Fall Fly Fishing on Montana's Big Horn River - A Crisp Autumn Adventure

As of October 4, 2024, the Big Horn River in Montana is offering some exceptional fly fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset The weather is crisp and pleasant, with cooler mornings and mild afternoons, typical of the fall season. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset is expected at about 6:30 PM. Cloud cover is moderate, which is ideal for reducing glare on the water. ### River Conditions The Big Horn River is flowing near normal levels, with a current discharge of around 2,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) and a water temperature of about 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The water clarity is clear, making it perfect for both dry fly and nymph fishing. ### Fish Activity Fishing on the Big Horn River has been good, especially in the afternoons. The trout, consisting of both browns and rainbows, are active and can be caught using various techniques. Nymph fishing, although a bit slow in the mornings, improves significantly as the day progresses. Streamer fishing has been mediocre, but it's still worth trying, especially with the brown trout getting aggressive and territorial as they prepare for the fall spawn. ### Types and Amounts of Fish The Big Horn River is renowned for its high population of trout, with fish averaging about 16 inches in length. Anglers have been catching good numbers of both brown and rainbow trout, though the rainbow trout population is lower downstream of the Bighorn Access site. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymphs, SJ Worms in blood red or burgundy, Tailwater Sowbugs, Perdigons, and tan caddis pupa have been the primary producers. Dry flies such as Trico Spinners, Parachute Adams, and Henryville Caddis are also effective, especially in the evenings when caddis activity peaks. For streamers, Articulated Goldy, Dirty Hippie, and White Zonker patterns are recommended. ### Hot Spots The section of the river from the dam to the Bighorn Access, a distance of about thirteen miles, contains the highest population of trout and is the most popular section. This area includes wide open country with islands that split the flow into channels, flats, pools, and moderate speed runs, providing a diverse habitat for the trout. Floating the river is highly recommended as it allows you to cover more water and get into good positions for careful presentations. Overall, the Big Horn River is in excellent condition for fall fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch some of Montana’s finest trout. Enjoy your time on the water This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.