Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 11/21/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River has been a good choice this week, especially once the day warms up. Early mornings are pretty slow with the colder weather, but from late morning into the afternoon the river has been fishing steadily, mainly in the upper few miles below the dam. Water is clear, and overall conditions are stable for this time of year.
Nymphing is carrying most of the action. Sowbugs and scuds in orange or tan are solid lead flies right now, with zebra midges, baetis nymphs, or small perdigons picking up fish underneath. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X works well, using 4X from the first fly to the dropper. In the upper stretches, anglers have also been using egg and worm combinations when the water has a touch of color.
Streamer fishing has been worth doing when clouds settle in. Smaller leeches, thin mints, goldies, and rusty-toned patterns are all producing when fished in the deeper runs or along the main trough. A short 5–6 foot leader of heavier fluorocarbon (1X or 0X) gives you better control with these flies.
Dry-fly chances are limited but still possible. A few midges and blue-winged olives are around on the milder afternoons, and you may see a trout or two rising in slower water. Having a couple small emergers or parachutes in sizes 18–22 is enough to cover those quick windows.
The Bighorn is a solid late-season pick if you’re looking for steady fishing and lighter pressure. Aim for a later start, stick with your nymph rig for most of the day, and bring a streamer rod for the cloudy stretches. It’s fishing well for this time of year.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing In November
- When is the Best Time to Fly Fish in Montana
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Sparkle Minnow
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Gray Gonga
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Orange Scud
Skiddish Smolt
Tailwater Sowbug
Black Zebra Midge
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
