Bighorn River Fishing Report 7/6

The Bighorn River is currently in fantastic shape, with flows holding steady at a very manageable 1,500 CFS. Water clarity is excellent across the board, providing ideal conditions for anglers.  You will encounter a bit of moss below the 3-Mile access point, but it is easily manageable and shouldn’t deter you from working those lower stretches.

The overall fishing has taken a major turn for the better throughout the entire river. The rainbows have successfully completed their spawn and are now aggressively returning to the main river runs. Hungry and looking to recoup energy, these fish are feeding actively, making the main runs and buckets productive to fish.

Right now, nymphing remains your ticket to consistent action. The most productive rigs feature classic Bighorn staples. You’ll want to lead with Tailwater Sowbugs and Carpet Bugs, while trailing Zebras to round out the buffet. Additionally, Pale Morning Dun (PMD) nymphs are starting to come into play as the fish begin to look for these seasonal favorites.

If you are looking to see some fish on top, the dry fly action is just starting to tease us. We are currently seeing black caddis showing up on the lower river, alongside a few scattered PMDs. While it’s not a full-blown surface frenzy quite yet, keeping a dry fly rod rigged and ready for these opportunistic risers is highly recommended.

The best is truly yet to come for dry fly enthusiasts. We are only a couple of weeks out from the main summer dry fly hatches taking center stage. As the PMDs and caddis intensify, expect the dry fly fishing to explode, so make sure your boxes are stocked and your leaders are fresh for the peak action ahead!