Entries by Pete Shanafelt

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Mid June Bighorn River Update

The Army Corps of Engineers has given the all clear to bump the flows up after tampering them down the last couple weeks to help with catastrophic flooding in the Midwest.  Flows went up 500 cfs yesterday to 6500 and they are going up another 1000 today. The runoff inflows to the lake have stabilized at 5500 and while we don’t know exactly how high the flows will get in our neck of the woods, our guess is not much higher than 7500 unless we experience significant amounts of rain over the next few weeks.   Read more...

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Big Horn River Flows on the Drop

We got word that the river will be decreasing by 500 CFS at least once a day, possibly twice, until we hit ‘X” flow.  We’re still waiting to hear what ‘X’ is.  Current flows are at the 5500 cfs mark.  The Corps of Engineers is taking preventative measures to cut down on flooding in lower reaches of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Read more...

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May 20 Bighorn Fishing Report

We’re in for cooler conditions this week which should make for some great Baetis fishing.  Water temps are still hovering around the 39-40 degree mark which has kept the fishing pretty good, but we are all looking for the warmup to get here soon!

The upper 3 continues to see the best Baetis and Midge hatches in the late afternoons.   Read more...

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Mother’s Day Weekend Fishing Update

Great water and weather conditions are on tap for our region, so don’t forget to take Mom fishing this weekend! The fishing been a bit day-to-day overall and really depends on who you talk to.  Many of the guides are doing great, but of course have their programs ‘dialed.’  Water temps are slowly climbing in the right direction and this week of warm weather should definitely help! Read more...

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Mid April Bighorn River Fishing Report

It’s just about there!  I know I keep saying this every week, but it really is this time.  We had a couple really solid days this past week with good amounts of fish looking up for Baetis.  Fishing overall was pretty solid this past week and will continue to get better when (if) the water starts warming up. Read more...

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BA Top Fly Picks – Baetis Nymphs

Anglers and guides on the Bighorn look forward to the excellent Spring emergences of Baetis as it is the first hatch to get our fish on the heavy feed.  We are on the path for a normal Spring season with low, clear water and excellent hatches soon to come.  In the past week, our Bighorn trout have really become aware of the abundant Baetis nymphs in the late mornings and afternoons and are now a ‘must have’ pattern on your nymph rig. Read more...