FishCondishLivingston, MT Fishing Report & Live Conditions
Livingston, MT fishing report
The Yellowstone below Livingston holds a strong mixed bag of wild brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, and the fishing changes dramatically through the year. Runoff typically blows out visibility from late spring into early summer, pushing most serious wading until flows drop and clarity returns. Once the river settles, dry fly action picks up fast — this stretch is known for consistent summer hatches of PMDs, caddis, and golden stoneflies. As water cools in fall, big brown trout move shallow and aggressive ahead of their spawn, offering some of the best streamer fishing of the year.
Focus on seams where fast and slow water meet, tailouts of pools, and boulder pockets — all three species use these features. When flows run higher and off-color, fish the inside edges and slower bankside water with weighted nymphs like hare's ears or stonefly patterns. Once temperatures drop into the low 50s Fahrenheit, switch to articulated streamers swung or stripped along undercut banks to target browns. In summer's warmer afternoons, move to faster oxygenated riffles where rainbows and cutthroat stack up, and watch the surface for rising fish before choosing your approach.
Livingston, MT river flow
The closest active USGS gauge to Livingston, MT is Yellowstone River near Livingston, MT (site 06192500), about 4.5 miles away. It drains roughly 3,551 square miles. Flow is the single best predictor of where fish sit in moving water, so it is worth knowing what normal looks like before you read today's number.
In August, this gauge typically runs about 3,240 cfs.
| Month | Median flow |
|---|---|
| Jan | 1,200 cfs |
| Feb | 1,190 cfs |
| Mar | 1,280 cfs |
| Apr | 1,730 cfs |
| May | 6,450 cfs |
| Jun | 12,550 cfs |
| Jul | 6,830 cfs |
| Aug | 3,240 cfs |
| Sep | 2,230 cfs |
| Oct | 1,920 cfs |
| Nov | 1,635 cfs |
| Dec | 1,360 cfs |
Median flow from the USGS daily-statistics record. For the live flow, gage height, water temperature, and today's fishing score, open the Livingston, MT dashboard.
What's biting near Livingston, MT
The species most likely to be feeding the Yellowstone River: wild brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. FishCondish grades every hour of the day for Livingston, MT and gives each species its own bite forecast, so you can see which window is worth fishing before you load the truck.
Livingston, MT fishing FAQ
What fish can you catch at Livingston, MT?
The species bite forecast for Livingston, MT covers what's likely feeding there, including wild brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout — and updates with the live conditions.
What's the best time of day to fish Livingston, MT?
Dawn and dusk are usually the most productive windows on the Yellowstone River, particularly when the barometric pressure is steady or falling. FishCondish grades every hour of the day so you can pick the best one.
When is the best season to fish Livingston, MT?
Spring and fall are typically strongest on the Yellowstone River as water temperatures sit in the productive range, with summer fishing best early and late in the day. It varies year to year, so check the live conditions before you head out.
How do I know if it's a good day to fish Livingston, MT?
FishCondish combines wind, water level, water temperature, pressure trend, and moon phase into a single 1–10 fishing score for Livingston, MT, updated in real time — a quick go/no-go read before you make the trip.
Fishing tips for Livingston, MT
New to these waters? Start with these beginner-friendly guides: