Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 01/21/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River continues to be a good option right now and has remained open and fishable. Ice has been minimal, and access has been manageable in most areas. Wind has played a role day to day, but when conditions line up, fishing has been best from late morning into the afternoon.
Nymphing has been the most reliable way to catch fish. Scuds and sowbugs have been the foundation of most successful rigs, followed by smaller flies like zebra midges or baetis-style nymphs. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 4X has been a solid setup and helps maintain control in deeper water.
Streamer fishing has been worth mixing in at times, especially during the afternoon. Medium-sized streamer patterns have moved some fish, though results have been less consistent than nymphing. A shorter leader of 5–6 feet of heavier fluorocarbon keeps streamer setups simple and manageable.
Dry fly activity has been limited. Midges are still present, but surface activity has been brief and easy to miss. If you see fish rising, a small midge dry or emerger can be effective, but subsurface fishing has been the better play overall.
Overall, the Bighorn River is in good shape right now. Planning for a later start, keeping rigs simple, and adjusting around wind conditions has been the best approach.
Additional Resources:
- Bighorn River Fly Fishing In Winter
- Bozeman Fly Fishing In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tailwater Sowbug
Sparkle Minnow
Skiddish Smolt
Gray Gonga
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Black Zebra Midge
Orange Scud
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Bighorn River Fly Fishing
The Bighorn River, emerging from the base of Afterbay Dam near Fort Smith, Montana, is one of the state’s premier tailwater fisheries. Fed by cold, consistent flows from Yellowtail Dam, the river offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities across the first 35 miles—especially between the Afterbay and Bighorn Fishing Access Sites.
The most popular stretch is the 10-mile float from 3-Mile to Bighorn Access. Here, anglers find productive seams, riffles, and side channels that are ideal for both floating and wade fishing. Dry fly action peaks during PMD and BWO hatches, while nymphing remains effective year-round.
Crowds are common from spring through early fall, particularly in the first three miles below the dam and at the 3-Mile fishing access site. This easily wadeable section includes legendary runs like the Breakfast Hole and Hot-Dog Run, where trout stack up in knee-deep gravel-bottomed riffles.
Further downstream, fishing pressure decreases and trout numbers taper off, but float anglers willing to explore these more remote stretches will find reprieve from the crowds.. Late summer and fall can be tricky due to aquatic vegetation and irrigation returns.
Whether you're casting dries, drifting nymphs, or stripping streamers, the Bighorn delivers consistent action for wild brown and rainbow trout—making it a must-visit for serious fly anglers in Montana.
Additional Bighorn River Fly Fishing Resources
Montana River Shuttles
Post Date: 03/29/2025
River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...
Learn MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...
Learn MoreWhy Choose Us?
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been operating as a Montana fly fishing outfitter for 25 years! Our passion for fly fishing, on-the-water experience, and area of operation enables us...
Learn MoreBighorn River Fly Fishing Area Map
Related Articles From the Montana Fly Fishing Blog
