It looks like COVID-19 regulations have caught up to us in the Bighorn Valley. As of 5 PM yesterday, March 20th, all lodges and accommodations have been asked to close down for at least a week and then a reevaluation will take place. Luckily no cases, yet, in our region. Our retail fly shop will remain open most every morning for shuttles, flies and supplies. Read more...
Flows are up to 4250 CFS from last weeks snowmelt and the fishing is still great. Water temps have come up as a result and the fish have spread out a bit more. We even saw a good amount of fish up on Midges yesterday (a first for this year) and several Baetis down lower, so maybe a sign of things to come?.. Read more...
We’re lucky to have the Bighorn in our backyard as a testing ground for new product. I’ve been waiting all winter for the shipment of the new Orvis Recon to arrive and it walked through the door last week. Perfect timing for a good weather day on the Bighorn. I got it rigged up with a Scientific Anglers Anadro 6 wt and went to work. Read more...
It looks like we’re going to have a great weekend ahead of us. We’ll be around the shop all week and weekend so come in and pick up a new license, flies, shuttle, or whatever else.
Nymphing continues to be the most productive fish catching method. I would say it’s consistent, but inconsistent. Read more...
Winter fishing on the Bighorn is about more than catching fish. Finding those good weather windows where you can get out and fish with some buddies to fish with in the past and enjoying a beer on the river is what it’s about to us. It also helps when the fishing is good! Read more...
We were wondering when winter was going to get here, well it’s here. Those of you who got to fish the past few weeks are glad you did! There will certainly be some solitude on the river for the next week..
The Bighorn fish size continues to impress us this winter. Read more...
Finally, a nice break in the weather!
Fishing is still good for many sticking to the typical winter runs. Pink has been the color of choice for nymphs so make sure you have plenty of Cotton Candys, Jellybeans and Pink Softhackle Sowbugs. Dropping a black Zebra, Red Midge Larva or any other small dark midge off the back end will be good as well. Read more...
JOB TITLE: SALES MANAGER
Fort Smith, Montana
Company Background & Team
The Bighorn Angler is located in Fort Smith Montana and is the premier fly shop and lodging experience for flyfishing the Bighorn River.
Shifting into winter mode here on the Bighorn. The browns have just about wrapped up their spawn for the year. We saw good numbers of fish on the redds this Fall, but not quite like the good ol’ days. The positive side is that there were some BIG fish seen. Angler numbers have dropped off significantly as most folks are chasing Roosters or waterfowl. Read more...
After this past cold front we have, the Bighorn trout have awaken and started looking up for the arrival of the Fall Baetis. The cloudy calm afternoons have been very productive and the fish are up. Don’t expect to see pods like we are used to of past years, but quite a few solo fish gorging on the big duns. Read more...