Entries by Pete Shanafelt

Bighorn River Fishing Report 6/19

The Bighorn River in Montana is currently fishing with consistent, stabilized conditions. Flows are hovering around 1,500 CFS, a level that is expected to hold steady for the foreseeable future. With the BOR maintaining stable releases, water clarity is excellent, but there is a bit of drifting moss below 3 Mile. 

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Bighorn River Fishing Report 5/31

The Bighorn River is currently in a resilient spring rhythm, with flows still at approximately 1,500 cfs. The water remains exceptionally clear, and this stability is expected to hold for the foreseeable future.

While the low, clear conditions and the popularity of the season make for a technical challenge, they also offer a rewarding experience for those who adapt.

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Bighorn River Fishing Report 5/22

The Bighorn River is currently in a resilient spring rhythm, with flows holding steady at approximately 1,500 cfs. The river remains exceptionally clear, and these stable flows are expected to hold for the foreseeable future. However, this popularity means the water is currently quite busy; with anglers concentrated in the prime sections and runs, we ask that everyone remains considerate and practices good river etiquette.

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Bighorn River Fishing Report 5/6

Bighorn River Spring Report: Low Water & Technical Nymphing

The spring transition is officially underway on the Bighorn River. While the first Baetis of the season are starting to show, rising fish are still rare, so keep your dry fly expectations tempered for now.  It’s about to happen!

Nymphing remains the most productive method for finding consistent action in these tailwater conditions.

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Bighorn Fishing Report 4/9


Spring has officially arrived on the Bighorn, and the river is responding with consistent fishing. For those looking to beat the April crowds, the window is wide open right now, with fishing very good particularly on the Upper 3-mile stretch and the lower river.

Flow Update: Dropping to 1500 cfs
The headline for the coming week is a shift in water management. Read more...

Bighorn Fishing Report 3/29

The calendar might still say March, but the river is already acting like it’s ready for the main event. Spring is officially just around the corner, and the Bighorn is responding with some of the most consistent action we’ve seen all year. Fishing has been very good on the upper 3 and the lower river stretches producing quality fish for those willing to deal with a bit of drifting vegetation. Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Report 3/6

The winter chill is finally losing its grip on the high plains, and spring is officially just around the corner on the Bighorn. For those of us who couldn’t wait for the thaw, the reward has been worth the numb fingers. Fishing has been very good across the system. The river is currently transitioning into its most productive Spring phase, offering that classic Bighorn consistency that keeps our reels screaming and the crowds thin. Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Report 12/9

Winter fishing is here and so is the wind!  That has been the biggest struggle lately, but if you can fight it, the fishing has been excellent.  The Browns are starting to do their thing and getting aggressive.  The clarity is still off a bit and there is some grass, but better than years past. Read more...

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...