Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 01/12/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River is a dependable option right now. Conditions have been good overall, with open water and very little ice to deal with. Like most places lately, wind has been the biggest challenge, but on calmer days the river has been fishing best from late morning into the afternoon.
Nymphing has been the most reliable way to catch fish. Typical Bighorn River patterns like sowbugs, scuds, zebra midges, and small baetis-style nymphs have been producing when fished down deep. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 4X has been a good setup and helps keep flies where fish are holding.
Streamer fishing has been more of a secondary option, but it’s still worth trying during the warmest part of the day. Medium-sized streamers fished through deeper water have been moving some fish, though results have varied depending on conditions.
Dry fly fishing has been limited, but midges are still around. On calmer stretches of the river, there have been a few fish rising, and a small midge dry or emerger can be worth having ready if you see surface activity.
Overall, the Bighorn River is in good shape right now and continues to offer consistent winter fishing. Focus on the middle of the day, expect to nymph most of the time, and plan around the wind for the best experience.
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
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