Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 05/23/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
As of mid-May 2025, the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana, is finally starting to get tough as flow increases are dislodging vegetation and debris along the banks, pretty much making a mess of the river at times.
Nymphing remains the most productive technique, with trout feeding primarily on sowbugs, scuds, and San Juan worm imitations. Expect to be cleaning your flies often during these times of unstable flows. The good news is that fish settle into new lies very quickly and resume feeding with regularity once flows stabilize.
The river is experiencing a lot of angling pressure, especially on popular stretches like Afterbay to 3 Mile and 3 Mile to Bighorn and rainbow trout are moving into full spawn mode. Be mindful of spawning fish on reeds!
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Orange Scud
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Tailwater Sowbug
Little Green Machine
Black Zebra Midge
Sparkle Minnow
Tungten Thin Mint
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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