Bighorn River Offers Excellent Fall Fishing Amid Cooler Temps and Clear Water Conditions

As of November 21st, the Bighorn River in Montana is offering some excellent fall fishing opportunities despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know for today: **Weather and Water Conditions:** The weather is expected to be mild, with temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s. Water temperature is around 56 degrees, and the river flow is at 2,250 cfs. The water clarity is generally good, but aquatic grass is still present in some areas, so look for the clean lanes. **Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise is at about 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 4:30 PM, giving you a good window for fishing. **Fish Activity:** Nymph fishing remains the mainstay, with fish actively feeding in the deep runs and slow areas. Yesterday saw a decent number of trout caught, particularly browns and rainbows, with some fish measuring up to 20-24 inches. **Best Lures and Bait:** San Juan Worms, especially in blood red or burgundy, have been the primary producers. Other effective nymphs include scuds, sowbugs, and Perdigons. For dry flies, a #22 CDC Baetis can be effective, although surface action is spotty. Streamer fishing is mediocre but can produce results with patterns like the Articulated Goldy, Dirty Hippie, and Thin Mint Wooley Bugger. **Hot Spots:** Focus on the deep runs and holes, particularly in the upper 13 miles of the river. The area below 3 Mile is also known for consistent hatch activity and good subsurface fishing. Another good spot is the section near Fort Smith, where the river widens and offers several clean lanes despite the aquatic grass. **Additional Tips:** Be mindful of brown trout spawning season and avoid fishing near redds or through skinny water. Use a tandem nymph rig with about 12 inches of 4X or 5X tippet to both the lead and dropper flies, as the clear water makes trout more selective. Overall, the Bighorn River is in great shape for fall fishing, and with the right tactics and gear, you should find some success today. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.