Flows are on the way up to 4000 CFS by Tuesday. Expect this to stir up the river a bit, but should be good and stable in a couple days. Overall, it’s been fishing pretty good. Mornings have been slow since water temps are still in the low 40’s, but by 11 or so the fish are getting their feed on. Read more...
It’s still happening in a good way out here! Lots of bugs, hungry fish and not crazy busy like it was. We can’t state this enough, but the amount of BIG fish (20-24″) in the Bighorn this season is pretty unbelievable! If you want to catch a PB trout, now might be a time to do so. Read more...
Flows are up to 2500 cfs and we might have more on the way. No definite word for sure, but wouldn’t be surprised. The increase in flows has helped open up some more spots however has dropped the river temp by just a bit. This just makes the fish start eating a little later in the day but it’s still been fishing really well! Read more...
The Bighorn is in fantastic shape right now. We’re seeing strong hatches of Midges and Baetis bringing some fish to the surface and they are keyed in on the nymphs big time. The Spring traffic is definitely here, but pretty well spread out. FWP is shocking 3-B early this week, so watch out for that boat. Read more...
Despite the wind and cold fronts, the river has been fishing pretty well overall. The traffic isn’t too bad for this time of year. Picking the right calm days is key.
Baetis and Midges are starting to show up in pretty good numbers. We’ve had a few good afternoon dry fly sessions lately. Read more...
Getting closer to Spring on the Bighorn. Great weather is ahead and the fishing has been pretty good. People are coming out of the woodwork and weekends are starting to get busier.
Nymphing with Carpet Bugs, Jellybeans, Rainbow Candys, Zebras, Green Weenies and Graveyard midges have standard issue. Definitely more fish on the Midge program as you get closer to the Afterbay. Read more...
If you can catch a good window of weather between wind and snow, it’s time to head to the Bighorn! We were out a few days this past week and the river is in excellent shape and so are the fish.
Nymphing with anything PINK will do the trick right now. Read more...
If you enjoy solitude on the Bighorn River, now is the time to be here! The weather is very unusual for this time of year. Most days are in the 40’s and 50’s, but we’re not complaining! (Except for the wind..)
FYI, the Bighorn Angler Fly shop has limited its ‘off season’ hours to Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8AM-noon or so. Read more...
NOW HIRING FOR THE 2022 SEASON: The Retail Sales Associate – Fly Shop Lead is a knowledgeable fly fisher, with a passion for fly fishing gear and the desire to provide Bighorn Angler patrons with a world class experience.
The Bighorn Angler is a fly shop and lodge located on the Bighorn River in Fort Smith, Montana. Read more...
Our water temps have finally dipped into the high 30’s, which is on par for this time of year. The fish seem to be adjusting to this as the fishing definitely hasn’t been ‘lights out’ by any means. Pick the non windy, warmer days and you’ll enjoy your time!
It’s mainly a nymph deal right now with the standard Winter fare – Carpet Bugs, Cotton Candy, Graveyard Midges, Zebra Midges and various other Sowbug/Midge patterns. Read more...