Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 09/21/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River has plenty of bug activity right now, with black caddis still showing up and pseudos becoming more noticeable in the afternoon. The river is clear, and recent cooler, cloudy weather has helped keep fish active later in the day.
Sowbugs and midges have been reliable in the morning. As the bugs start moving, Frenchies, pheasant tails, and small baetis nymphs in the #18–22 range have been better choices. Black caddis and small baetis dries are worth having ready when fish start working the surface.
Streamer fishing has picked up as well. Olive and black leeches, rusty trombones, and smaller sculpin patterns are moving fish, and the current stretch of cloud cover gives anglers a good reason to spend some time with the streamer rod.
Additional Resources:
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Peacock Elk Hair Caddis
Tan Morrish Hopper
Purple Chubby Chernobyl
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Tailwater Sowbug
Skiddish Smolt
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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