• Yellowstone River Late Fall Fishing: Pursuing Trophy Trout in Cooler Conditions

  • Nov 16 2024
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Yellowstone River Late Fall Fishing: Pursuing Trophy Trout in Cooler Conditions

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  • Summary

  • As of November 16, 2024, the Yellowstone River in Montana is offering some excellent late-fall fishing opportunities, despite the chilly weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Water Conditions
    The weather is cool and cloudy, with temperatures expected to remain in the mid-40s to low 50s, making it ideal for trout activity. Water temperatures have plummeted, pushing trout into slower, deeper runs. Streamflows are well below average, but this makes it easier to locate the fish.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:30 PM. These times are crucial as trout tend to be more active during the low-light hours.

    ### Fish Activity
    Trout have moved into deeper and slower runs, particularly next to shallow water, adjacent to riffles, shelves, and banks. They are actively feeding in areas with consistent current and food sources. Brown trout, especially larger ones, are preoccupied with spawning, making them less cautious and more susceptible to larger streamers.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Yesterday saw a good number of trout caught, including both rainbows and browns. The larger brown trout are the main target for trophy hunters, who are dragging large streamers through the deepest holes. Smaller trout are also active, particularly on dry flies during the Blue-Winged Olive hatches.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For nymphing, tandem rigs with beadhead Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and Rubber Legs are highly effective. Egg patterns and pink or orange nymphs are also good choices. For dry fly fishing, extended body Blue-Winged Olives, film critics, or hatchback Blue-Winged Olives work well. If you see October caddis, try twitching a size 12 royal chubby or size 14 orange stimulator. Streamers such as zonkers and crayfish patterns are productive, especially in the low-light morning hours.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Paradise Valley**: This area is known for its consistent fishing conditions and is a great spot to target trophy trout with large streamers.
    - **Below Livingston**: This section of the Yellowstone River has been reporting good catches with both nymphs and streamers. The deeper runs and slower currents here are ideal for late-fall fishing.
    - **Gallatin Canyon**: Although this is on the Gallatin River, it's nearby and worth mentioning for its early afternoon dry fly fishing opportunities, especially in shaded areas.

    Overall, the Yellowstone River is in great shape for late-fall fishing, with the cooler temperatures and cloud cover making for an excellent day on the water. Just be prepared for the cold and windy conditions that can arise this time of year.
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