The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the continental United States. The Yellowstone River is the last major undammed river in the lower 48 states, flowing 671 miles (1080 km) from its source southeast of Yellowstone into the Missouri River and then, eventually, into the Atlantic Ocean.
When can you fish the Yellowstone River?
Aside from pre-run off (March – April) the best time to fish the Yellowstone River is a week or two after it clears. Depending on snowpack levels and how fast the snow melts, this typically occurs during mid July. August is the best time to fish hoppers, but the fish have also seen a few more flies by then.
Can you wade fish the Yellowstone River?
Although wade fishing is an option in the park and at a few other locations, the size of the water lends itself ideally to float fishing from rafts and drift boats. The Yellowstone is also one of the most variable rivers in Montana with a huge range of water flows and fishing conditions.
What fish are in the Yellowstone River in Billings Montana?
Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, large whitefish and brown trout are all found in abundant numbers in the upper half of the river, while the lower half (below Billings) turns primarily into a warm water fishery of large walleye, catfish and sturgeon.
Can you use live bait on the Yellowstone River?
Open entire year for up to 2 attended lines with up to 2 hooks per line. Live fish (except sculpin, salmonids, carp, goldfish, all species in the sunfish family, bullheads (catfish family), yellow perch, and rainbow smelt) may be used as bait (including feeder streams and ditches).
Is fishing good in Yellowstone River?
The river is host to a variety of species of fish. Anglers can expect a mixed bag of rainbow trout, brown trout, and native cutthroat trout. The Yellowstone is famous for its dense hatches of caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, and terrestrials that all provide for excellent dry fly fishing from March through November.
Is the Yellowstone River open for fishing?
The Yellowstone River is closed to all recreational use from the Mayor’s Landing Fishing Access Site to the Sheep Mountain Fishing Access Site.
How deep is the Yellowstone River?
Max Discharge: 5,610 cfs • Deepest Point: 42.97ft However, the deepest point on the river is located at the Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt reporting a gauge stage of 42.97 ft.
Do you need a permit to float the Yellowstone River?
Additionally, all watercraft, includ- ing float tubes, must obtain a Yellowstone National Park Boat Permit. Motorized boat permits and non- motorized boat permits (including float tubes) are available in a 7-day denomina- tion or as an annual permit.
Are there salmon in Yellowstone River?
In the Yellowstone River, you’ll see Mountain Whitefish. Though they belong in the same family as trout and salmon, they don’t have quite the same bright colors that rainbows and salmon have. Instead, they are usually silver or gray, with much larger scales.
Are there walleye in the Yellowstone River?
Yellowstone River, Miles City — The water level is low and the clarity is good. Anglers are catching sauger, walleyes, and some smallmouth bass. Catfish are also biting.
How do you trout fish in the Yellowstone River?
Are there pike in the Yellowstone River?
It is a warm water fishery, holding scores of large catfish, pike, walleye and smallmouth bass. While the smallmouth bass can be fished adequately with a fly rod, using weighted crayfish on sinking lines, spin fishing is the rule on the Lower Yellowstone River.
Can you use a spinning rod in Yellowstone?
There a three rivers that are fly fishing only, the Madison River, the Gibbon River and the Firehole River. They can still be fished with a spinning outfit but the terminal tackle has to be a fly (ie. spinning rod, a fly and water bubble float). You can use a spinner on any other open waters.
Can you fish with two rods in Montana?
It is legal to fish with 2 rods in Montana.
Can you keep fish you catch in Yellowstone?
Anglers 16 years of age or older must be in possession of a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit to fish in the park. Park rangers may check permits and inspect tackle, fish, creels, or other containers where fish or tackle may be stored.
Where is the best place to fish in Yellowstone?
- Fishing Bridge, Lake, and Bridge Bay.
- Madison and the West.
- Mammoth Hot Springs and the North.
- Norris Geyser Basin.
- Old Faithful.
- Tower–Roosevelt and the Northeast.
- West Thumb, Grant, and the South.
- If You Can’t Come to Yellowstone.
Are there Sturgeon in the Yellowstone River?
Conservation > Fisheries Management Pallid Sturgeon The pallid sturgeon is one of the rarest and largest freshwater fish in North America. It and the smaller, more common shovelnose sturgeon, are the only sturgeon species native to the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers in Montana.
What lures to use in Yellowstone?
Each angler may use only one rod, which must be closely attended at all times and used for angling only—intentional snagging of fish is prohibited. Only lead-free artificial lures (e.g., spoon or spinner) or flies may be used.
Can I fish in Montana right now?
Open third Saturday in May through November 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. Open all year, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations.
What flies to use on the Yellowstone River?
- Chubby Chernobyl (size 4-14)
- Amy’s Ant (size 10-14)
- X Caddis (size 8-18)
- Sparkle Duns (size 12-20)
- Turk’s Tarantula (size 6-14)
- Pink/Black Morrish Hopper (size 8-12)
- Parachute Hopper (size 8-10)
- Sweetgrass Hopper (size 8-12)
Can you camp along the Yellowstone River?
Camping: Overnight camping along the Yellowstone River on National Forest is limited to Yankee Jim campground, which is 15 miles north of Gardiner along Highway 89. Overnight camping is also permitted at many of the state fishing access areas.
Can you bring your own boat to Yellowstone Lake?
You can bring your own motorized boat for use on Yellowstone Lake. There is a boat dock where space can be rented to dock your boat at Bridge Bay Marina. The dock is run by the park concessionaire, Xanterra. You can reach them at: 307-344-7311.
Can you swim in Yellowstone Lake?
Swimming in Yellowstone National Park Due to the thermal activity in the park, most rivers and lakes in Yellowstone are closed to swimmers.
Can I Kayak in Yellowstone?
Established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is one of the best inland paddling destinations in the world. The clear water and high mountain lakes of the greater Yellowstone area provide a truly unique kayaking experience.