Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 07/23/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River is in peak summer form right now. Flows are holding steady, and the water temperatures are nice and cool. Clarity is excellent throughout the system, making for classic sight-fishing conditions in riffles and flats.
Hatch activity is diverse and dependable. PMDs have been coming off mid-morning, followed by a few caddis and trico hatches as the day warms. Fish are rising selectively in the softer seams and tailouts, especially during calm conditions. Subsurface action remains consistent with scuds, sowbugs, and PMD nymphs producing throughout the day. Fished on tandem nymph rigs deeper off shelves and drop-offs.
No hoot owl restrictions are in place thanks to the cold, stable tailwater release. Terrestrials are starting to show, and hoppers are worth throwing on breezy afternoons. Streamer fishing has also been consistent in the low-light windows, with fish chasing smaller flashy patterns in deeper runs.
Overall, the Bighorn is fishing true to its reputation: reliable, technical, and rewarding. If you're planning to get on the water soon, this is a window worth taking advantage of.
Additional Resources:
- July fly fishing guide to the Bighorn River
- Bozeman fly fishing guide to July
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Gold/Silver/Copper Kreelex
Tailwater Sowbug
Sparkle Minnow
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Black Zebra Midge
PMD Crackback
PMD Jigster
Orange Scud
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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