Yellowstone High Water Report: Spring Melt, Rising Trout Action, and Your Best Bets

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to gal for all things fishin' on the Yellowstone River here in Montana. It's Monday mornin', March 23rd, 2026, and we're lookin' at a crisp start with clear skies around Billings at 39°F, wind chill down to 29°F from the WNW at 20 mph, accordin' to the National Weather Service. Temps climb to 50°F today under sunny skies, droppin' to 27°F tonight, mostly clear. No tides up here in river country, but USGS gauges show the Yellowstone near Corwin Springs runnin' high at 2,020 cfs, risin' sharp—water's pushin' hard from melt-off. Sunrise 'round 7:15 AM, sunset 7:30 PM or so.

Fish activity's pickin' up with risin' flows and warmin' water hittin' 50°F near Billings—trout are stirrin' in eddies and seams. Recent reports from Montana Outdoor and local chatter got browns and rainbows grabbin' nymphs, with a few cuts in the mix; limits comin' steady for those nymphin' deep. Best lures right now? Go with size 8-12 stonefly nymphs or San Juan worms in red or pink—imitate scuds and worms tumblin' in this flow. Live bait? Nightcrawlers or eggs under a float if you're spinnin'. Fly guys, dead-drift 'em in slower pockets.

Hot spots: Hit the stretch near Corwin Springs for deep runs holdin' big browns, or drop below Billings for easier access and risin' rainbows. Watch for risin' water—stay safe, wade careful.

Bundle up, fish smart, and get after 'em!

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