Wintertime Yellowstone River Trout Report: Steady Flows, Quality Fish Await Anglers on the Upper Madison

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to guy for all things angling on the Yellowstone River here in Montana. It's a crisp winter mornin' on December 27th, 2025, 'round 8:38 AM, and we're lookin' at steady flows at 3,780 cfs near Livingston per Snoflo reports—enough water to keep things movin' without blowin' out the deeper runs. No tides up here in Big Sky country, but the river's runnin' clear and cold, perfect for huggin' the bottom where the big boys winter.

Weather's mild for late December: highs scrapin' 35°F, lows in the 20s, light winds from the northwest, and partly cloudy skies—straight from today's forecasts. Sunrise hit at 8:22 AM, sunset's 4:48 PM, givin' ya about 8.5 hours of light to chase 'em. Fish activity's solid this time o' year; trout are stacked in the slower, deeper pockets and troughs, feedin' low on midges, baetis nymphs, and scuds, kinda like what's workin' hot on the nearby Lower Madison per Rising Trout Fly Fishing's December 26 update.

Recent catches? Locals and guides report steady rainbows, browns, and cutthroats—quality fish in the 16-22 inch range, with a few pigs pushin' 24+ on nymphs and streamers. Numbers ain't fireworks like summer, but consistent grabs if ya put in the time: maybe 5-10 trout per rod on a good day. Best lures right now: small natural streamers like gold/copper Kreelex, Sparkle Minnows, or black Woolly Buggers stripped slow. For nymphin', tie on Ray Charles #18, Perdigon #16-18, Zebra Midges #16-18, or Hot Bead Scuds #14-18 under an indicator. Artificials only in most spots—check regs, but worms or eggs can shine where allowed.

Hit these hot spots: the runs below Gardiner Bridge for easy access and steady action, or the deeper bends near Livingston where the river slows and fish pod up. Bundle up, fish early or late when they perk up, and stay safe on the ice edges.

Thanks for tunin' in, folks—subscribe for more reports! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI