The Big Horn River near Fort Smith, MT, is some of the best fly fishing in the state. The tailwater provides an extremely healthy trout population that offers Montana anglers opportunities throughout the year and is a prime option during spring, as temperatures here are typically much milder versus the Bozeman area. 

The Bighorn is fishing well most days, the flows just dropped down to around 5,500 CFS as they were a bit higher than usual for this time of year. Nymphing has been the ticket with your typical springtime flies like a HB Ray Charles #16, tan Carpet Bugs, and pink Jellybeans fished about 5 ft under an indicator. There are plenty of BWOs out right now so fishing Baetis nymphs is a good idea as well. Dry fly fishing has been difficult as fish are being picky and only hanging out in selective areas. There are high wind warnings for Southwest Montana the next few days, it is advised to check the weather before headed out on the river.

Fly fishing with streamers has been hit or miss, mainly depending on the conditions. Some anglers are finding success with white or two-tone flies like a Barley Legal. Our Bozeman fly fishing guides have found that using a sinking tip line and making medium-length strips has been best. 

Make sure you stop by some of the fly shops in Fort Smith, MT like the Bighorn Angler and the Bighorn Trout Shop to get the latest information and conditions regarding the river.