Bighorn Fishing Report March 31, 2025: Hungry Trout, Chilly Temps, and Nymphing Hotspots

Hey there, Artificial Lure here with your Big Horn fishing report for March 31, 2025. Let me tell ya, it's been a heck of a week out on the water. Weather's been up and down, but fishing remains good. Temps are hovering around 44 degrees in the water, with air temps expected to stay on the chilly side. We've got some gusty winds and maybe even some snow squalls rolling through, so bundle up if you're heading out. Sunrise today is around 7:15 AM, and we're looking at sunset about 7:30 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to wet our lines. Now, we don't have tides to worry about here on the Bighorn River, but flows are running steady at about 2,000 cubic feet per second, which is pretty favorable for fishing. The fish are waking up out of their winter slumber and seem to be mighty hungry. It's still mostly a nymphing and streamer deal with the cooler water temps, but we should see some fish looking up soon. Browns are nearing the end of their spawning season, but there are still plenty of big, healthy rainbows to be caught. For nymphs, you can't go wrong with scuds and sowbugs. Try using #14 or #16 Orange Scud, Tailwater Sowbug, or Carpet Bug Sowbug. S.J. Worms in blood red or burgundy are also working well. Other hot nymphs include #16 Frenchie with a gold bead and orange color, and #14 or #16 Ray Charles in grey or tan. If you're in the mood for some streamer action, tie on a "Goldie" (that's an articulated white & gold streamer). Other good options are #6 Thin Mint Wooley Bugger, #4 Dirty Hippie in cream, or #4 or #6 White Zonker. As for hot spots, focus on the areas closer to the dam where the water is clearer and the fish are more concentrated. The upper sections of the river have some grass growth, but everything below remains clean and fishes very well. The stretch below Afterbay Dam or the 3-Mile Access area are always good bets. Just a heads up, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is holding an emergency meeting today about potentially closing bighorn sheep hunting in hunting district 622 for 2025. Doesn't affect our fishing, but thought you might want to know. That's the report for today, folks. Remember to keep those bugs clean with all the grass breaking free. Tight lines and see you on the river! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.