Bighorn River Spring Action: Bass Limits and Trophy Trout on the Rise

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to guy for all things fishin' right here in Big Horn, Montana, on this fine April 16th, 2026, kickin' off at 3 AM mountain time. We're talkin' the mighty Bighorn River and Afterbay—prime waters flowin' strong with that spring current. Weather's lookin' solid today: mostly sunny with highs around 58°F, light winds from the southwest at 5-10 mph, perfect for gettin' out early. Sunrise hits at 6:15 AM, sunset at 8:05 PM—plenty of daylight to chase 'em. No tides here in our river system, but water levels are stable at about 3,200 cfs below Yellowtail Dam, per the USGS gauges, with good clarity in the main channel. Fish activity's rampin' up post-spawn—bass are pushin' into current seams, trout holdin' deep on wood and rocks, and walleye prowlin' evenings. Recent reports from local outfitters like Bighorn Fly & Guide show solid catches: 15-20 lb bass limits over the weekend, rainbows to 5 lbs on nymphs, a few 8-lb walleyes at night, and smallies hittin' 4 lbs near structure. Crowds pulled 50+ fish days on fly gear alone. Best lures? Crankbaits and spinnerbaits for bass in the river pools—think shallow divers bouncin' off hard bottoms. ChatterBaits and swim jigs for cover work. Topwaters like walking baits or clatter-style poppers at dawn/dusk for aggressive strikes. For trout, go streamers or San Juan worms. Live bait? Nightcrawlers or minnows under bobbers shine for walleye and cats. Hot spots: Hit the Afterbay boat ramp area for trout in the riffles, and the Bighorn access below the canal—wood piles there are loaded. Wade careful, current's got bite. Thanks for tunin' in, folks—subscribe for more reports! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.