May 21, 2026
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
CFS: 5710
Clarity at Carter's (Thurs, 5/21 at 6:25AM)
The river has been looking so good for streamers, (photo: 5/20)
With the recent cold weather (and new snow), the Yellowstone has been on the drop for a solid week. At 5710 CFS the Yellowstone is "green and good" to go (and perfect for streamer fishing. We don't think this window will last much longer so get out there while you can!!
Keep an eye on CFS this week, when it bumps back up, the Yellowstone will become down right dangerous again. We don't recommend rowing it unless you are a veteran on the oars, and even then its best to keep your head on a swivel for floating trees, debris, and snags.
We've been fishing the lower Madison lately and doing well. CFS on the lower came up last week but has since dropped and clarity as improved. (It was also quite windy last week). Streamers, crayfish, sally nymphs, and various caddis patterns have all been working well.
If you are up for a little more windshield time, the Missouri and Bighorn rivers are also fishing well. Give us a call to book a trip or for the latest clarity/wind report: 1-406-222-7130
*Keep in mind Grey Bear access is closed as they are working on a new parking lot. 89 bridge is open - however you can't access it driving east from Livingston on I-90. Instead, you'll have to drive past it, exit a Mission Creek, do a u-turn and drive west on I-90 exiting at 89 North. (The reason for this is they are working on the bridge that goes over I-90).
Dries:
High-Vis Elk Hair Caddis #12-18
Olive Elk Hair Caddis #12-18
Butch Caddis #14-16
Goddard Caddis #14-16
Resting Caddis #14-16
Hemingway Caddis #14-16
Henry's Fork Caddis #18-20
X2 Caddis Olive #14-18
Mathew's PT X Caddis Tan #16-18
Harrop's Fertile Caddis #14-18
Lime Trude - #12-16
Craven's Hellion Caddis Olive #14-16
Simulators #12-18
Bloom's Hi-Vis Cadis Tan #12-16
Baetis Sparkle Dun #16-18
Harrop's Hanging Midge #18-20
Nymphs:
Morrish's Olive Hotwire Caddis #14-16
BH Partridge Soft Hackle #16-18
Beadhead Prince #10-18
BH Caddis Sparkle Pupa Olive #14-16
BH Caddis Sparkle Pupa Bright Green #14-16
Caddis Sparkle Pupa Olive #14-16
Caddis Sparkle Pupa Bright Green #14-16
Duracell Bomb Olive #14-16
Torch Light Fertile Caddis #14-16
BH Prince #10-18
Beadless Prince #14-18
Rubberlegs #6-10
Buggerlegs #6-10
Streamers:
Home Invader White #2/6
Olive Leadeye Stinger #4/6
Black Leadeye Stinger #4/6
Mini Kill Whitey Olive #4
Olive Sex Dungeon #4
Black Sex Dungeon #4
Peanut Envy Rootbeer #4
Sparkle Minnow #4-8
Yellow Silk Kitty #2
White Silk Kitty #2
Olive Silk Kitty#2
White Home Invader #2-4
Olive Leadeye #6
Olive Swim Coach #4
Coffee Sparkle Minnow #4-6