Entries by Pete Shanafelt
Bighorn River Fishing Report 11/6
Well, it happened. The lake turned over and the river is GREEN. Not terrible green, but it’s green! We’ll need some very cold nights to expedite the colored water coming through, so it might be a bit.
Despite all of that, our guides and local anglers are having good success. The streamer bite is still on and nymphing has been solid enough. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Report 10/16
We might get lucky this year and have no lake turnover, which equates to no green river water! It’s getting late enough in the season, it should’ve happened by now, but strange things can happen. We’ll keep you posted!
Overall, fishing has been excellent. With the cooler, cloudy weather, the streamer bite has been really good. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Report 10/7
The fishing is hanging in there and Fall is in full effect. It’s a great time to visit the Bighorn, especially if you like a little solitude!
It’s mostly a nymph and Streamer deal at the moment, but it’s been good. Big Orange Scuds, Sows (tailwaters/carpets), and various little perdigons are getting fish in the net. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Report 9/19
We’re getting into transition mode which is typical for this time of season. The Summer hatches of Caddis are winding down and each day has been a bit different, but Fishing has been very solid overall. We’ve resorted to mainly nymphing and streamer fishing, but there are still a handful of fish rising. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Report 9/9
Fall is quickly approaching the Bighorn Valley. The mornings are cooler, making the morning fishing a bit slower, so don’t rush getting out on the water. The big crowds have let up a bit as the whole river is fishing well and pressure has dispersed. It appears as our Caddis are becoming a bit more sporadic and we’re still waiting on Tricos. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Report 9/2
What a great Summer season it’s been and it’s not over yet! We’re rolling into the month of September strong – Caddis are very abundant throughout the whole system. We’re seeing the largest bug activity on the upper 6 miles or so of the river. The river is staying clear and cool, which the Bighorn trout are really liking! Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Report 8/15
We’re still in prime Summer time here on the Bighorn. Great and hatches of PMD’s, Black Caddis and Tan Caddis are keeping fish on the feed. Some of the upper sections are busier than others, but all sections are fishing great!
There are still some good windows of PMD’s, but the Black Caddis are getting thicker and thicker. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Report 8/2
We’ve got it all going on! Black Caddis, PMD’s, Sallies and some Tan Caddis. The best bug activity is happening below 3 Mile access, but expect more bugs on the Upper river shortly. It’s very busy out there, but the fishing is excellent!
Subsurface the nymph gang is doing well with Tailwater Sows, Carpet Bugs, SH Rays, Split Case PMD’s, Frenchies, Hot Spot PMD’s and a variety of pheasant tail themed patterns. Read more...
Bighorn Fishing Report 7/26
It’s game on! PMD’s finally are showing up in good numbers, at least below 3 Mile. The fish are on them, but they are by no means easy. Bring your best dry fly game and you will be rewarded with some big healthy fish. We’re also seeing a good amount of Black Caddis, which should be a bigger deal once we get into the month of August. Read more...