As of November 1st, the Yellowstone River in Montana is gearing up for a dynamic fall fishing season. The weather is finally transitioning into typical late fall conditions, with a major pattern change bringing heavy rain and snow, and temperatures dropping significantly. This cooldown is expected to kick in today, with highs forecasted to remain below 62 degrees, marking the end of the unseasonably warm weather that has persisted since late September.

The river's streamflows are currently well below average, making it easier to locate trout. However, the upcoming storm may cause the river to become muddy, depending on the rain and snowfall distribution. For now, focus on the deeper water next to shallow areas, off riffles, shelves, and banks, where trout tend to congregate due to the consistent flow and food supply.

Fish activity has been steady, with trout moving into deeper and slower runs and pockets. Brown trout, being fall spawners, are becoming more active and less cautious as they prepare for reproductive activities. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of brown and rainbow trout, with some notable catches on streamers and dry flies.

For dry fly fishing, the Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) mayflies are anticipated to hatch more actively with the cooler weather. However, until then, "pseudo" mayflies are still hatching consistently. Natural-colored hopper patterns in tan, gray, yellow, and pink are also effective, especially in the late morning to early afternoon.

Nymphing remains a solid option, with tandem nymph rigs and attractor dries working well. Beadhead Pheasant Tails in sizes 14-20 and BWO nymphs are good choices. Streamer fishing, particularly with large streamers on cloudy days, can produce heart-stopping strikes from trophy-sized fish.

Hot spots include the top of longer and slower runs, as well as the banks where hoppers can be effective. The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks and the upper sections of the Yellowstone River are also worth exploring.

In summary, today's fishing on the Yellowstone River promises to be exciting with the changing weather. Start your day around 11 AM to avoid the early morning chill, and be prepared for some excellent dry fly and streamer fishing as the BWO hatches and brown trout activity increase.