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Montana Fishing Guide

Yellowstone River

Yellowstone River Blue Ribbon StreamRed Ribbon Stream

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, Blue Sucker, Brassy Minnow, 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, Plains Minnow, Rainbow Trout, River Carpsucker, Sailfin Molly, Sauger, Sauger X Walleye Hybrid, Shorthead Redhorse, Shortnose Gar, Shovelnose Sturgeon, Sicklefin Chub, Smallmouth Bass, Smallmouth Buffalo, Spottail Shiner, Stonecat, Sturgeon, Sturgeon Chub, Sucker, Walleye, Western Silvery Minnow, Western Silvery/Plains Minnow, White Sucker, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout X Rainbow, Brook Stickleback
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 or special regulations. Until you identify your catch, please handle all fish carefully. Thank you.

Fishing Regulations
Standard Fishing Regulations for the Central Fishing District, Eastern Fishing District, National Park Service
The standard fishing regulations for the fishing district(s) apply. Please check your copy of the regulations, or visit the site(s) linked above for more information.
Exceptions to Standard Regulations
I-90 Bridge At Billings To The Mouth Of The Bighorn River
Combined Trout: 5 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches, includes cutthroat trout.
Yellowstone National Park Boundary To I-90 Bridge At Billings
Open entire year.
Combined Trout: 4 brown trout and/or rainbow trout daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches.
I-90 Bridge At Billings To Huntley Diversion Dam
Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year.
Emigrant Bridge To Pine Creek Bridge
Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age and younger may use bait.
I-90 Bridge At Billings To Cartersville Diversion Dam At Forsyth
Sauger/Walleye: 5 daily, only 1 may be a sauger. Possession limit is 10, only 2 may be sauger.
Downstream From The Mouth Of The Bighorn River, Not Including Intake Fishing Access Site
Paddlefish Snagging: open May 15 through June 30 from 6 AM to 9 PM daily, unless closed to harvest earlier by FWP. An unused yellow paddlefish tag is required to fish for paddlefish. The tag must be properly placed on the first paddlefish caught and landed. See Eastern District Standard Regulations for additional important information.
Snagging: It is illegal to snag for fish, other than paddlefish, downstream from the mouth of the Bighorn River on the Yellowstone River, or downstream from Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River.
Catch and release snagging for paddlefish is not permitted.
Intake Fishing Access Site (Intake Diversion Downstream To Cottonwood Creek)
Hook and Line/Setlines: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year.
Snagging: it is illegal to snag for fish other than paddlefish..
Paddlefish Snagging: open for harvesting paddlefish May 15 through June 30 from 6 AM to 9 PM daily unless closed earlier by FWP. An unused yellow paddlefish tag is required to harvest a paddlefish on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays. The tag must be properly placed on the first paddlefish caught and landed. It is unlawful to release a paddlefish except on designated catch-and-release days during the open season for paddlefish.
Catch and release snagging for paddlefish is allowed during the open season on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. Evidence of a current year yellow paddlefish tag must be in possession to fish for paddlefish. All paddlefish must be released immediately and may not be gaffed or lifted out of the water. Captured fish must remain at least partially submerged in water at all times. Following the harvest closure, catch-and-release snagging will be allowed for 10 consecutive days or through June 30, whichever comes first.
Mouth Of Clarks Fork River To I-90 Bridge At Billings
Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year.
Intake Diversion Dam To About 1/4 Mile Downstream As Posted
Closed May 15 through June 30 to fishing or snagging from boats/vessels.
Snagging: it is illegal to snag for fish other than paddlefish.
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).
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  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 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).
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
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
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
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
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
2005 15,149 279 47 8
2003 13,129 253 47 7
2001 16,062 295 41 9
1999 12,464 285 59 10

Stillwater R to Boulder R   (River Mile: 412 to 454)
Year Days Fished¹ Trips² State Rank³ Regional Rank³
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
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
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
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
2005 34,887 543 17 6
2003 30,262 644 21 9
2001 32,858 567 17 6
1999 17,806 389 42 13

Tom Miner Creek to Gardiner   (River Mile: 542 to 569)
Year Days Fished¹ Trips² State Rank³ Regional Rank³
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.
 
Stocking Info
Stocking Avg Number
Date Species Length (in) Stocked
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
Aug, 1998 Pallid Sturgeon 17.7 500

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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This page is from the Montana FWP ~ Montana Fishing Guide. [http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/report.aspx?llid=1039825479787&begmeas=15.3889999389648&endmeas=570.177001953125]
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 2:43:14 AM