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Montana Fishing Guide

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River-Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River

Yellowstone River, In Paradise Valley-Yellowstone River, In Paradise Valley

Yellowstone River

Tributary of Out-of-State.
(River Mile: 15 to 570)
Launch Interactive Map

The Yellowstone River originates in Wyoming and flows through Yellowstone National Park before entering Montana at Gardiner. From the park boundary to Livingston, the river flows north through Paradise Valley, flanked by the Absarokee Mountains on the east and the Gallatin Range on the west. It continues in a northeasterly direction from Livingston and meets up with the Missouri River just across the North Dakota border. The Yellowstone has survived as one of the last, large, free flowing rivers in the continental United States. Lack of mainstem impoundments allows spring peak flows and fall and winter low flows to influence a unique ecosystem and aesthetic resource. From the clear, coldwater cutthroat trout fishery in Yellowstone National Park to the warmer water habitat at its mouth, the river supports a variety of aquatic environments that remain relatively undisturbed. The adjacent terrestrial environment, through most of the 550 Montana miles of river, is an impressive cottonwood-willow bottomland. The river has also been a major factor in the settlement of southeastern Montana, and retains much cultural and historical significance.

Total Length: 555 miles
FWP Region: Region 3, Region 5, Region 7
Fishing District: Central Fishing District, Eastern Fishing District, National Park Service

Species Present

Game Fish Opportunities:: Brown Trout, Burbot, Channel Catfish, Mountain Whitefish, Paddlefish, Rainbow Trout, Sauger, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
All Species Present:: Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Blue Sucker, Bluegill, Brassy Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Burbot, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon, Cisco, Common Carp, Creek Chub, Cutthroat Trout, Emerald Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Flathead Chub, Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, Goldeye, Green Sunfish, Lake Chub, Largemouth Bass, Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, Minnow, Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Sucker, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, Paddlefish, Pallid Sturgeon, Plains Minnow, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Smelt, Rainbow Trout, River Carpsucker, Rock Bass, Sailfin Molly, Sand Shiner, Sauger, Sauger X Walleye Hybrid, Shorthead Redhorse, Shortnose Gar, Shovelnose Sturgeon, Sicklefin Chub, Smallmouth Bass, Smallmouth Buffalo, Spottail Shiner, Stonecat, Sturgeon, Sturgeon Chub, Sucker, Tiger Muskie (Northern X Muskie), Walleye, Western Silvery Minnow, Western Silvery/Plains Minnow, White Bass, White Crappie, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Yellowstone Cutth

NOTE: There may be game fish present (including Species of Concern) that are not listed in the game fish category due to low numbers for that fish. Until you identify your catch, please handle all fish carefully. Thank you.

Fishing Regulations

View the latest Montana Fishing Regulations.

Boating Regulations

Standard Boating Regulations for the State of Montana

Exceptions to Standard Boating Regulations by County
*Applies to all rivers & streams

County	Regulation	Description & Exceptions
Park	Closed to motorboats over 10 HP	Exception: Yellowstone River down river from Hwy 89 Bridge, near mouth of Shields River

