Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 10/13/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River is fishing well right now. Flows are steady, clarity is good, and cooler weather has kept the river in great shape. Fish have been active throughout most of the day, and anglers are finding consistent fishing across much of the river.
Nymphing has been the most productive. Sowbugs, scuds, and smaller perdigons have all been working well, fished deep through the main runs and slower water. Pairing a sowbug or worm with a small mayfly nymph or midge has been a solid setup, and cleaning moss from your flies regularly makes a difference.
Streamer fishing has been decent with a few good days lately. Sparkle minnows, skiddish smolts, and small sculpin patterns have been getting looks when fished low and slow through deeper water and around structure. Cloudy skies and early mornings have been the best windows for moving fish.
Dry fly fishing has been quiet, though there are still some midges and small mayflies around on calm afternoons. It’s not enough to plan your day around, but it’s worth keeping a small dry or emerger in the box just in case you find rising fish.
Overall, the Bighorn River is in great shape and fishing steady. Nymphing will stay the most reliable option, but streamer fishing is picking up, and a few dry fly chances still show up when conditions line up. With cool weather and clear water, the Horn is a great fall option right now.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
- When is the Best Time to Fly Fish in Montana
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tailwater Sowbug
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Sparkle Minnow
Black Zebra Midge
Orange Scud
Skiddish Smolt
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Gray Gonga
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.
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