LOWER YELLOWSTONE RIVER
The lower Yellowstone is generally considered to start at the town of Livingston, where the river makes a sharp change in direction and begins an easterly flow that takes it 400 miles to its junction with the Missouri.

After leaving Paradise Valley the river takes on a flatter, gentler appearance while making its way through the high rolling plains of central and eastern Montana. However, visitors sacrifice little in the way of scenery when opting for this lesser known paradise, since the Crazy, Bridger and Beartooth mountains are never out of sight.

If scenery, solitude and great fishing are to be had on the Yellowstone, they will be found in the 100 miles between Livingston and Park City. Floating a relatively "popular" stretch this last spring, I had the pleasure of going the entire day without ever seeing another person, let alone another boat.

Riffles, runs and deep tailouts are not in short supply on this 100-mile section, and neither are the brown or rainbow trout. The only problem for visiting anglers is figuring out where to concentrate their efforts. Those with a boat have virtually the whole river to choose from, since there are no diversion dams or rapids to discourage floaters anywhere between Livingston and Billings. Walk-in anglers can also take their pick, but will be limited to one side of the river or the other since the Yellowstone is too fast and deep to wade across at any point.

Anglers, whether spin or fly, will want to come prepared for big fish and lots of wind. These two factors make 5-, 6- or 7-weight rods a necessity for flyfishermen. Spin anglers will want to bring plenty of heavy, easy-casting lures that will get down deep to where the big fish lie. Dark shades are best.

A stop into one of the local fly shops in Columbus, Big Timber or Livingston may prove fruitful, since the guides will know which sections are fishing best. Try Bud Lilly's Fly Shop in Livingston or The Otter's Den in Columbus. These shops offer full-service guide trips and shuttles, and are not shy about dispensing advice to visiting anglers.

The best time of year to fish the Lower 'Stone or any of its tributaries is the height of summer, when grasshoppers can turn the head of just about any trout. These terrestrials are prevalent along the whole of the lower Yellowstone due to the great amount of agriculture the river supports. Consequently, trout recognize them as a major food source and will eagerly gulp an imitation. Target grassy, undercut banks and overhanging structure where trout are likely to be hanging.