Entries by Pete Shanafelt

Bighorn River Fishing Report 12/2

It’s almost there!  The water is clearing and any day should be clear.  For now, there is some grass and a tinge of green, but reports have been good!  The Bighorn fish start gorging Pre Spawn and know winter is right around the corner.

The Streamer fishing is still good.  Lots of fish piled up in the deeper slots, especially since the water temps have cooled down. Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Report 11/11

We’re getting closer to clear water on the Bighorn. We still have some green water coming out of the Afterbay, but it appears to be clearing as you head downstream.  The grass has been breaking off with the cooler nights and expect it to be around for another couple/few weeks for sure.  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Report 11/2

We’re closing in on winter in the Bighorn Valley, but you wouldn’t think so with the awesome weather we’ve had!  The river is still a bit ‘off’, with green water and a healthy amount of grass breaking free.  The streamer crowd is here and doing well, for the most part.  Nymphing has been a bit hit and miss, but picking up fish throughout the day.  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Report 10/23

The green water has finally found its way to the Bighorn River.  It happens every year and was a bit later this season.  We’re still catching some fish and seeing some good windows of activity, but with the reduced water clarity expect the fishing to be tougher.  Good news is the crowds are way down, so you’ll practically have the place to yourself. Read more...

Bighorn Fishing Report 10/5

The water appears to be headed in the ‘green’ direction but fishing remains pretty good.  Cool nightime temps has grass breaking free, so be sure to keep your bugs clean!

Subsurface, we are liking Worms, Dorsey’s Scud, Carpet Bugs, Softhackle Rays and Tailwater sows.

Streamer fishing is picking up.  The standard fare like Jig Thin Mints, Pete’s Buggers, Goldies and Rusty Trombones are working well.  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Report 9/24

Fall is slowly sneaking into the Bighorn valley as we near the end of our busy season.  Fishing has been good, but certainly more ‘on and off’ days lately.  Lots of Tricos still around, but the fish seem to be more content feeding subsurace.  Cool night-time temps has the grass breaking off, otherwise the river is still looking good. Read more...

BIGHORN RIVER FISHING REPORT 9/12

Fishing is rolling along as we move into Fall.  The dry fly bite is winding down a bit but subsurface fishing has been stellar!  Lots of big healthy fish throughout the entire Bighorn River system right now.  The upper 3 has a bit of grass growth, but everything below remains clean and fishing very well. Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Report 8/31

We’re nearing the end of Summer and the Bighorn continues to kick out some solid fishing.  Water temps are reaching into the low 60’s, so please be careful handling fish and keep them wet!  

The Tricos are fairly thick most days and fish are on them, but not in huge numbers yet.  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Report 8/23

What a great summer it’s been on the ‘Horn!  Low, cold flows have provided us with tremendous hatches and the fish are in about as good of shape as we’ve seen in some time.  We’re nearing the end of Summer but the warm weather is sticking around.

The Tricos are starting to make an appearance below 3 Mile and as far down as you want to look.  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Report 8/11

We had a recent cooldown in weather, which put the bugs off a bit, but that didn’t keep the fish from gorging underneath!  The hatches kicked back into gear yesterday and fishing has been outstanding this Summer.

We’re still seeing localized hatches of PMD’s.  Black Caddis are strong and we’re seeing good numbers of big Tan Caddis below 3 Mile.  Read more...