Bighorn River Fishing: Navigating Fall Challenges for Trout Abundance

As of November 22, 2024, the Bighorn River in Montana is offering some challenging yet rewarding fishing conditions. Here’s what you need to know: ### Weather and River Conditions The weather has been quite pleasant for late fall, with cooler nights and mild days. However, this has led to some aquatic grass growth, particularly in the upper sections of the river, which can make fishing a bit tricky. The water clarity is still a bit off, especially near the Afterbay, but it improves as you move downstream[2][3]. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset is expected at about 4:30 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing day. ### Fish Activity Fish activity has been variable, with nymph fishing being the most consistent method. Trout are moving into the deeper, slower runs due to the cooler water temperatures, which are around 56 degrees Fahrenheit[1][3]. ### Types and Amounts of Fish There are plenty of big, healthy fish throughout the entire Bighorn River system. While the surface action is spotty, subsurface fishing has been picking up fish throughout the day. Expect to catch trout, with a focus on brown trout during this spawning season[2][3]. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymphing, San Juan Worms, especially in blood red or burgundy, have been very effective. Other successful patterns include scuds, sowbugs (like the Tailwater Sowbug and Carpet Bug Sowbug), and Perdigons (such as the Nightmare Perdigon). For dry flies, a #22 CDC Baetis can be productive, although surface action is limited. Streamer fishing is also picking up, with patterns like the Articulated Goldy, Dirty Hippie, and White Zonker working well[1][2][3]. ### Hot Spots The upper three miles of the river have some grass growth, but below this section, the water remains cleaner and more fishable. Look for clean lanes and avoid areas with heavy grass. The deeper runs and holes are where you'll find the most active trout[2]. In summary, the Bighorn River is still offering good fishing opportunities despite the challenges with water clarity and grass growth. Focus on nymphing with the right patterns, and don't overlook the potential for streamer fishing. Enjoy your time on the river, and be mindful of the spawning areas to protect the trout population. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.