Fall Fishing on the Bighorn River: Trout Feeding Frenzy and Hatches Abound

As of October 26, 2024, the Bighorn River in Montana is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the transitioning season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Weather and Water Conditions The weather is cooling down, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly, which has the water temperature at around 57 degrees. This cooler weather has triggered some great hatches and fish activity. The river flows are currently at 2,250 cfs, which is relatively stable. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at about 7:45 AM, and sunset will be around 5:45 PM, giving you a good window to catch both morning and late afternoon hatches. ### Fish Activity Fish activity has been good, especially subsurface. The trout are actively feeding on nymphs and streamers. You can still catch some fish on the surface, but the action is spotty at best, mainly on Pale Olive Baetis and a few Tricos. ### Types and Amounts of Fish The Bighorn River is known for its healthy population of trout, and recently, anglers have been catching a mix of brown and rainbow trout. The fish are spread out, but you can find them in good numbers, especially in the cleaner lanes where aquatic grass is not choking off the runs. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymphing, San Juan Worms, scuds, sowbugs, and Perdigons have been the primary producers. Specific patterns like the #10 Squirmy Worm (blood red or burgundy), #14, #16 Orange Scud, and #16 Tailwater Sowbug are working well. For dry flies, #22 CDC Baetis and #22 Trico Spinners are worth trying. Streamer fishing, though mediocre, can still yield big fish with patterns like the #4 Articulated Goldy, #4 Dirty Hippie, and #6 White Zonker. ### Hot Spots One of the best areas to fish is below the Three Mile Access site, where you can find consistent hatch activity and cleaner water. Another hot spot is around the upper three miles of the river, where the fish are more aggressive and feeding on subsurface patterns. Overall, the Bighorn River is in great shape for fall fishing. Be sure to keep your bugs clean due to the grass breaking off, and take advantage of the reduced crowds to enjoy some quality time on the water. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.