Fishing Access Sites

Queen of the Waters River Mile: 557: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 10 acre(s).
Corwin Springs River Mile: 551: Steep access road to site Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 1 acre(s).
Slip & Slide River Mile: 546: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 14 acre(s).
Crystal Cross River Mile: 541: Parking limited. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 27 acre(s).
Point of Rocks River Mile: 537: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 59 acre(s).
Emigrant River Mile: 525: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 3 acre(s).
Emigrant West River Mile: 525: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 72 acre(s).
Grey Owl River Mile: 522: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 31 acre(s).
Chicory River Mile: 522: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 2 acre(s).
Paradise River Mile: 518: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 3 acre(s).
Loch Leven River Mile: 514: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 75 acre(s).
Mallard's Rest River Mile: 511: Steep road into site. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 17 acre(s).
Pine Creek River Mile: 508: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 2 acre(s).
Carter's Bridge River Mile: 501: Limited parking. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 3 acre(s).
Free River River Mile: 500: Walk in only. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 13 acre(s).
Mayor's Landing River Mile: 495: Managed by City of Livingston. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 3 acre(s).
Highway 89 Bridge River Mile: 489: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 2 acre(s).
Sheep Mountain River Mile: 486: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 7 acre(s).
Springdale Bridge River Mile: 473: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 13 acre(s).
Grey Bear River Mile: 464: Large open area for camping and picnicking. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 26 acre(s).
Otter Creek River Mile: 454: Upper Yellowstone River access. Clark on the Yellowstone interpretive site. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 29 acre(s).
Pelican River Mile: 442: Upper Yellowstone River access. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 123 acre(s).
Bratten River Mile: 434: Good access to the Yellowstone River for fishing/floating. "Clark on the Yellowstone" historic site. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 436 acre(s).
Indian Fort River Mile: 430: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 19 acre(s).
Homestead Isle River Mile: 389: Island site. River access only. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 191 acre(s).
Buffalo Mirage River Mile: 387: Site also known as Sportsman's Park. Good access to the Yellowstone River. Closed after 10:00 pm. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 16 acre(s).
Duck Creek Bridge River Mile: 375: Access dependant on water level. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 27 acre(s).
South Hills River Mile: 366: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 2 acre(s).
East Bridge River Mile: 361: Boat access point close to Billings. Access dependant on water level. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 1 acre(s).
Gritty Stone River Mile: 337: Access to the lower Yellowstone River between Billings and Custer. Boat Launch seasonal during high water. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 14 acre(s).
Voyagers Rest River Mile: 335: Gravel bar boat launch Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 20 acre(s).
Yellowstone River State Park River Mile: 333: Virtual Tour Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 200 acre(s).
Captain Clark River Mile: 311: Handicap parking, fishing pier and sidewalk to latrine. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 266 acre(s).
Myers Bridge River Mile: 283: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 15 acre(s).
Amelia Island Wildlife Management Area River Mile: 272: Hand launch small craft. Primitive site. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 239 acre(s).
Rosebud West River Mile: 237: Dangerous diversion dam 1/2 mile downstream of site. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 12 acre(s).
Rosebud East River Mile: 236: Campground open 5/15 to 9/15. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 29 acre(s).
Far West River Mile: 223: Boat launch 1/2 mile west of camp area. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 33 acre(s).
Moon Creek River Mile: 197: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 1 acre(s).
Roche Jaune River Mile: 182: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 1 acre(s).
Pirogue Island State Park River Mile: 180: Visitors find this isolated and undeveloped cottonwood-covered Yellowstone River island an excellent spot to view wildlife, envision the Corps of Discovery’s travel along the river, and hunt for moss agates. The site is a haven for waterfowl, bald eagles, and whitetail and mule deer. The island can be accessed by floating or, during low water, by foot through a small channel. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 210 acre(s).
Kinsey Bridge River Mile: 170: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 28 acre(s).
Bonfield River Mile: 159: RV's are not recommended at this site. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 56 acre(s).
Powder River Depot River Mile: 147: Difficult road for low clearance vehicles. Carry in boat launch site. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 92 acre(s).
Fallon Bridge River Mile: 124: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 5 acre(s).
Intake Dam River Mile: 71: Potable water available 5/15 thru 10/1. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 93 acre(s).
Elk Island Wildlife Management Area River Mile: 52: Limited access for trailers and RV's. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 948 acre(s).
Elk Island River Mile: 52: Limited access for trailers and RV's. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 948 acre(s).
Seven Sisters River Mile: 40: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 2 acre(s).
Seven Sisters Wildlife Management Area River Mile: 39: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 560 acre(s).
Sidney Bridge River Mile: 31: Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 2 acre(s).
Diamond Willow River Mile: 21: Primitive site. Hand-launch small craft. Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates. 82 acre(s).

NOTE: All river Fishing Access Sites (FAS) are listed in descending order by river mile from headwaters to mouth. The mouth of a stream is its confluence with another body of water and is considered mile 0.

Fishing Pressure

N Dakota Border to Powder River (River Mile: 15 to 147)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	11,697	215	48	3
2005	18,653	373	38	3
2003	14,947	367	40	3
2001	14,327	348	44	2
1999	20,759	516	37	2

Powder River to Bighorn River (River Mile: 147 to 294)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	19,467	225	28	1
2005	20,261	335	32	1
2003	15,632	318	39	2
2001	13,350	279	45	3
1999	16,267	395	48	3

Bighorn River to Huntley Diversion (River Mile: 294 to 352)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	17,509	293	32	3
2005	19,051	303	36	3
2003	9,410	203	67	11
2001	8,618	194	67	11
1999	16,310	389	47	8

Huntley Diversion to Clarks Fork R (River Mile: 352 to 379)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	12,521	188	44	6
2005	16,536	242	42	5
2003	17,360	350	38	4
2001	18,152	348	36	7
1999	15,778	370	50	9

Clarks Fork R to Stillwater R (River Mile: 379 to 412)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	6,073	93	86	14
2005	15,149	279	47	8
2003	13,129	253	47	7
2001	16,062	295	41	9
1999	12,464	285	59	10

Clarks Fork R to Stillwater R (River Mile: 412 to 454)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	1,214	18	214	27

