Bighorn River Fishing Update May 16

Bighorn River flows have settled in @ 2500 CFS the past few days.  Fishing remains pretty solid overall.  Plenty of big ones still filling the nets and smaller fish as well! We are finally seeing the rainbows in full on spawn mode, so please be mindful of these fish and let them do their thing.  A bit of moss once you get below 3 Mile, but still plenty fishable and the water remains ‘Gin clear’.

The dry fly deal is finally kicking off with the drop in flows. The upper 3 has been the best bet to find risers in the afternoon and evenings.  Tons of Midges and pretty dependable numbers of Baetis have fish looking up.  We’re seeing big single fish and groups of smaller fish on the surface.  They’re not pushovers with the lower flows, so a good presentation is a must.

Nymphing has been consistent throughout the entire river, but definitely have some peak feed times.  11AM- 3 PM seems to be the best window with Carpet Bugs, Tailwater Sows, Rays in grey and tan, LBF’s, MacGruber’s, Quills, JuJu Baetis, Wondernymphs and Graveyard Midges.  With the decrease in flows, you can shorten up your rigs and run a bit less weight as well.