The Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam stands as one of Montana’s premier dry fly destinations, where technical presentations and precise line control separate the successful angler from the frustrated. With its steady flows, selective trout, and demanding conditions, the Bighorn demands equipment that can deliver delicate presentations while maintaining the backbone to handle the river’s oversized Trout. Read more...
The Bighorn River is renowned for its prolific Pale Morning Dun Mayfly (PMD) hatches, which typically occur from late July to early August. During this time, anglers can witness a spectacular display of rising trout, eager to feast on these delectable insects. To maximize your success during this prime fishing period, it’s essential to have the right flies in your box.
The Bighorn River is known for its epic hatches, and during the summer months, caddisflies emerge in abundance, providing anglers with exciting fishing opportunities. Here are some top-performing caddis patterns to target these insects:
A classic caddis pattern, the Double Duck Caddis features two CDC wings that create a lifelike appearance and excellent flotation. Read more...
We’re getting closer to prime Summer fishing, but still have a bit to go. Many of the rainbows who make up the general fish population in the river are just wrapping up their spawn and returning to the main runs. It’s been an impressive sight to see how many HUGE rainbows are in the system for this season. Read more...
One of our most commonly used, most critiqued products is dry fly floatant. Several new products and types are introduced every year and there are those that survive and those that never leave the shelf. After a much needed vacation we escaped this past week over to river ‘X’ for some R & D time. Read more...
Flows are finally stabilized at 3000 cfs. We’re not sure if it’s going any higher at the moment, but we will keep you posted. Fishing has been a bit touchy during the last flow bumps. Some good moments and some not so good. When the fish settle into their new homes (next couple days), expect some really good fishing. Read more...
Anglers on the Bighorn are finding exceptional subsurface action this week. Mainly nymphing with UV Yum Yums, Carpet Bugs, Tailwater Sows, Silver Bullets, Zebras and Quills.
The rainbow trout spawn is heading toward full swing, so please respect these magnificent fish by avoiding wading through gravel areas with visible redds and giving spawning pairs a wide berth.
We’re in full Spring mode on the Bighorn. People are out and about to experience some of the awesome Spring fishing we’ve had lately. We’re just starting to see some Baetis get the fishes’ attention, and should turn the corner any time now to consistent dry fly fishing.
Nymphing has been the main game lately. Read more...
Despite fluctuating weather conditions, fishing continues to be productive with light crowds and the river in excellent condition, though water temperatures remain somewhat cold.
Effective nymph patterns this week include Cotton Candies, Jellybeans, Tailwater Sows, Copper Zebras, Green Weenies, UV Scuds, Silver Bullets, LBF’s and Pill Poppers.
Streamer fishing has been quite good, particularly as water temperatures rise later in the day. Read more...
We’re getting closer to clear water on the Bighorn. We still have some green water coming out of the Afterbay, but it appears to be clearing as you head downstream. The grass has been breaking off with the cooler nights and expect it to be around for another couple/few weeks for sure. Read more...