Bighorn River Fly Fishing in June
Fly fishing in Montana during June on the Bighorn River can be hit or miss. River flow levels and water temperatures significantly impact the fly fishing conditions in June. Early June can offer anglers great opportunities for both nymph and dry fly fishing, but this varies yearly depending on conditions.
As summer settles into southern Montana, so does the heat which is essential for insect hatches such as PMDs and Black Caddis.
Warming water temperatures and receding water levels in late June indicate the start of the wet wading season on the Bighorn River.
June Fly Fishing Hatches on the Bighorn River
Fly fishing hatches vary with fluctuating Bighorn River conditions. Higher water will increase the water temperatures, which slows the midge and Baetis activity. However, the warmer water temperatures spur the arrival of early summer PMD and Black Caddis hatches for the dry fly angler.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro Tip:
Look for “splashy” riseforms to indicate selective feeding behavior by Rainbow and Brown Trout on Black Caddis adults and pupa. Trail a Black Caddis Pupa in a size 18 about 24” behind a size 14 Elk Hair Caddis and allow the flies to swing across the lower end of fast riffles for explosive strikes when the Black Caddis are active.
Bighorn River Fly Box in June
Bighorn River Fly Fishing Techniques in June
Nymphing leaders in lengths of 6 to 8 feet, and 4x tippet will get the job done in June. Having a selection of scuds and sowbugs in the fly box is still important, followed by a choice of baetis patterns, PMD nymphs, and Black Caddis Pupa.
Covering slow runs is essential when floating the river to find the deep trout that are feeding near the bottom. Anglers fishing Montana’s Bighorn River begin to focus on fast, shallow water while wade fishing in June.
Streamer fly fishing improves with warming water temperatures as Brown Trout begin to move into shallow waters with increased hatch activity. Floating fly lines are preferred when fly fishing with streamer rigs on warm, cloudy days.
Bighorn River Fly Fishing Trips in June
Join the Fins and Feathers staff of Bozeman fly fishing guides for a few days of Bighorn River fishing on a Montana fly fishing tour in late June for a diverse Montana angling experience. We tailor custom fly fishing itineraries that include a mix of fly fishing in Bozeman followed by a few days of Bighorn River fishing for our more adventurous and skilled guests.
Contact Us for referrals if you are interested in a last-minute fly fishing trip to the Bighorn River or are interested in fishing with a Montana fishing guide for just a day or two.
Bighorn River fishing trips require a 3-day minimum booking and are $725 per day for 1-2 anglers with advanced reservations. Bookings can be secured with Fins and Feather Guide Service online, through e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019.