Bighorn River Fishing Report 4/4/24

Flows are currently up on the Bighorn and will hit the 4k CFS mark by this afternoon.  Definitely not ‘high flows’ by any standards, but actually getting to maybe our favorite levels for fishing the river.  The only downsides have been a slight drop in water temps (was 40-43, now 39-41) and a bit of debris drifting, mainly below 3 Mile access.

We had some solid dry fly fishing going on, but it has slowed up a bit with the flow increase and drop in water temps.  This is fairly normal and should get going again this next week.  The good news is prime dry fly fishing will be delayed and should turn into a longer window going into May, we’re hoping!

Nymphing has been very good, especially on the upper 3.  We got out for a few hours today and hooked into a lot of fish and all sizes.  Top producing patterns include Firebead Bead Rays, Pill Poppers, Red Bead Carpet Bugs, Tailwater Sows, Zebras, MacGrubers, Quills and LBF’s.

The streamer bite has been a bit hit and miss, which we normally see this time of year.  The water is a bit colder and the fish are just plain lazy!  You’ll still get them here and there with Rusty Trombones, Goldies, Pete’s Buggers, Lil Kims and various leech patterns.

Our shop remodel is ALMOST there!  We’re open full time right now for shuttles, lodging, trips, boat rentals and always good honest advice!