Bighorn River Fall Fishing Report: Ideal Conditions, Active Trout, and Productive Fly Patterns

As of October 16, 2024, the Bighorn River in Montana is offering some excellent fall fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Weather and River Conditions The weather is cool and clear, with temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s. The river flows are currently at 2,500 cubic feet per second, which is ideal for both wading and floating. The water temperature is around 59 degrees, making it comfortable for the fish and the anglers. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at 7:43 AM, and sunset will be at 6:23 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the river. ### Fish Activity Fish activity has been good, especially in the afternoon. Nymph fishing has been the most productive, with fish feeding subsurface. There are still some tricos and caddis hatches, but the surface action is spotty. Black caddis and pale olive baetis are also present, particularly in the evening. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Anglers have been catching a mix of rainbow and brown trout. The fish are healthy and active, with many big fish throughout the entire river system. Yesterday, anglers reported catching several rainbows and browns using nymphs and streamers. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymphing, SJ Worms, Tailwater Sowbugs, Perdigons, and tan caddis pupa have been the primary producers. Dry fly fishing can be effective with patterns like the Parachute Adams, Henryville Caddis, and CDC Black Caddis. Streamer fishing is also picking up, with articulated patterns like the Jig Thin Mint, Pete’s Bugger, and Rusty Trombone working well. ### Hot Spots One of the hot spots is the upper three miles of the river, where you can find consistent hatch activity from about 11:00 AM until dark. Another good area is the canyon sections, where covering likely holding water around dropoffs and structure with small attractor dry fly patterns can bring some of the better trout to the surface. The valley sections between the mouth of the canyon and Four Corners are also accessible and less pressured, making them a great option for adventurous anglers. Overall, the Bighorn River is in great shape for fall fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch some beautiful trout. Just remember to handle the fish carefully and keep them wet to ensure their survival. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.