Bighorn River Fishing in Montana: Cooler Temps, Robust Fish Activity for Fall Anglers

As of November 8, 2024, the Bighorn River in Montana is offering some promising fishing conditions despite the onset of fall. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Weather and Time The sunrise today is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM. Expect cooler temperatures, with daytime highs in the mid-50s and nighttime lows dipping into the mid-30s. Cloudy and cooler conditions are prevailing, which can make for some excellent fishing. ### Water Conditions The Bighorn River is currently flowing at about 697 cubic feet per second (CFS). The water clarity has been affected by the annual green water phenomenon, but this hasn’t deterred the fish from biting. Be prepared for some aquatic grass in certain runs, so look for clean lanes to cast your line. ### Fish Activity Fish activity is robust, especially during the heat of the day. Most of the action is now sub-surface, with fish feeding on worms, sowbugs, perdigons, Blue-winged Olive (BWO) nymphs, scuds, and midges. There is still some surface action, particularly on overcast days when fish are coming to caddis and BWO dries. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymphing, San Juan Worms, Dorsey’s Scud, Carpet Bugs, and Tailwater Sowbugs are producing well. Streamer fishing is also picking up, with Jig Thin Mints, Pete’s Buggers, Goldies, and Rusty Trombones being effective. If you prefer dry flies, try using CDC Baetis or Chubby Chernobyls on cloudy days. ### Hot Spots One of the hot spots is the upper three miles of the Bighorn River, where you can find consistent hatch activity from about 11:00 AM till dark. Another good area is the undercut banks and tailouts of long runs, where streamer fishing with sinking lines and articulated sculpin imitations can yield big predatory fish. ### Catch Reports Yesterday saw a good number of healthy trout caught, with many anglers reporting success with both nymphs and streamers. The fish are generally feeding subsurface, but there are still some opportunities for dry fly fishing, especially during the late morning and early afternoon. Overall, the Bighorn River is in great shape for fall fishing, with plenty of fish to be caught. Just be mindful of the cooler temperatures and the need to handle fish carefully to keep them healthy. Enjoy your time on the water This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.