Carbella to Emigrant Fishing Report
Rating
/5
*Parks Fly Shop guides have personally surveyed the waters and given a rating.
Weather
30°F
Water Temp
FLOW
Wind
Map
Hatch Chart
Current Report
There are plenty of big fish spread throughout the system right now, and nymphing has been the most consistent way to put numbers in the net. We’ve seen some BWO activity in the mornings, although the bright fall sunshine has kept the hatch fairly limited. Big stonefly nymphs, caddis soft hackles, and perdigons have been our top producers. If you’re less concerned with numbers and more interested in finding a quality fish, don’t overlook the streamer box—streamer fishing has been productive and is a great way to target some of the bigger fish in the system.
USGS Flow Chart
River Descriptions: Yellowstone River
General Characteristics
- Banks: crumbly mix of dirt, rock, sage and brush.
- Water: Generally flat with gravel bar riffles and cut banks. Very few rapids exist but they are not non-existent.
- Wade Accessibility: Challenging for on-foot fishing, requires some scrambling and physical fitness. Lots of private lands following the river corridor.
- Float Accessibility: One of the less technically challenging sections on the Yellowstone but does still have dry run channels, low head dams and some rapids.
- Bottom: gravel/cobble, small boulders, some mud and vegetation.
- Susceptible to blow out due to rains all summer.
- Can get very crowded with drift boats during peak summer season.
Fishery
- Unique combo of decent-sized cutthroat trout.
- Take dry flies, nymphs, streamers.
- Prime spots rare, more unsafe areas than fishable ones.
Fishing Season
- All season after runoff subsides.
- Stoneflies (July), caddis & hoppers (August), mayflies (cooler temps).
- Western Green Drakes & Drake Mackeral prominent.
Recommended Access points
- Crystal Cross
- Carbella
- Point of Rocks I & II
- Meditation Point
- 26 Mile
- Emigrant
Skill Level & FIsh Size
- Suitable for all skill levels.
- Average fish: 12-16 inches, potential for low 20s.
additional notes
- Consider mud impact throughout the season.
- Run off is fairly considerable on this river.
Explore Our Guided Trips
Walk & Wade Trips
Explore Yellowstone National Park’s largest expanse of public trout water in the lower 48.
Float Trips
Great for those looking to relax, catch fish, and cover miles on the Yellowstone River.
Private Waters
Dive into exclusive angling experience through private ranch lakes and spring creeks.
Beginner Trips
Discover beginner friendly fly fishing–ideal for families and first time anglers!