Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 04/17/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River is a good option right now. Flows are steady and the river is fishing how it should for this time of year.
Fish are set up in the slower runs and along the edges of the main current. You’ll find a lot of them in softer water where they can feed without moving much, so it’s worth slowing down and staying on those spots.
Nymphing has been the most consistent approach. Sow bugs and scuds are still doing most of the work, with small midges and baetis nymphs underneath. Keeping your rig at the right depth matters more than fly choice. If you’re not getting into the bottom occasionally, add weight before changing flies.
Dry fly fishing has been showing up more in the afternoons. Midges are the main player, with some BWOs around on the right days. Fish are feeding in slower water and back eddies, and when they’re up, it comes down to presentation.
Streamer fishing has been slower and not something to focus on right now.
The Bighorn is in a good place. Stay on the softer water, fish it clean, and take your time.
Additional Resources:
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In April
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Tailwater Sowbug
Sparkle Minnow
Skiddish Smolt
Gray Gonga
Black Zebra Midge
Orange Scud
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
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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