Bighorn River Fishing Forecast
World-class tailwater with 2000+ trout per mile and year-round stable temps 38-66F
Open year-round (check section regs)
Central District - rivers open year-round unless specified. Blue-ribbon fishery
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 6:32 PM
39°F
1780 CFS
2 AM - 4 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout
tailwater
40°F - 48°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Prime BWO season begins. Overcast days best.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Year-round tailwater BWO fishing. Spring and fall prime. Overcast days best.
Midge
Midge
Year-round midge fishing. Zebra Midges, Disco Midges, RS2. Critical winter pattern.
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round subsurface staple. Pink, gray, olive scuds essential.
Sowbug
Crustacean
Year-round nymphing. Ray Charles, Miracle Nymph patterns.
San Juan Worms
Aquatic Worm
After rain events most effective. Red, pink, brown colors.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-45°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds, Sowbugs |
| February | 38-46°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds |
| March(Now) | 40-48°F | BWOs, Midges, Early PMDs |
| April | 42-50°F | BWOs, Midges, PMD nymphs |
| May | 45-52°F | BWOs, PMDs, Caddis |
| June | 48-55°F | PMDs, Caddis, Tricos starting |
| July | 50-58°F | PMDs, Tricos, Caddis |
| August | 50-60°F | Tricos, PMDs, Hoppers |
| September | 48-56°F | BWOs, Tricos, Streamers |
| October | 45-52°F | BWOs, Midges, Streamers |
| November | 42-48°F | BWOs, Midges, Scuds |
| December | 38-45°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds, Sowbugs |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Access Points & Parking for Bighorn River
Afterbay Dam
Immediately below dam - trophy water.
Three Mile
Most popular access point.
Thirteen Mile
Mid-river access.
Bighorn
Lower river access near town.
How to Fish Bighorn River: Tips & Tactics
The Bighorn River is one of America's legendary tailwaters, producing trophy brown and rainbow trout in incredible numbers. Fish counts consistently exceed 5,000 trout per mile.
Best Times of Day
Year-round fishing is excellent due to stable dam releases. Midge and mayfly hatches occur daily. The river fishes well even in challenging conditions.
Recommended Techniques
Float fishing is the primary method. Match the prolific midge, sowbug, and mayfly hatches. Nymphing is highly effective. Dry fly fishing during hatches.
Water Conditions
Dam releases create perfect conditions year-round. Water clarity is excellent. The Bighorn is consistent and productive.
Fly Selection
Sowbugs and scuds are essential. Midge patterns in sizes 18-22. San Juan Worms year-round. PMDs and BWOs for mayflies.
Local Knowledge
The first three miles below the dam are the most productive. Crow Reservation regulations may apply. Float fishing is the tradition.
Local Tips
Fort Smith is the primary destination. The Bighorn produces trophy fish consistently. This is bucket-list fishing.
When is the Best Time to Fish Bighorn River?
Spring
Excellent fishing with increasing hatches.
Summer
PMD and caddis hatches. Fish throughout the day.
Fall
Brown trout become aggressive. Trophy season.
Winter
Year-round tailwater stays productive. Midge focus.
Recommended Equipment for Bighorn River
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight is standard.
Line
Floating line for most fishing.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold water year-round.
Essential Flies
Bighorn River Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Check Montana FWP for current regulations.
Special Regulations
First 3 miles have special regulations.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
The Bighorn flows through Crow Reservation - respect tribal regulations.
Always verify current regulations with Montana fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Bighorn River
Local Fly Shops
- Bighorn Angler - Fort Smith
- Cottonwood Camp
- Bighorn Trout Shop
Guide Services
- Bighorn Angler Guides
- Cottonwood Camp Guides
- Bighorn River Guides
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
2500 - 5000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
45° - 55°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Montana Trout Rivers
Bitterroot
Blackfoot
Yellowstone (inside YNP)
Madison
Missouri (below Holter)
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