Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 06/08/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam is beginning to fish well again, with nymphing being the most consistent method. Typical Bighorn River rigs with sowbugs, scuds, and small mayfly nymphs are consistently effective. Fish these rigs on 8-10 foot rigs with enough weight to get them down quickly in those mid-river runs where the feeding fish are holding right now.
Keep in mind that rainbow trout are at the peak of their spawning season, so avoid walking across those clean gravel river sections, especially on the upper river.
With flows now holding steady and dropping slightly, the floating moss should start to be less of an issue for streamer and nymph anglers. Water temperatures are still cold, so hatches are pretty insignificant for the time being.
Additional Resources:
- June fly fishing guide to the Bighorn River
- Bozeman fly fishing guide to June
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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