Fall Fishing on the Bighorn River - Trout Thrive Amidst Transitioning Season

As of October 31, 2024, the Bighorn River in Montana is offering some excellent fall fishing opportunities, despite the transitioning season. ### Weather and River Conditions The weather has been relatively stable, with cooler mornings and mild afternoons. River flows are currently at 2,250 cubic feet per second, which is manageable for both wading and floating. The water temperature is around 57 degrees, making it ideal for trout activity. ### Fish Activity Yesterday saw a mix of nymph and streamer fishing success. The trout have been active, particularly in the cleaner lanes of the river, as aquatic grass is starting to choke off some of the runs. Surface action is spotty, but there are some Pale Olive Baetis and tricos around, although the fish are not consistently rising to them. ### Catches Anglers reported catching a variety of trout, including rainbows and browns. The primary catches were on nymphs, with San Juan Worms, scuds, sowbugs, and Perdigons being the top producers. Streamer fishing was mediocre, but those who persisted caught some larger fish. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymph fishing, the hot fly patterns include the Squirmy Worm in blood red or burgundy, Orange Scud, Tailwater Sowbug, Carpet Bug Sowbug, and the Nightmare Perdigon. For dry flies, CDC Baetis and Trico Spinners are worth trying. If you're into streamers, the Articulated Goldy, Dirty Hippie, White Zonker, and Rusty Trombone have been effective. ### Hot Spots One of the best spots right now is around the clean lanes where the aquatic grass hasn't taken over. The areas near the river's bends and drop-offs are also productive. For wading anglers, the lower sections of the river, where the flows are more manageable, offer free range to walk around and find those hidden pockets of fish. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:00 PM. These times are ideal for catching the early morning and late afternoon hatches. Overall, the Bighorn River is in great shape for fall fishing, with healthy trout and a variety of fishing opportunities. Just be mindful of the aquatic grass and focus on the cleaner areas for the best results. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.