Montana Fishing Reports ยท Yellowstone Country Region
Through Paradise Valley, the Yellowstone runs big and free between the Absarokas and the Gallatin Range, the longest undammed river in the lower 48 with browns, rainbows and cutthroat.
Looking for the latest Yellowstone River Paradise Valley river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Yellowstone River โ Paradise Valley.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Yellowstone River Paradise Valley fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The Livingston gauge reads around 1,500 cfs, low and clear.
Streamers along the banks and nymphs in the riffles. BWOs come off on cloudy afternoons, and the river can fish well on mild days.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Paradise Valley, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-8, Sculpzilla #4-6, Pat', s Rubber Legs #8-10, JuJu Baetis #18-20, Parachute Adams #16-20, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Yellowstone River Paradise Valley details
| Access | Fishing access sites along US-89 and East River Road, including Carter's Bridge and Mallard's Rest. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 4,500 to 5,000 ft |
| Nearest town | Livingston, Montana |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Brown, rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout |
| Regulations | Montana's stream regulations vary by district and river. Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for the current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X to 5X tippet |
| Camping | Fishing access site campgrounds in Paradise Valley |
| Kids | Partly. Big, cold river. |
| Good to know | Wind is common. Fish the morning on windy days. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges on mild days.
Spring
BWOs and the Mother's Day caddis.
Summer
Stoneflies, caddis and hoppers.
Fall
BWOs and streamers.
How to get there
From Livingston, take US-89 south into Paradise Valley.