Still pretty quiet around these parts. The river access remains closed through the end of the month (except for Bighorn and lower fishing acccess points). After that, we’ll see where our things go from there. The road blocks remain in place at all entrances to the valley as well.
THE WATER
It’s turned back into winter a few days a week and we’re starting to see that late snow accumulation. Read more...
We have gone in and added several new patterns to our already extensive Bighorn and Montana fly selection @ flyshopexperts.com. Check out our Custom Shop patterns as well here . These guide developed and tested patterns are found nowhere else in the world! Read more...
Sorry, no fishing report as the Afterbay and 3 Mile Access points remain closed, as well as other NPS sites. There are still checkpoints on Highway 313, allowing only Big Horn county residents to travel. We’re looking at least through the 30th of April with these rules in place.
BUT, on a positive note, our water is on track for a near perfect season, flow wise. Read more...
The Jellybean Sowbug is a very simple pattern to tie and works well throughout the season on the Bighorn. Guide Bryen Venema ties his version of the Jellybean in this video. This pattern is available to purchase on our online store here as well.
JELLYBEAN SOWBUG
Hook: 2X heavy wire scud (TMC 2457 or equivalent) Sizes 14-18
Thread: Fl. Read more...
About an hour ago, we received this notice from the Bighorn River Alliance via National Park Service. It looks like it’s going to be a bit before things are up and running again on the Bighorn. State FAS sites (Bighorn, Mallards, 2 Leggins) are still open for the time being to Big Horn County residents. Read more...
We have received word today that the Bighorn River is now closed to non-Big Horn County residents as per order of the Crow Tribe. There were several ‘check points’ on Highway 313 today and will continue to be there most likely for the next couple of weeks. Luckily Big Horn County has yet to report any COVID-19 cases, but is just a matter of time. Read more...
COVID-19 UPDATE
Bighorn County remains closed to lodging, VRBO, Airbnb, and sit down dining. We will have an update for you over the next few days, but don’t expect these restrictions to lift anytime soon. Health officials are trying to keep outside tourists from coming into the area at this time. Read more...
We consider Mid March – May as ‘Spring’ on the Bighorn. The river behaves a lot different than the Summer months. Water temps are cooler, days are a bit shorter and often times we deal with colder weather. To be a successful angler, sometimes you must break the rules and old habits. Read more...
The Cotton Candy has become a Bighorn Guides’ favorite Sowbug pattern for the past few years. It’s a fairly simple pattern to tie and holds up great. It’s definitely a ‘Must Have’ pattern for the Spring the Bighorn. If you don’t like tying them, you can order them straight from us HERE. Read more...
It looks like COVID-19 regulations have caught up to us in the Bighorn Valley. As of 5 PM yesterday, March 20th, all lodges and accommodations have been asked to close down for at least a week and then a reevaluation will take place. Luckily no cases, yet, in our region. Our retail fly shop will remain open most every morning for shuttles, flies and supplies. Read more...