As of September 29, 2024, the Yellowstone River in Montana is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the recent weather conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The weather has been cool and rainy, marking the onset of fall. This has led to the river being muddy, particularly due to the inflow from the Lamar and Gardiner tributaries, but it is starting to clear up. Streamflows are below average, making it easier to find trout in deeper waters with consistent current.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:45 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the river.

### Fish Activity
Fall is an excellent time to fish the Yellowstone River, with big brown trout actively moving and preparing for spawning. You can expect to see plenty of Blue Winged-Olives (BWOs) hatching, especially from late morning to the afternoon. This is a great time for dry fly fishing, with trout sipping these small mayflies out of current seams and eddies.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
The river is home to a healthy mix of brown trout, rainbow trout, and the native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, along with Rocky Mountain Whitefish. With the current conditions, you can anticipate catching trout in the deeper waters next to shallow areas, off riffles, shelves, and banks.

### Best Lures and Bait
For dry fly enthusiasts, presenting Blue Winged-Olives or small mayfly patterns like a Parachute Adams or Purple Haze in sizes 12-14 will be effective. For those preferring nymphs, tandem nymph rigs are still productive, but streamers are particularly enticing for the larger brown trout. Dead drifting streamers slowly in medium to deep water can yield some impressive catches.

### Hot Spots
One of the most scenic and productive areas is the section through Paradise Valley, where the spring creeks join the river. This area offers breathtaking views and diverse types of holding water, from fast pocket water to long, deep pools. Another local favorite is the "town run" section through Livingston, which provides excellent wade fishing opportunities once the flows have dropped.

In summary, the Yellowstone River is in great shape for fall fishing, with clear water returning and active trout. Focus on the deeper waters with consistent current, and don't miss the Blue Winged-Olive hatch for some exciting dry fly action. Enjoy your day on the river