3-Mile Access (Bighorn)on Bighorn River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
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)
What to tie on at 3-Mile Access (Bighorn)
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Ray Charles
A local Bighorn favorite, exceptionally effective during colder months, imitating sowbugs which are a consistent food source in tailwaters.
Buy at AmazonChubby Chernobyl
Consistent reports indicate aggressive fish are taking large foam dries and attractor patterns during summer terrestrial activity.
October 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.
Morrish Hopper
Hoppers are a primary food source during summer, with regional reports highlighting their effectiveness.
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 AmazonPrince Nymph
A versatile and effective general attractor nymph, explicitly mentioned as productive in recent regional reports for summer conditions.
Buy at AmazonYellow Sally
Yellow Sally stoneflies are abundant along freestone streams in summer, and regional reports confirm fish are looking for small stonefly patterns.
Buy at AmazonCopper John
A highly effective weighted nymph for faster water and a consistent producer, explicitly mentioned in recent regional reports.
Buy at AmazonMontana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.