Frigid Yellowstone Fishing: Nymphs, Slow Streamers, and Windswept Winter Conditions

# Yellowstone River Fishing Report

Hey there, folks. This is your Friday morning update from down here on the Yellowstone near Livingston, and let me tell you—winter's got us in a full headlock right now.

Water temps are absolutely frigid after last week's cold snap, and the fish are moving like they're in slow motion. The river's still dealing with ice-affected conditions, though most of the heavy slush has cleared out. We're looking at flows hovering around 1,150 CFS, so conditions are definitely mid-winter mode across the board.

Here's what's working: **nymphing is your bread and butter** right now. If you're thinking about throwing streamers, you better be ready to crawl that thing through the water—slow, methodical strips or swings. The fish aren't chasing anything aggressive. According to Yellowstone Angler here in town, we're also seeing some spotty midge activity when conditions cooperate, but don't count on it being consistent.

For your fly box, pack those Home Invader Whites and Olive Leadeye Stingers in sizes 2 through 6 for streamers. On the nymph side, you'll want Black Jigged Perdigons and Fulling Mill Olive Perdigons in 14 to 18, plus some Blow Torch Blacks and Hare's Ear Blow Torches. If those midges do show up, grab some Harrop's Hanging Midges in Black and Grey, sizes 18 to 22.

**Best spots right now?** Focus on the slower pockets and deeper seams where fish are holding tight. Stick to areas you know well—this isn't the time to scout new water when ice shelves are shifting around. And here's the real talk: **watch that wind forecast**. We're talking steady 20 mph with gusts pushing 40 to 50, so scout your put-in and take-out before you commit to floating.

Live bait isn't relevant here—this is fly water, period.

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