Bighorn Bounty: Midges, Nymphs and Streamer Delight on Montana's Storied Tailwater

Fishing report for Big Horn Montana, Monday May 5th, 2025, from your local angling partner, Artificial Lure. First light hit the river at 5:54 AM this morning and we can fish steady through sunset at 8:28 PM. The weather has been cooperative lately, with the river running clear and steady at about 2280 cfs, water temp pushing 48 degrees and the clarity just right for spotting those beauties[2][3]. The Bighorn is living up to her reputation this spring. Fish activity has been excellent, especially in the afternoons as the water warms a bit. Midges have been coming off strong, and while dry fly action is still a little slow, nymph fishing has been fair to good. Recent reports show folks landing plenty of brown and rainbow trout, with numbers still holding around an impressive 3500 fish per mile in the most productive stretches[1][5]. Most fish caught this past week ranged 14 to 17 inches, with the occasional 20-inch torpedo rewarding the patient streamer angler. Your best bet right now is nymphing, with sowbugs and midge or BWO nymphs doing most of the heavy lifting. Tailwater sowbugs, scuds, and any color of worm pattern have all put fish in the net. For midges, try cream or blood red larva and pupae, sizes 20 to 22 – rig those tandem under an indicator and keep the bottom fly down low[2][3]. For those looking to swing for something bigger, streamer action is picking up. Sparkle Minnows, White Belly Sculpin, Articulated Streamers, and Skiddish Smolts retrieved slow and deep are getting hammered, especially when the sun dips behind a cloud[2][3]. For bait, if you’re fishing with conventional gear, nightcrawlers and red worms have worked well in slower water, but most anglers this week are sticking with flies. Hot spots have been the usual suspects: below Afterbay Dam for morning nymphing, and the stretch around Three Mile Access for strong midge and BWO hatches in the afternoon. If you want to get away from the crowds, drift into the deeper buckets near Mallards Landing or work the edges at Two Leggins, especially with a streamer in hand[1]. No tides to worry about this far inland, just keep an eye on those afternoon breezes and dress in layers for chilly mornings. The shop in Fort Smith is stocked with everything you need. That’s the report for today – the Bighorn is fishing great. Tight lines and see you out there. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.