As of October 25, 2024, the Yellowstone River is gearing up for some exciting fall fishing, despite the recent unseasonably warm and sunny weather. Here’s what you need to know for today’s outing:

### Weather and Water Conditions
A major pattern change is expected to bring typical late fall weather, with heavy rain and snow forecasted. This will likely cool down the water and kickstart the fall hatches. However, be prepared for the river to get muddy for a day or two, depending on the rain and snowfall.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:15 PM. The best fishing times will be from late morning to mid-afternoon, especially when the Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) mayflies start to hatch.

### Fish Activity
Brown trout are in their fall spawning mode, making them more aggressive and territorial. This is a great time to target larger fish. Rainbow trout are also active, particularly during BWO hatches. With the cooler weather approaching, fish are moving into deeper, slower runs and pockets, so target areas next to shallow water, off riffles, shelves, and banks.

### Fish Caught Yesterday
Yesterday saw some sporadic catches, mainly on streamers and nymphs. Anglers reported catching a few brown trout and rainbows, mostly in the deeper sections of the river. The fish are still a bit sluggish due to the warm weather, but this is expected to change with the incoming cooler conditions.

### Best Lures and Bait
For dry fly fishing, match the BWO hatches with small flies, such as #18-#22 BWO Comparaduns. Hopper patterns in natural colors like tan, gray, yellow, and pink are still effective, especially along the banks. Nymphing with tandem rigs featuring small perdigons and mayfly nymph imitations in dark colors is consistent. Streamers, particularly large ones, will become more effective as the brown trout become more aggressive.

### Hot Spots
- **Between the lakes and down to Lyons Bridge**: This stretch is good for wading anglers and can see fish rising to PMDs, Caddis, and BWOs.
- **Gallatin Canyon**: Look for rising fish in the early afternoons, especially in sections with more shade.
- **Deeper runs and pockets**: Target the top of longer, slower runs to find feeding trout.

Remember to check the local fishing restrictions and be prepared for changing water conditions. With the cooler weather on the horizon, the fishing on the Yellowstone River is about to get a lot better.