Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 08/19/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River continues to fish well and has been one of the more consistent tailwaters in the state. Stable flows have kept conditions steady, and anglers are finding fish from morning through the evening.
Tricos have been the main hatch early, with PMDs and black caddis keeping fish looking up later in the day. Hoppers and ants are also becoming a bigger part of the program along the banks.
Nymphing is still the most dependable way to catch fish. Sowbugs, scuds, split-case PMDs, zebra midges, and small black perdigons have all been good choices.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Report | August 2026 Montana Conditions
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Black Zebra Midge
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Tailwater Sowbug
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Skiddish Smolt
Sparkle Minnow
Gray Gonga
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.
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