon finishing multi-day trips.

Gratuities for your private cook/chef are not included. A suggested appropriate gratuity from $50 - $100/day is recommended. Cash gratuities should be given to your private cook/chef upon finishing your trip.

Many variables beyond our control, such as weather, wind, barometric pressure, water temperatures, and fish behavior, influence the day's fishing. While fishing is a highlight of your trip, there are numerous ways to enjoy your fly fishing vacation. Please align your expectations with the conditions and your abilities. No expectations, no disappointments!

Clients frequently invite guides for drinks or dinner after fishing. Socializing is a great way to celebrate the day's events, plan the next day, and connect. While guides always appreciate the generosity, buying drinks and dinner are not considered part of or in lieu of gratuities. Socializing extends a guide's long and physically demanding day. Time is required before and after each day's trip for preparing, organizing, and cleaning. 

If you have any comments or concerns about your trip, please let us know.

We realize these trips are expensive, and much is at stake financially. For this reason, we highly recommend that you purchase trip insurance in advance. Unforeseen circumstances arise, and travel insurance is very reasonable should you have to cancel your trip for any reason. We recommend Travel Guard Travel Insurance and Global Rescue Insurance to protect your financial investment, which may cover trip cancellations for any reason. For more information or to purchase Trip Insurance, please visit Travel Guard or Global Rescue.

We recommend Global Rescue’s worldwide medical evacuation and extraction services if you become ill or injured during your trip or due to natural disaster, COVID-19, and other reasons. Due to the remote nature of many of our trips, potential challenges receiving immediate professional medical help, and limited cell coverage, we highly recommend purchasing medical evacuation insurance along with your trip insurance. 

For more information or to purchase Medical Evacuation Insurance, please visit Global Rescue.