Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 03/05/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River has been a great option for early spring fishing. Fish are feeding consistently, and steady nymphing has been producing the most action. It’s one of the more dependable places to find consistent fish right now.
Late morning into the afternoon has been the most productive stretch of the day. Mornings can start a little slow, but once the sun has been on the water for a while fish begin feeding more regularly through the longer runs and softer buckets.
Nymphing is the primary approach. Sow bugs paired with small midges have been producing the most fish. zebra midges, black beauties, and standard gray sow bugs are all working well. Fish them deep through the longer runs and keep the rig near the bottom. If you’re not getting occasional bottom contact, add weight before changing flies.
Dry fly fishing can show up on calm afternoons when midges collect on the surface. Griffith’s gnats, small midge clusters, and simple black midge dries in the 18–22 range will cover most situations when fish start rising.
Streamer fishing isn’t the main focus right now, but it can move a fish if you’re willing to cover water. Olive buggers, sparkle minnows, and smaller leech patterns worked slowly through deeper runs are your best bet.
Overall the Bighorn River has been a dependable early spring option. Focus on small bugs, keep your flies deep, and watch for afternoon midge activity.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing In March
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tailwater Sowbug
Sparkle Minnow
Skiddish Smolt
Gray Gonga
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
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.
Additional Bighorn River Fly Fishing Resources
Montana River Shuttles
Post Date: 03/29/2025
River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...
Learn MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...
Learn MoreWhy Choose Us?
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been operating as a Montana fly fishing outfitter for 25 years! Our passion for fly fishing, on-the-water experience, and area of operation enables us...
Learn MoreBighorn River Fly Fishing Area Map
Related Articles From the Montana Fly Fishing Blog
