Bighorn River Fishing Report
Date: 05/06/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Low, clear water is making for some exceptional spring fishing on the Bighorn River – although it still seems like winter about half the time!
Expect to find a few fish rising to midges in the slick water and back eddies, but more and more blue-winged olives are starting to show up with the warming weather. For now, just watch that flat water closely for subtle risers and present a small midge adult or bwo cripple to them on fine tippet if you are looking for some dry fly eaters.
The nymphing has been the most consistent, and it’s been good, to say the least. There are some oversized Rainbows in the river right now, which have been keeping things pretty entertaining for everyone.. Typical nymph rigs that consist of a sowbug/scud followed by a small nymph like a zebra midge or skinny nelson are the way to go. Mix and match variations of those basics until you find the right combination.
There have been some stellar streamer days over the last month, but there have also been plenty of tough days. Hit the river on a mild day with some clouds, and you will probably be able to get them to eat a variety of sculpin patterns like we did a couple of weeks back.
It's getting very busy over there, and flows are expected to rise this week.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Orange Scud
Tan Ray Charles
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Skinny Nelson
Black Zebra Midge
Sparkle Minnow
Tungten Thin Mint
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
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