Fall Fishing on the Bighorn River: Trout Galore and Hatching Patterns

As of October 2, 2024, the Bighorn River in Montana is offering some excellent fishing conditions, especially as we transition into the fall season. ### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset Today, you can expect crisp mornings with pleasant days, characteristic of the fall season. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 6:30 PM. The weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy with cooler temperatures, making it ideal for a day on the water. ### River Conditions The Bighorn River is currently flowing at about 2,500 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is near normal levels. The water temperature is around 59 degrees, and the clarity is clear, making it perfect for spotting trout. ### Fish Activity Fishing has been a bit challenging in the mornings but improves significantly in the afternoons. Nymph fishing has been the most productive, with worms and crustaceans being the top patterns. SJ Worms, sowbugs, Perdigons, and tan caddis pupa have been catching fish consistently. Surface action is spotty, but there is some caddis activity in the evenings. ### Types and Amounts of Fish The Bighorn River is renowned for its Rainbow and Brown Trout. While the nymph fishing has slowed down a bit, anglers are still catching good numbers of trout. The average size of the trout is around 16 inches, with both browns and rainbows being common catches. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymphs, recommended patterns include the Squirmy Worm (blood red or burgundy), Tailwater Sowbug, Nightmare Perdigon, and the Two-Tone Scud. For dry flies, Trico Spinners, Parachute Adams, and Henryville Caddis are effective. Streamer fishing, though mediocre, can still produce results with patterns like the Articulated Goldy and White Zonker. ### Hot Spots One of the best sections to fish is from the dam to the Bighorn Access, a distance of about thirteen miles. This section contains the highest population of trout and offers diverse habitats including channels, flats, and pools. Another good spot is around the Afterbay to 3-mile Island, which is known for its clean lanes and good fish activity. Overall, the Bighorn River is in great shape for fall fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch both Rainbow and Brown Trout. Make sure to adjust your tactics according to the time of day and the changing hatches. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.