Bighorn River Fishing Report: Vibrant Trout Action in Late September

As we step into the last day of September on the Bighorn River in Montana, the fishing scene is still vibrant despite the transitioning seasons. Here’s what you can expect today: ### Weather and Water Conditions The weather has been relatively warm, but we've had a recent cooldown that has affected the bug hatches. Water temperatures are currently around 59 degrees, which is ideal for fish activity. The river flows are stable at about 2500 cubic feet per second, making it perfect for both wading and floating. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 7:00 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the river. ### Fish Activity Fish activity has been strong, especially in the afternoons. The morning fishing can be a bit tough, but as the day warms up, the fish become more active. Subsurface fishing has been stellar, with a lot of big, healthy fish throughout the entire river system. The dry fly bite is slowing down a bit, but there are still some surface actions, particularly with Tricos, although they are not as abundant as earlier in the season. ### Types of Fish The Bighorn River is known for its trout, and right now, you can catch a mix of rainbows and browns. The fish are in excellent shape, thanks to the low, cold flows and abundant hatches. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymph fishing, SJ Worms in blood red or burgundy, Tailwater Sowbugs, Carpet Bug Sowbugs, and Nightmare Perdigons are top producers. Tan caddis pupa and Frenchie nymphs are also catching fish. On the surface, Trico spinners and Parachute Adams are good choices. If you're using streamers, Articulated Goldy, Dirty Hippie, and White Zonker have been effective. ### Hot Spots The upper three miles of the river have the most consistent hatch activity, especially from about 11:00 AM until dark. However, be mindful of the aquatic grass growth in this area, which can choke off some of the runs. Below the three-mile mark, the river remains clean and fishes very well. ### Additional Tips Be careful handling the fish and keep them wet to ensure their health. Also, be considerate of other anglers, as the river can get a bit busier than usual. Overall, it's a great time to be on the Bighorn River, with plenty of fish to catch and beautiful fall weather to enjoy. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.