Bighorn River Report March 2025: Nymphs, Streamers, and More for Trout

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Bighorn fishing report for March 16, 2025. The weather's been a bit chilly lately, with temps hovering around 35°F this morning. We're expecting a high of 44°F today with partly cloudy skies. Sunrise was at 7:15 AM and sunset will be at 7:20 PM, giving us a decent window for fishing. Now, let's talk fish! The Bighorn River's been fishing pretty well lately. Water clarity is good and flows are steady at around 2,300 cfs. Water temp's sitting at a cool 40°F, which has the trout active but not overly aggressive. Rainbow and brown trout have been the main targets, with some anglers reporting catches in the 16-20 inch range. Nymphing has been the most productive method, especially in the deeper runs and pools. Scuds, sowbugs, and midge patterns have been the go-to flies. I've had good luck with #14-16 orange scuds and #16-18 zebra midges. For you streamer enthusiasts, don't put those boxes away just yet. Some bigger browns have been caught on olive and white streamers, especially during overcast periods. Try a Thin Mint or Goldie streamer if you're looking to hook into a lunker. Dry fly action has been limited, but we're starting to see a few midges coming off in the afternoons. Keep an eye out for rising fish and have some #20-22 Griffith's Gnats or Parachute Adams ready. As for hot spots, the stretch below Afterbay Dam to 3-Mile Access has been fishing well. Another productive area has been around the Bighorn Access, especially if you're willing to do a bit of walking. Remember, folks, it's still early in the season, so dress warm and be prepared for changing conditions. Tight lines and see you on the water! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.