Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 10/25/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bighorn River has been fishing great, and the river is in top shape heading into the back half of October. Flows have stayed consistent, the water is clear, and fish are feeding well from Afterbay down. Overall, it’s been one of the most reliable options in the state right now.
Nymphing has been excellent. Tailwater sowbugs, orange and pink scuds, and zebra midges have been producing the best numbers, especially when fished deep through slower seams and buckets. Running clean drifts and keeping flies low has been key. Fish are podded up in softer water, and steady presentations are paying off.
Streamer fishing has had some strong days as well. Sparkle minnows, rusty trombones, and small sculpin patterns have been moving fish when fished slow and close to structure. The bite has been best early or under cloudy skies when fish are more willing to chase.
Dry fly fishing has been quiet but starting to show some signs of life. There have been a few BWOs and midges in the afternoons, and the fish are beginning to respond in softer water. It’s still hit or miss, but those windows are coming together.
If you’re looking for steady fall fishing, the Bighorn is hard to beat right now. Nymphing is consistent, streamers are getting looks, and the first hints of dry fly action are on the horizon.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
- When is the Best Time to Fly Fish in Montana
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Sparkle Minnow
Black Zebra Midge
Orange Scud
Tailwater Sowbug
Skiddish Smolt
Gray Gonga
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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