Bighorn River Fishing Report 10/1
River flows have bumped up to 1,800 cfs, a jump that has thrown the trout off just a bit and made the bite a little more technical as they adjust to the higher water. While the lake hasn’t fully turned over yet, we are starting to see a touch of “green” water up on the upper 3 miles—a classic early indicator of the seasonal turnover starting to signal what’s on the horizon.
What’s Working
When flows are up and the water transitions, slowing down your approach and getting your rig down to the fish is key.
-
Morning Nymphing: Lean on heavy confidence patterns to reach the fish in the higher flows, including Tailwater Sowbugs, Orange Scuds, and Pete’s Carpet Bug.
-
Afternoon Subsurface: Keep trailing effective producers like the Red Bead Ray Charles, Hare’s Ears, CDC Pheasant Tails, Nightmare Jigs, Duracells, Frenchies, or Blowtorch Jigs to pick up fish holding in the softer seams and adjusted runs.
The Streamer bite seems to be picking up. Stick to your classic Bighorn bugs – Rusty Trombones, Goldies, Pete’s Bugger, Jig Thin Mints and various small buggers.
The river is working through its autumn transition, which always adds a bit of challenge—and reward—for those on the water. Stop by the shop before you head out, and we’ll help you get your boxes dialed in for the current conditions!