Bighorn River Fishing Update September 18

We’re heading into that weird time of year.  Hatches are dwindling, weather patterns are changing and the crowds are dying down.  There are definitely some fish to be caught, but it’s not been a ‘gimme’.  Stick to later mornings and later afternoons for the best success.  The Bighorn is still in great shape with clear flows and some drifting grass, but not enough to ruin your fishing.  The cooler weather on tap should help drop river temps a bit.  We’re hitting mid 60’s at the peak of the day, but the fish are fighting like crazy and are in great shape.

Nymphing has been our go to method with streamer fishing a close second.  Frenchies, WORMS, Red Bead Nightmares and various perdigons have been staple patterns.  The entire river has been fishing, with the worm bite being stronger the lower you go.

We’ve had some excellent streamer days, particularly on the cloudy ones.  They’re chasing smaller buggers like Thin Mints, Stick buggers, Sparkle Minnow and Squirrel leeches consistently enough.  You don’t have to break out the big sink tips yet!

There is no sign of lake turnover yet.  Last year it was around mid October.  Hopefully it doesn’t happen, but it probably will at some point..