This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
OKLearn moreWe may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
Privacy Policy
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...
Bighorn River Fishing Update November 19, 2021
Well things were starting to turn around last week with the water clearing a bit. After the ferocious winds and varying weather patterns this past week, it looks like things have been stirred up making up for somewhat challenging fishing. In other words, the fishing kind of sucks but there are fish to be caught… We’re hoping that changes with the weather settling back to normal. Read more...
Bighorn River Fishing Update November 7, 2021
Conditions are improving on the Bighorn as nightime temps have dropped, which is what we’ve been waiting for. The river is still a bit green and the grass is still around, although quite a bit cleaner than it has been. This hasn’t kept the fishing from eating though!
We’ve started to see the Fall BWO’s along with Psuedos and even a few Tricos later in the mornings. Read more...