Stillwater R to Boulder R (River Mile: 412 to 454)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	10,048	144	55	9
2005	18,612	323	39	4
2003	14,123	276	45	6
2001	18,392	327	35	6
1999	18,582	435	41	6

Boulder R to Springdale (River Mile: 454 to 474)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	7,465	113	72	11
2005	13,269	215	52	10
2003	7,268	151	83	13
2001	7,651	127	75	12
1999	5,788	131	109	16

Springdale to Shields R (River Mile: 474 to 488)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	7,311	102	75	19
2005	10,445	191	60	17
2003	13,160	265	46	15
2001	9,425	203	62	15
1999	7,154	156	89	23

Shields R to Pine Creek (River Mile: 488 to 508)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	27,875	407	19	7
2005	43,761	719	13	4
2003	35,290	749	14	6
2001	32,122	580	19	7
1999	28,154	626	25	10

Pine Creek to Tom Miner Creek (River Mile: 508 to 542)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	18,503	254	31	12
2005	34,887	543	17	6
2003	30,262	644	21	9
2001	32,858	567	17	6
1999	17,806	389	42	13

Pine Creek to Tom Miner Creek (River Mile: 525 to 542)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	3,664	49	119	28

Tom Miner Creek to Gardiner (River Mile: 542 to 569)

Year	Days Fished¹	Trips²	State Rank³	Regional Rank³
2007	10,340	143	52	15
2005	14,761	214	48	14
2003	14,150	300	44	14
2001	13,171	231	47	13
1999	11,811	258	62	18

¹ Estimated yearly fishing use in angler days (one angler fishing one body of water in one day for any amount of time).
² The number of times that a section of water was reported as having been fished (used to estimate the number of "Days Fished").
³ How this section of water ranked among all surveyed sections in the state or region, based on "Days Fished" in a survey year.

¹ Estimated yearly fishing use in angler days (one angler fishing one body of water in one day for any amount of time).

² The number of times that a section of water was reported as having been fished (used to estimate the number of "Days Fished").

³ How this section of water ranked among all surveyed sections in the state or region, based on "Days Fished" in a survey year.

Stocking Info

Stocking		Avg	Number
Date	Species	Length (in)	Stocked
Jul, 2008	Pallid Sturgeon	8.2	1,501
May, 2008	Pallid Sturgeon	10	719
May, 2008	Pallid Sturgeon	10	319
Sep, 2007	Pallid Sturgeon	2.1	293
Sep, 2007	Pallid Sturgeon	2.1	293
Aug, 2007	Pallid Sturgeon	1.9	336
Aug, 2007	Pallid Sturgeon	1.9	336
Jul, 2007	Pallid Sturgeon	1.1	13,125
Oct, 2006	Pallid Sturgeon	16	33
Oct, 2006	Pallid Sturgeon	16	67
Jul, 2006	Pallid Sturgeon	9.1	449
May, 2006	Pallid Sturgeon	10	537
Apr, 2006	Pallid Sturgeon	6	440
Oct, 2005	Pallid Sturgeon	3.8	937
Sep, 2005	Pallid Sturgeon	10.8	50
Sep, 2005	Pallid Sturgeon	10.5	50
Aug, 2005	Pallid Sturgeon	11.9	107
Apr, 2005	Pallid Sturgeon	5	302
Aug, 2004	Pallid Sturgeon	7.6	809
Jul, 2004	Pallid Sturgeon	24.2	25
Apr, 2004	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	5.2	65,168
Mar, 2004	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	6.7	29,765
Aug, 2003	Pallid Sturgeon	10.5	1,100
Aug, 2003	Pallid Sturgeon	8.5	1,469
May, 2003	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	5.8	4,710
Apr, 2003	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	5.3	60,721
Apr, 2003	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	6.2	25,991
Mar, 2003	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	6.2	12,387
Jul, 2002	Pallid Sturgeon	8	155
Jul, 2002	Pallid Sturgeon	7	1,277
Jul, 2002	Pallid Sturgeon	8	884
Jun, 2002	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	6.9	2,200
Apr, 2002	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	5.7	62,647
Apr, 2002	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	6.8	14,664
Jul, 2001	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	7	1,653
Apr, 2001	Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout	5.7	118,793
Oct, 2000	Pallid Sturgeon	8	432

Gauging Stations

Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs MT: View Data | River Mile: 550
Yellowstone River near Livingston MT: View Data | River Mile: 501
Yellowstone River at Billings MT: View Data | River Mile: 361
Yellowstone River at Forsyth MT: View Data | River Mile: 236
Yellowstone River at Miles City MT: View Data | River Mile: 182
Yellowstone River at Glendive MT: View Data | River Mile: 92
Yellowstone River near Sidney MT: View Data | River Mile: 30

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