Bighorn River Report: Mid-50s to Low-60s Water, Strong Fish Activity, Sow Bugs Working

This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn country fishing report out of the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana. We don’t worry about tides out here – it’s all river current, and the Bureau of Reclamation’s flows out of Yellowtail are what matter. Flows have been running on the moderate side, clear and very wade‑friendly below the dam, with a bit more color as you get down toward Bighorn Access. Water temps are sitting in that sweet mid‑50s to low‑60s range, which has the trout plenty active most of the day. Weather today in the valley is classic early‑summer Bighorn: cool morning in the 50s, topping out in the upper 70s to low 80s, light south to southwest breeze, mostly sunny with a few high clouds rolling through in the afternoon. Sunrise is about 5:20 a.m. with sunset just after 9 p.m., so you’ve got a big, long window to work with. Expect the best bite from first light through late morning, then again the last two hours before dark when the wind lays down and bugs get going. Fish activity has been strong. Anglers have been reporting steady numbers of wild browns in the 14–18 inch class with a good mix of rainbows, and the occasional 20‑plus inch fish showing up in deeper runs. Boats working from Afterbay down to Three Mile have been putting decent numbers in the net, and wade anglers are doing well around the classic side channels and gravel bars. Bug‑wise, think subsurface first. Sow bugs and scuds are still the bread and butter here. A size 16–18 gray or tan sow bug under an indicator with just enough split shot to tick bottom has been the day‑saver pattern. Trail that with a small midge or baetis nymph in size 18–20. On warmer afternoons, look for PMD and baetis mayflies; if you see noses, a size 16–18 pale mayfly dry or a small parachute pattern will get eaten if your drift is clean. Best lures and bait for spin anglers: small gold or silver Panther Martins, Mepps in size 0–2, and 1/8‑ounce marabou jigs in olive, black, or brown. Cast upstream at a 45 and let them swing through the buckets. If you’re fishing bait where it’s allowed, drift nightcrawlers or leeches just off the bottom; keep your weight light so you’re bouncing, not dragging. Two hot spots to focus on: • The Afterbay to “slick” stretch just below the dam – cold, clear water, plenty of seams and shelves, great for nymphing and light streamers early and late. • The side channels and islands around Three Mile Access – perfect walking water, lots of structure, and pods of rising fish when the evening mayflies show. Streamer fans should keep it subtle: small olive or black buggers, thin-profile sculpin patterns, and sparsely dressed articulated flies in natural tones. Work them on a slow strip, especially along the drop‑offs and soft edges. The river is in fine shape, the crowds aren’t too heavy yet, and the fish are looking up. Rig light, mend often, and don’t overlook those skinny riffles – there are more fish in a foot of water than most folks think. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn