Flows are holding steady at 1,500 cfs, and the summer rhythm on the Bighorn is getting stronger by the day. As an update to our last report, the bug life is really starting to expand down in the 3-to-B section.
We are seeing more and more black caddis filling out the water, alongside an increasing presence of tan caddis and PMDs beginning to show up.
If you caught our last report, you know the Bighorn was starting to turn a corner—and we are happy to share that the momentum is continuing right into a true, classic Bighorn summer. Flows are holding steady at 1,500 cfs, and the river is fishing the way we love to see it.
The Bighorn is settling into its classic mid-summer rhythm, holding steady at 1,500 cfs. If the past few weeks felt a little tight, you’ll be pleased to hear that the river is finally turning a corner. We are seeing that familiar “Bighorn magic” return, and the fishing is shaping up to be just like what we’ve all grown to love about summers on this river. Read more...
The Bighorn River in Montana is currently fishing with consistent, stabilized conditions. Flows are hovering around 1,500 CFS, a level that is expected to hold steady for the foreseeable future. With the BOR maintaining stable releases, water clarity is excellent, but there is a bit of drifting moss below 3 Mile.
The Bighorn River is currently in a resilient spring rhythm, with flows holding steady at approximately 1,500 cfs. The river remains exceptionally clear, and these stable flows are expected to hold for the foreseeable future. However, this popularity means the water is currently quite busy; with anglers concentrated in the prime sections and runs, we ask that everyone remains considerate and practices good river etiquette.
Flows have dropped to 2000 cfs as of 2 days ago. Water clarity remains excellent throughout most of the river, though anglers should be aware that there’s still a significant amount of moss present in the lower sections. Keep your bugs clean and they’ll eat!!
The PMD’s just started, though some inclement weather over the past couple days has kept the surface activity subdued. Read more...
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...