Bighorn River Fishing update June 29

Things are heading in the right direction on the Bighorn.  The majority of rainbows have moved off their redds and back into the main runs making for plenty of shots at big fish.  River clarity is superb and water temps are still in the mid 40’s, but we are still having to fish through some moss, especially below 3 Mile.

We’re seeing quite a few PMD nymphs moving around in the river and the fish are starting to look for them.  It’s probably another week or 2 away till we’ll see more bugs, but if it’s anything like last year, it should be awesome here soon!

Carpet Bugs, Ray Charles (tan, grey 16,18) are good lead flies.  LBF’s, Quills, PT’s and Split case PMD’s are best for your lower bugs.

We’re running about 6′ from indicator to light putty or small lead shot right now.  Even shorter in some of the wade spots.

On another topic, Montana is experiencing an overly hot and dry Summer.  FWP is already in the process of several river systems being moved to ‘Hoot Owl’ restrictions.  We are very fortunate to live on a bottom release tailwater, but it also makes it a very busy place to be.  If you haven’t made reservations for lodging, guides or rental boats, make sure you do as soon as you can!  We are already booked full for all of these many weeks of the Summer months.  It should be one hell of a good Summer!