Winter Wonderland on the Bighorn: Promising Fishing in Montana's Scenic River

For December 13, 2024, the fishing scene on the Bighorn River in Montana is looking promising despite the winter conditions. ### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset The weather is relatively mild for December, with temperatures expected to be around the mid-40s to low 50s during the day. Sunrise is at about 7:45 AM, and sunset is around 4:20 PM. This provides a decent window for fishing, especially during the warmer parts of the day. ### River Conditions The Bighorn River is currently flowing at 1,850 cubic feet per second (cfs), with water temperatures at around 48 degrees. The water clarity is slowly improving, although aquatic grass is still present but clearing out[1][4]. ### Fish Activity Nymph fishing has been fair to good, with scuds, sowbugs, and San Juan Worms being the primary producers. Streamer fishing is also effective, particularly with patterns like the Thin Mint Wooley Bugger, Articulated Goldy, and White Zonker. While the numbers might not be large, you can catch some big fish using these methods[1][4]. ### Best Lures and Bait For nymphs, focus on Orange Scud, Tailwater Sowbug, Carpet Bug Sowbug, and Squirmy Worms in blood red or burgundy. The Frenchie (gold bead, orange color) and Ray Charles (grey or tan) are also working well. For streamers, the Thin Mint Wooley Bugger, Articulated Goldy, and White Zonker are top choices[1]. ### Hot Spots One of the best areas to fish is the stretch near the Afterbay, where the river flows out of the dam. This area tends to have clearer water and a higher concentration of fish. Another good spot is around the Three Mile Access, where the river widens and there are plenty of deep runs and holes that hold fish[4]. Overall, the Bighorn River is offering some great winter fishing opportunities, especially for those willing to brave the cooler temperatures. Make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for the conditions. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.