Bighorn River Early Summer: Nymphs and Emergers in the Sweet Spot

This is Artificial Lure checking in with your Big Horn, Montana fishing report. We’re sitting on a classic early–summer pattern on the Bighorn River below Yellowtail. No tides to worry about here – it’s all river flow and clarity. Flows this time of year are typically moderate out of the dam and the water stays cold and clear, which keeps trout active most of the day. Sunrise is right around a quarter to five, with sunset near 9:15 in the evening, giving you a long window to work with. The best bite has been from first light until about 10 a.m., then again from roughly 6 p.m. to dark when the light drops and bugs really get moving. Weather-wise, expect cool mornings in the 40s climbing into comfortable 70s by afternoon, with a light breeze most of the day. That stable, mild pattern keeps fish sliding into riffles and soft seams instead of hugging deep winter water. Recent reports from local guides and shops up in Fort Smith say rainbows in the 14–18 inch class and plenty of browns mixed in, with the occasional 20-incher showing up for anglers who stay persistent. Boats are seeing a few dozen hookups on good days; wade anglers working prime runs carefully are putting a solid handful of fish to the net. Fish activity has centered on nymphs and emergers. Standard tailwater fare is hot: small mayfly and sowbug patterns in natural tones, size 16–20, fished deep under an indicator with a bit of weight. Midday, trout are sliding into faster shelves and heads of pools, so don’t ignore knee–to–thigh–deep riffles. For those who like hardware, small inline spinners and tiny cranks in brown, gold, and rainbow trout patterns have been producing, especially in slightly off–color pockets after any brief rain. Work them across current breaks and along the outside bends. Best lures and baits right now: - For fly anglers: **sowbug and scud nymphs**, small **PMD and Baetis nymphs**, and **soft hackle emergers** swung through tailouts. - For spin anglers: **1/8 oz spinners**, small **Rapala–style minnows**, and compact **jigs with natural soft plastics**. - If you’re on still water nearby, small jigs tipped with nightcrawler pieces or plain worms under a slip bobber will take trout and the occasional walleye. A couple of hot spots to keep in mind: - The **3-Mile to 13-Mile stretch** below the dam, especially the well–defined riffles and long inside bends – great from a drift boat, but there’s wade access if you’re patient and careful. - The area just below **Afterbay** where cool dam water first settles – consistent structure, plenty of bug life, and good numbers of fish year–round. Focus on subtle presentations, light tippet, and adjust depth often. The folks finding the most fish right now are those changing flies and depths until they dial it in. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn