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Bighorn River Fishing update May 23
It’s still happening in a good way out here! Lots of bugs, hungry fish and not crazy busy like it was. We can’t state this enough, but the amount of BIG fish (20-24″) in the Bighorn this season is pretty unbelievable! If you want to catch a PB trout, now might be a time to do so. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing update May 16
Flows are up to 2500 cfs and we might have more on the way. No definite word for sure, but wouldn’t be surprised. The increase in flows has helped open up some more spots however has dropped the river temp by just a bit. This just makes the fish start eating a little later in the day but it’s still been fishing really well! Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Update 4/27
The Bighorn is in fantastic shape right now. We’re seeing strong hatches of Midges and Baetis bringing some fish to the surface and they are keyed in on the nymphs big time. The Spring traffic is definitely here, but pretty well spread out. FWP is shocking 3-B early this week, so watch out for that boat. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Update April 17
Despite the wind and cold fronts, the river has been fishing pretty well overall. The traffic isn’t too bad for this time of year. Picking the right calm days is key.
Baetis and Midges are starting to show up in pretty good numbers. We’ve had a few good afternoon dry fly sessions lately. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Update March 23
Getting closer to Spring on the Bighorn. Great weather is ahead and the fishing has been pretty good. People are coming out of the woodwork and weekends are starting to get busier.
Nymphing with Carpet Bugs, Jellybeans, Rainbow Candys, Zebras, Green Weenies and Graveyard midges have standard issue. Definitely more fish on the Midge program as you get closer to the Afterbay. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Update March 5th
If you can catch a good window of weather between wind and snow, it’s time to head to the Bighorn! We were out a few days this past week and the river is in excellent shape and so are the fish.
Nymphing with anything PINK will do the trick right now. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Update February 12, 2022
If you enjoy solitude on the Bighorn River, now is the time to be here! The weather is very unusual for this time of year. Most days are in the 40’s and 50’s, but we’re not complaining! (Except for the wind..)
FYI, the Bighorn Angler Fly shop has limited its ‘off season’ hours to Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8AM-noon or so. Read more...
Now Hiring – Fly Shop Staff Position 2022
NOW HIRING FOR THE 2022 SEASON: The Retail Sales Associate – Fly Shop Lead is a knowledgeable fly fisher, with a passion for fly fishing gear and the desire to provide Bighorn Angler patrons with a world class experience.
The Bighorn Angler is a fly shop and lodge located on the Bighorn River in Fort Smith, Montana. Read more...
Bighorn Fishing Report January 14, 2022
Our water temps have finally dipped into the high 30’s, which is on par for this time of year. The fish seem to be adjusting to this as the fishing definitely hasn’t been ‘lights out’ by any means. Pick the non windy, warmer days and you’ll enjoy your time!
It’s mainly a nymph deal right now with the standard Winter fare – Carpet Bugs, Cotton Candy, Graveyard Midges, Zebra Midges and various other Sowbug/Midge patterns. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Update December 6, 2021
We just had an arctic blast and looks like the weather will be with us for a bit. The good news is the river has cleaned up and is back to great clarity and some grass on its way out. The browns are in full spawn mode as well, so please be mindful of them! Read more...