Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 10/07/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River is fishing steady right now. Flows are stable, clarity is good, and cooler weather has kept fish active through much of the day. The river is in good shape overall, and anglers are finding consistent fishing from top to bottom.
Nymphing has been the most productive. Sowbugs, scuds, and worm patterns are all working well, followed by smaller droppers like perdigons, prince nymphs, or zebra midges. Running those rigs through the deeper water and along softer edges has been the best approach.
Streamer fishing is picking up with the change in weather. Goldies, yellow mini dungeons, and olive nancy p's are moving fish, especially early in the morning or under cloudy skies. As the weeds continue to fade, streamer fishing should only get better.
Dry fly fishing has slowed down, but it’s not over. On calm afternoons or cloudy days, you can still find a few fish rising to midges and small mayflies. It’s worth having a few small dries in your box just in case.
Overall, the Bighorn River is in great shape for fall. Nymphs will keep you busy, and streamers are starting to turn some heads as water temps drop. With fewer anglers around and steady conditions, it’s a good time to be on the Horn.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
- When is the Best Time to Fly Fish in Montana
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Gray Gonga
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
PMD Crackback
Black Zebra Midge
Orange Scud
PMD Jigster
Tailwater Sowbug
Skiddish Smolt
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
Category: Upper Madison River Fishing Information, Gallatin River Fishing Information, Yellowstone River Information, Hatches
Anglers Guide To Terrestrial Flyfishing in Montana
Post Date: 01/04/2025
Terrestrial insects like grasshoppers, ants, and beetles are an essential aspect of Montana fly fishing during the summer....
Read Article
