Bighorn River in Montana Offers Excellent Fall Fishing Conditions

As of October 3, 2024, the Bighorn River in Montana is offering some excellent fishing conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### River Conditions The river is flowing at about 2,500 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is relatively normal for this time of year. The water temperature is around 59 degrees, and the clarity is clear, making it ideal for spotting fish. ### Weather Expect crisp mornings and pleasant days, typical of the fall season. The weather forecast indicates cooler temperatures with some cloud cover, which can enhance fish activity. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset is at approximately 6:30 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the river. ### Fish Activity Fish activity has been good, especially in the afternoons. Nymph fishing has been productive, with fish responding well to patterns like SJ Worms, sowbugs, Perdigons, and tan caddis pupa. Surface action is spotty, but there are some tricos and caddis hatches, particularly in the evenings. ### Types and Amounts of Fish The Bighorn River is renowned for its healthy population of Rainbow and Brown Trout. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of both species, with Rainbows being more active in the lower sections of the river and Browns more prevalent in the upper sections. The average size of the trout is around 16 inches, with some larger fish also being caught. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymphs, the hot flies include #10 Squirmy Worms in blood red or burgundy, #14 and #16 Tailwater Sowbugs, and #16 Nightmare Perdigon. For dry flies, try #20 Trico Spinners, #20 Parachute Adams, and #16 Henryville Caddis. Streamer fishing, though mediocre, can still produce results with patterns like #4 Articulated Goldy and #4 Dirty Hippie. ### Hot Spots One of the best areas to fish is the section from the dam to the Bighorn Access, a distance of about thirteen miles. This section contains the highest population of trout and offers a diverse habitat with channels, flats, pools, and moderate speed runs. Another good spot is around the islands, which split the flow of the river and create ideal trout habitats. Overall, the Bighorn River is in great shape for fall fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch both Rainbow and Brown Trout. Be mindful of the aquatic grass choking off some runs and look for the clean lanes to maximize your chances. Enjoy your time on the river This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.