Bighorn River Fishing Update April 28

Bighorn River Flows are up to 6000 CFS as of this morning.  We were told 5500 was max flow from the Bureau, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.  We’re not sure if flows will continue to rise, or what will happen.

The dry fly fishing has been hampered a bit with the increase in flows.  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Update April 20

Flows are up to 5500 CFS at the moment.  According to the BOR, we are supposed to stay at this level for ‘maximum Springtime flow’.  We’ll see what happens.  It all depends on how much more moisture we get the next few weeks.  The river is looking fantastic and fishing has been great!  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Update April 15

River flows are now up to 4500 cfs as of Thursday afternoon.  The water is looking great and the fish are spread out a bit more than before.  There are still plenty of great wading options as well.  The Spring crowds are arriving, but the fishing has been very solid!

I’d say we’re about a week away from prime dry fly fishing.  Read more...

BIghorn RIver Fishing Update April 2

Flows are up to the 4k mark and might head up depending on how fast this snow comes down.  Right now, the river is in phenomenal shape.  Clear water and junk free!  Water temps have dropped just a bit, but you will be in the high 30’s in the AM and low 40’s lower by the afternoon.  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Update 3/19

Spring fishing is full on here on the Bighorn and everyone is starting to figure it out.  It’s getting busy on the weekends, but the fish are eating well and looking great!

We had our first guided groups out this past week and great fishing was reported by all.  Nymphing with Jellybeans, Red Bead Carpet Bugs, Throat Lozenge Sowbugs and general midge patterns (zebras, green weenies, red midge larva) produced good numbers of fish.  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Update 3/6

Back to cold weather for a bit.  Our friends and guests were out this past weekend and had some excellent fishing, when they could feel their fingers!  The fish are plentiful this Winter and in great shape.

Same ol’ same ol’ for nymphing.  PINK stuff, zebras, red midge larva and some worms here and there are catching them.  Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Update February 13

 

Just had a great break in the weather and many folks took advantage of it.  The fishing has been excellent when the wind is down and there’s no ice in your guides!

Nymphing with Pink stuff (Cotton Candy, Jellybeans, Softhackle Sows and pretty much anything with a pink Bead) followed up with a smaller Sowbug or Zebra is about all you need right now. Read more...

Bighorn Fishing Update 1/29

We’re stuck in the cold for a few more days but things should be back to normal shortly!  Fishing overall has been great this winter.  We’re seeing really good numbers of fish and a huge size variety.  From 12-22″, they’re all in the river.  It should be an excellent season ahead of us! Read more...

NOW HIRING – Sales Associate/Apprentice Guide for 2023

NOW HIRING FOR THE 2023 SEASON: The Retail Sales Associate/Apprentice Guide

The Bighorn Angler is the premier fly shop, lodge, and guide service on the legendary Bighorn River located in Fort Smith Montana and is seeking a knowledgeable, passionate fly fisher with the desire to provide our patrons with a world class experience. Read more...

Bighorn River Fishing Update 12/6

The river is finally getting to its prime shape.  Clarity has really come back and grass is a minimal issue.  Water temps are dipping into the high 40’s.  The fish are happy and browns are in full spawn mode.  As we always preach, please don’t harass these fish!

Fly patterns will pretty much stay the same throughout the rest of the Winter.  Read more...