Sports
The Whitefish Can’t Jump One Fly Open returns to the Yellowstone River for a day of fishing for whitefish on April 18th, followed by an evening social at the Livingston Depot at 5 pm. Tickets are available now at www.jbtu.org.
This is a tongue-in-cheek, early-spring gathering of anglers celebrating Montana’s most underrated native salmonid—the mountain whitefish. Come shake off winter, reconnect with friends, and test your skills (and humility) in the spirit of community, conservation, and good humor.
Anglers are asked to bring two flies: one to fish with for the entire day on your favorite reach of the Yellowstone, and one to contribute to a community fly box. All contributed flies will be collected and awarded as the grand prize to the event’s “Top Whitefish Enthusiast.” If you lose your fly, you're done—but the stories live on.
Fishing is encouraged but not required to attend the social at The Depot, which will begin at 5 pm and includes the following:
- Catering from Follow Yer Nose BBQ.
- Live music, raffles, auction items, and awards ceremony.
- Beer from local brewery Neptunes.
- One drink ticket with entry (cash bar available).
- Free admission for kids 11 and under with ticketed adults.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Joe Brooks Chapter of Trout Unlimited, whose mission is to conserve, protect, and restore the world-class cold-water fisheries and watersheds in Park and Sweetgrass counties. Funds raised will support local stream restoration, youth education, and native fish initiatives.
Please note that a valid Montana fishing license is required. This event is catch-and-release only. It is not a fishing tournament under Montana law, and all participants must comply with Fish Wildlife and Parks regulations, handling fish with care. Safety first! And remember, waders leak, stories don’t.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.jbtu.org.