The Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam stands as one of Montana’s premier dry fly destinations, where technical presentations and precise line control separate the successful angler from the frustrated. With its steady flows, selective trout, and demanding conditions, the Bighorn demands equipment that can deliver delicate presentations while maintaining the backbone to handle the river’s oversized Trout.

After extensive testing on the Bighorn and similar Montana waters, four rods in 2025 stand out as exceptional tools for the dry fly purist. Each brings distinct characteristics to the table, whether you’re working the technical runs below the dam or exploring the classic freestone streams throughout Big Sky Country.

R.L. Winston Pure 2 905 – The Precision Instrument

The Winston Pure 2 in 9-foot, 5-weight configuration represents the pinnacle of American rod craftsmanship. Built on Winston’s ultra-premium boron blank, this rod delivers unmatched accuracy and feel that proves invaluable on the Bighorn’s challenging waters.

What sets the Pure 2 apart is its exceptional tip sensitivity combined with surprising power in the butt section. During our testing, this rod excelled at presenting size 18-22 dry flies with surgical precision, allowing anglers to drop PMDs and BWOs into feeding lanes with confidence. The rod’s progressive action loads beautifully at close range while maintaining enough backbone to drive longer casts when working the river’s broader runs.

The Pure 2’s cork handle feels substantial without being bulky, and the reel seat’s gorgeous construction provides secure attachment for premium reels. At $1200, it’s an investment, but one that pays dividends for serious dry fly anglers who demand the absolute best.

Best for: Technical presentations, selective fish, anglers who prioritize feel and accuracy above all else.

Sage R8 Classic 586 – The Versatile Performer

Sage’s R8 Classic in 5-weight represents the company’s return to traditional fly rod tapers, and the results speak for themselves. This rod strikes an ideal balance between delicacy and power, making it equally at home on the Bighorn’s technical waters and Montana’s freestone streams.

The R8 Classic’s medium action loads progressively, allowing for effortless short casts while providing the power to reach distant risers. During our on river sessions, this rod proved particularly effective when working upstream presentations to spooky fish in the clear skinny water.

Build quality remains typically Sage—flawless wraps, premium components, and attention to detail throughout.  Cosmetically, it’s a return to the classic LL and RPL Days.  The rod comes with Sage’s limited lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for anglers who fish hard. At $1050, the R8 Classic delivers premium performance at a more accessible price point.

Best for: All-around dry fly fishing, versatile presentations, anglers seeking one rod for multiple Montana waters.

Scott G Series 885- Pete’s Favorite

The Scott G Series in 8’8″ 5-weight embodies everything that made American bamboo rods legendary, translated into modern graphite construction. This rod’s unique length and traditional action make it a standout choice for Montana’s diverse dry fly opportunities.

What immediately strikes you about the G Series is its incredibly smooth casting stroke. The rod loads deeply into the butt section, creating a casting rhythm that feels natural and effortless. On the Bighorn, this translates to better line control and more consistent presentations, particularly when working complex currents and feeding lanes.

The 8’8″ length provides an interesting middle ground—longer than traditional 8-foot rods for better line control, yet shorter than 9-footers for improved accuracy at close range. During our testing, this length proved ideal for the Bighorn’s varied conditions, from tight pocket water to broader flats.  It doubles as an excellent hopper rod.

Scott’s build quality remains exceptional, with impeccable thread work and premium components throughout. The rod’s traditional appearance, complete with gorgeous thread wraps and classic styling, appeals to anglers who appreciate craftsmanship and heritage. At $945, it occupies the premium segment while delivering unique performance characteristics.

Best for: Traditional casting styles, varied water types, anglers who appreciate classic aesthetics and unique rod length.

Lamson Purist – The Best Value Champion

In the world of premium fly rods, the Lamson Purist stands as proof that exceptional performance doesn’t require breaking the bank. At $349, this rod delivers casting characteristics and build quality that rival rods costing twice as much.

The Purist’s graphite blank provides a crisp, responsive feel that loads beautifully across short to medium casting distances. During our Bighorn testing, this rod consistently delivered accurate presentations and possessed enough sensitivity to detect even subtle dry fly takes. The action falls into the medium-fast category, providing versatility for various casting styles and fishing situations.

What impressed us most about the Purist was its light in the hand feel. The blank’s design provides excellent leverage while maintaining enough give to protect light tippets.

Lamson’s attention to detail shines through in the Purist’s components—quality cork grip, durable reel seat, and clean thread wraps throughout. While it may lack some of the premium touches found on more expensive rods, the Purist delivers where it counts: performance on the water.

Best for: Budget-conscious anglers, beginners moving up from entry-level rods, anyone seeking exceptional value without compromising performance.

Choosing Your Bighorn Weapon

The Bighorn River’s diverse character means different rods excel in different situations. The Winston Pure 2 represents the ultimate choice for anglers who demand perfection and are willing to pay for it. The Sage R8 Classic provides exceptional versatility for those fishing multiple Montana waters. The Scott G Series offers unique characteristics and traditional appeal. The Lamson Purist delivers remarkable value without sacrificing performance. The St. Croix Technica specializes in the most demanding technical presentations.

Consider your fishing style, budget, and the specific conditions you’ll encounter most often. Whether you’re targeting selective sippers in the dam’s tailwater or working boisterous cutthroats on freestone streams, one of these five rods will serve as the perfect tool for Montana’s incredible dry fly opportunities.

The Bighorn awaits, and with the right rod in hand, you’ll be ready to make the most of every rise, every hatch, and every perfect Montana morning on the water.