Shields River

The Shields River flows from the Crazy Mountains through Paradise Valley before joining the Yellowstone River near Livingston. This intimate freestone stream offers good fishing for brown and rainbow trout in a quieter setting than the nearby Yellowstone. The river winds through agricultural land and cottonwood bottoms with limited public access, though several FWP sites provide entry points for wade anglers. Browns dominate the fishery, with fish averaging 12-14 inches and occasional larger specimens in deeper pools. The Shields fishes best in summer and fall after irrigation returns restore flows, with hopper fishing being particularly effective along grassy banks. Spring can be productive but runoff timing varies with snowpack in the Crazies. The proximity to Livingston makes the Shields a convenient option when the Yellowstone is crowded or conditions are unfavorable on larger waters. Attractor dry flies and nymphs fished along undercut banks produce consistent results on this underrated small stream.