Bighorn River
river in Montana
One of the most productive trout streams in the world, the Bighorn offers unparalleled nymphing and dry fly fishing for hefty browns and rainbows.
River flow last 30 days
Terrestrial fishing remains strong
- 01Terrestrial fishing remains strong, with hoppers and ants still attracting aggressive strikes. (Source: Glacier Outdoor Center, Seasonal Knowledge)
- 02Larger October Caddis are becoming a significant food source. (Source: Glacier Outdoor Center, Seasonal Knowledge)
- 03Fall mayfly hatches, particularly Blue-Winged Olives and Mahogany Duns, are starting to appear. (Source: Glacier Outdoor Center, Seasonal Knowledge)
- 04Subsurface nymphing with midge and sowbug patterns should be consistently productive in the Bighorn's tailwater environment. (Source: Seasonal Knowledge)
Past reports week by week
14 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Ray Charles
A local Bighorn favorite, exceptionally effective during colder months, imitating sowbugs which are a consistent food source in tailwaters.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis
Regional reports indicate October Caddis are becoming a factor, and this is the largest caddis hatch of the year in many western rivers during the fall.
Mahogany Dun
Regional reports indicate Mahogany Duns are beginning to appear, and late summer and fall often see active hatches of this mayfly.
Buy at AmazonJujubaetis
Baetis nymphs are active year-round in tailwaters like the Bighorn, and regional reports confirm BWO activity.
Buy at AmazonParachute BWO
Regional reports indicate Blue-Winged Olives are beginning to appear, and this pattern is excellent for rising Rainbow and Brown Trout during fall BWO hatches.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile mayfly nymph imitation effective year-round, especially during fall BWO periods, which are active now.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer imitating leeches and baitfish, effective for aggressive trout in colder fall flows.
Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper
Terrestrial fishing remains strong in the region, and this pattern is specifically recommended for fall hopper fishing targeting Rainbow and Brown Trout.
Where to fish and who to ask
3-Mile Access (Bighorn)
The standard midpoint for the most popular float trip on the river.
Afterbay Access
The primary boat ramp and wade entry point just below Afterbay Dam.
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Montana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Felt vs. Rubber Sole Wading Boots: What's Legal Where
Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Quick answers
Common questions about Bighorn River.
What flies work best on Bighorn River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Bighorn River right now are Ray Charles (95% confidence), Chubby Chernobyl (90% confidence), October Caddis (90% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Bighorn River?
Bighorn River holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Bighorn River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Bighorn River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Bighorn River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Bighorn River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.