We are officially in a classic autumn transition period on the Bighorn. Bighorn Lake is experiencing its annual turnover, and the river has been taking on some characteristic “greener” water as things mix. Because of this seasonal shift, overall fishing has gotten a bit tougher. Hatches in general—and the caddis in particular—are definitely starting to fade.
Tag Archive for: bighorn river fly fishing
River flows have bumped up to 1,800 cfs, a jump that has thrown the trout off just a bit and made the bite a little more technical as they adjust to the higher water. While the lake hasn’t fully turned over yet, we are starting to see a touch of “green” water up on the upper 3 miles—a classic early indicator of the seasonal turnover starting to signal what’s on the horizon.
Flows have leveled back down nicely and are currently holding steady between 1,400 and 1,500 cfs. The late-summer rhythm on the river is treating us well, and conditions are shaping up wonderfully as we move deeper into September.
Bug activity continues to offer great variety throughout the day. We are still seeing some good, reliable windows of black caddis, alongside a few PMDs and pseudos making an appearance during the afternoon hours to keep the trout looking up.
We are seeing a noticeable weather change move into the area, bringing cooler temperatures that might slow down the caddis activity a bit. But as any seasoned Bighorn angler knows, a shift in the weather usually brings its own kind of reward. With the cooler conditions settling in, streamer fishing is poised to pick up, and the nymph bite remains as reliable as ever.
Flows are holding steady at a reliable 1,500 cfs, and mid-summer conditions on the Bighorn are locked in. We are seeing a noticeable uptick in bug activity across the board, making for some very productive days on the water.
One of the big developments right now is the expansion of caddis.
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 is currently in fantastic shape, with flows holding steady at a very manageable 1,500 CFS. Water clarity is excellent across the board, providing ideal conditions for anglers. You will encounter a bit of moss below the 3-Mile access point, but it is easily manageable and shouldn’t deter you from working those lower stretches.
The calendar might still say March, but the river is already acting like it’s ready for the main event. Spring is officially just around the corner, and the Bighorn is responding with some of the most consistent action we’ve seen all year. Fishing has been very good on the upper 3 and the lower river stretches producing quality fish for those willing to deal with a bit of drifting vegetation. Read more...
It’s game on! PMD’s finally are showing up in good numbers, at least below 3 Mile. The fish are on them, but they are by no means easy. Bring your best dry fly game and you will be rewarded with some big healthy fish. We’re also seeing a good amount of Black Caddis, which should be a bigger deal once we get into the month of August. Read more...