The Yellowstone River flows undammed through some gorgeous scenery. In the rivers upper stretch, it flows from Gardiner, Montana, through the beautiful Paradise Valley, with the Absaroka Mountains flanking the river on all sides. The Yellowstone River leaves the mountains near Livingston where it enters the high plains. In Livingston, the river turns in an easterly direction toward the town of Big Timber before it finally reaches the Missouri River in North Dakota. This is the longest free flowing river in the continental U.S. with over 450 miles of untamed water.

The fly fishing on the Yellowstone River is excellent. Not by accident the Yellowstone River is internationally known as one of the premiere trout waters in the United States. Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout are all found in abundant numbers from its origins in Yellowstone National Park to well east of the town of Big Timber.

Below Livingston, fishing pressure is less than further upstream. As the Yellowstone River flows through this section, it is no longer in a scenic valley. Instead, it runs through true "high plains" country, with the Absaroka Mountains now to the south and the Crazy Mountains becoming visible to the northeast.

Healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout are found along this stretch. Additionally, the fish in this section of the Yellowstone River tend to be larger than further upstream. The larger fish, combined with reduced fishing pressure (the further downstream you go from Livingston, the less fishing pressure exists), can make for some wonderful fly fishing possibilities.

This unequaled freestone river is used throughout the fishing season and is a must fish for those looking to experience what Montana trout fishing is all about.