Yellowstone River Winter Fishing Report: Trout, Nymphs, Streamers & Local Hot Spots

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Yellowstone River fishing report from a local’s eye.

First off, no tides to worry about on this big prairie river – she’s free‑flowing and all freshwater. Streamflow near Livingston is running around the mid‑1,600 cfs range according to the USGS gauge summarized by Snoflo, a touch below average but right where we like it for winter wade fishing. Clear, cold, and very fishable.

Weather-wise, Snoflo’s Livingston forecast has it sunny with highs pushing into the upper 50s, light southwest to west‑northwest breeze. That’s mild for December, so expect some mid‑day bug and trout activity instead of a strict dawn‑and‑dusk game. Sunrise is right around 8 a.m., sunset a bit after 4:30 p.m. locally, giving us a short but productive window.

Montana Outdoor’s December 13 statewide fishing report says winter fishing has “officially arrived” and specifically notes the Yellowstone is still producing trout. That lines up with what folks are seeing from Gardiner down through Livingston and into the Valley: fewer fish than summer numbers, but solid quality. Recent catches have been mostly **rainbow and brown trout** in the 12–18 inch class, with the odd bigger brown pushing 20+ and a few whitefish mixed in when you’re nymphing deep.

Fish activity has been best late morning through mid‑afternoon once the sun warms the edges. Think slower winter water: inside bends, soft seams, and deeper tailouts. Early and late have been pretty quiet unless you get a cloudy spell.

Best producers lately:

- **Nymphs:** Small mayfly nymphs and midges in #18–20, plus tungsten **Perdigons**, **Pheasant Tails**, and **Two‑Bit Hookers** under an indicator. Add a small split shot; you want it ticking near bottom in that walking‑speed stuff.
- **Eggs and worms:** Trout beads and soft egg patterns in natural tones, and a red or wine **San Juan** as a trailer have been money on the whitefish and opportunistic bows.
- **Streamers:** On these warmer afternoons, a slowly stripped or swung **olive or black sculpin**, sparkle minnow, or small white bugger on a sink tip has moved some good browns. Short, slow strips—this isn’t July.

For bait guys in the lower, more mixed sections where regulations allow, nightcrawlers drifted slow and deep and small minnows have been the ticket. Check the Montana FWP regs for the specific stretch you’re on; some upper reaches are artificial‑only and no bait.

Couple of local hot spots for you:

- **Between Gardiner and Yankee Jim Canyon:** Classic winter water with plenty of softer edges and inside bends. When the wind isn’t howling, this reach has been giving up nice browns on eggs and small black midges.
- **Around Livingston – Carter’s Bridge to Pine Creek:** Easy winter access, good buckets and tailouts. Indicator nymph rigs have been consistent here, with an occasional streamer thump mid‑day when the sun is high.

Pressure’s light now, but remember we’re sharing the valley with elk, deer, and the odd bear; keep your head on a swivel around carcasses and side channels.

That’ll do it for today from Artificial Lure. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report.

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