Fishing the Big Horn River: Pleasant Conditions, Trout Aplenty, and Best Flies to Try

As of November 7, 2024, the Big Horn River in Montana is offering some promising fishing conditions, despite a few challenges. ### Weather and Water Conditions The weather forecast for the area is looking pleasant, with temperatures expected to be in the upper 60s, making it a great time to be out on the water. The river is flowing at about 2,250 cubic feet per second, which is near normal levels. The water temperature is around 57 degrees, which is ideal for trout activity. ### Fish Activity Nymph fishing remains the most effective method currently, as surface action is spotty. Trout are actively feeding on subsurface flies, particularly San Juan Worms, scuds, sowbugs, and Perdigons. There are also some Pale Olive Baetis and midges hatching, but the dry fly action is not as consistent. ### Types and Amounts of Fish The Big Horn River is renowned for its healthy population of rainbow and brown trout. Recently, anglers have been catching good numbers of both species, especially in the top 13 miles below the Yellowtail Dam, which is the most popular and densely populated section with trout. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymphing, use flies like the #10 Squirmy Worm in blood red or burgundy, #14 and #16 Orange Scud, #16 Tailwater Sowbug, and #16 Nightmare Perdigon. Dry fly enthusiasts might find some success with #22 CDC Baetis or #22 Trico Spinners, although these are less reliable at the moment. Streamer fishing, while not as consistent, can still yield results with patterns like the #4 Articulated Goldy, #4 Dirty Hippie, or #6 Thin Mint Wooley Bugger. ### Hot Spots One of the best areas to fish is the stretch between the Yellowtail Dam and the Bighorn Access site. This section is known for its high trout population and offers a mix of wide open country and areas lined with cottonwood trees. Another good spot is around the islands in the river, which provide excellent habitat for trout. ### Additional Tips Be mindful of the aquatic grass that is choking off some of the runs, so look for clean lanes to cast your line. Floating the river is highly recommended as it allows you to cover more water and get into better positions for making careful presentations. Overall, the Big Horn River is in good shape for fishing, and with the right flies and a bit of patience, you should be able to catch some nice trout. Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:30 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy the river. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.