Big Horn Montana Fishing Report Today

This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn country fishing report around Bighorn, Montana. We don’t worry about tides out here – this is all about river flows, water temps, and weather on the Bighorn River below Yellowtail. Flows this time of year typically run in that comfortable wade‑able range out of Yellowtail Dam, with clear, cold water and steady levels. Boaters are drifting fine from Afterbay down through Three Mile, and wade anglers are doing well around the classic side channels and gravel bars. Weather-wise, expect a classic early‑summer mix: cool, calm mornings, a bit of breeze building through midday, then warmer, sometimes breezy afternoons, with a chance of a garden‑variety thunderstorm rolling through late. Sunrise is early and sunset is late, giving you a long fishing window. Think first light to about 11 a.m., then again the last three hours of daylight for the best bite. Fish activity has been strong. Rainbows and browns are feeding hard in the riffles and along the seams. Mornings have seen good subsurface action with nymphs and soft hackles, and when the clouds hang around, you can still find noses in the softer eddies. Midday gets a little tougher and more technical, but folks who downsize and lengthen leaders are still putting fish in the net. Recent trips have reported plenty of healthy 14–18 inch rainbows with a good mix of browns, and the occasional bigger fish pushing the low‑20‑inch mark. Numbers have been solid: good boats are putting a couple dozen fish over the side in a full day, with wade anglers picking off steady singles and doubles if they stick to productive runs and keep moving. Best “artificial lure” options right now are small, natural‑colored patterns. For fly anglers, that means: - Nymphs: sowbug and scud patterns in gray and tan, small mayfly nymphs, and midges under an indicator. - Dry flies: slim mayfly patterns and small caddis dries when you see consistent rising. - Streamers: olive, black, or brown buggers and articulated patterns swung or stripped tight to the banks early and late. For conventional gear, think light line and subtle offerings: - Small inline spinners in gold or copper. - Tiny crankbaits that mimic sculpin and juvenile trout. - If you’re allowed and inclined to bait fish in nearby stillwaters, nightcrawlers and minnows on light tackle will still turn heads. A couple of local hot spots to keep in mind: - The classic stretch from Afterbay to Three Mile: great structure, side channels, and plenty of cold, oxygenated water. - Downstream runs around Bighorn Access and beyond: less pressure than the upper river and some sneaky good banks, especially in the evening when fish slide shallow. Work the seams, keep your drifts clean, and don’t be afraid to change up size or pattern if you’re not getting looks. The fish are there and they’re eating; it’s all about matching mood and light. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out here around Fort Smith and the Bighorn River. No tides to worry about in this neck of the woods, just river flow and weather. First light’s been creeping in right around 5:20 a.m., with sunset close to 9:10 p.m. Those low‑light windows have been the sweet spot, especially the first two hours after sunrise and the last two before dark. Weather around Big Horn today is cool to start, low 50s at daybreak, pushing into the upper 70s by mid‑afternoon with light south to southwest breeze and only a slight chance of a stray shower. Mostly clear skies, so expect bright mid‑day sun and clear water—perfect for technical presentations. The Bighorn below Yellowtail Dam is running clear and cold. Flows this time of year are usually moderate and steady out of the dam, and fish are settled into classic seams, shelves, and inside bends. Reports from local guides on the river this past week say rainbows in the 14–18 inch range are common, with plenty of browns mixed in, some browns topping the 20‑inch mark. Anglers drifting from Afterbay down to 3‑Mile have been putting good numbers in the net when they stick to the subsurface game. Nymphing is still king. Think small and subtle: size 16–20 sowbugs and scuds in tan or gray, midges in black and red, and tiny Baetis patterns. Trail those behind a slightly larger sowbug, run them deep with just enough weight to tick bottom, and watch your indicator like a hawk. A two‑fly rig has been accounting for most of the hookups. On the flats and softer inside seams, fish are sliding up to feed, so a lighter rig and a long leader can make all the difference. Dry‑fly action is spotty but can turn on when the breeze lays down. Look for midges and small mayflies in the slower side channels and back‑eddies late morning and again toward evening. When noses start poking up, tie on a size 18–20 parachute BWO or Griffith’s gnat and go to 5X or 6X. It’s not a numbers game up top yet, but you can pick off some nice heads if you’re patient. Streamer folks are still finding a few bruisers, especially early and late. Small to medium streamers in olive, black, or tan—think buggers and sculpin patterns—worked on a slow swing along the banks and ledges have been moving bigger browns. Keep it low and slow; the water’s clear enough that an erratic retrieve can spook more fish than it hooks. If you’re a hardware or bait angler on nearby lakes and reservoirs off the river, small silver or gold spoons, inline spinners in rainbow trout or brown trout patterns, and soft‑plastic grubs have been solid on trout and the occasional walleye. Nightcrawlers on a slip rig or under a float at dawn and dusk are tough to beat for folks soaking bait. Hot spots to keep in mind: the classic stretch from the Afterbay put‑in down through the main runs below the dam is fishing well, especially the deeper shelves just off the main current. Farther down, the water around the Bighorn Access near 3‑Mile has been quietly producing, with good seams and side channels holding pods of fish that see a little less pressure if you’re willing to walk. That’s the word from the river. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn country fishing report out of the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana. We don’t worry about tides out here – it’s all river current, and the Bureau of Reclamation’s flows out of Yellowtail are what matter. Flows have been running on the moderate side, clear and very wade‑friendly below the dam, with a bit more color as you get down toward Bighorn Access. Water temps are sitting in that sweet mid‑50s to low‑60s range, which has the trout plenty active most of the day. Weather today in the valley is classic early‑summer Bighorn: cool morning in the 50s, topping out in the upper 70s to low 80s, light south to southwest breeze, mostly sunny with a few high clouds rolling through in the afternoon. Sunrise is about 5:20 a.m. with sunset just after 9 p.m., so you’ve got a big, long window to work with. Expect the best bite from first light through late morning, then again the last two hours before dark when the wind lays down and bugs get going. Fish activity has been strong. Anglers have been reporting steady numbers of wild browns in the 14–18 inch class with a good mix of rainbows, and the occasional 20‑plus inch fish showing up in deeper runs. Boats working from Afterbay down to Three Mile have been putting decent numbers in the net, and wade anglers are doing well around the classic side channels and gravel bars. Bug‑wise, think subsurface first. Sow bugs and scuds are still the bread and butter here. A size 16–18 gray or tan sow bug under an indicator with just enough split shot to tick bottom has been the day‑saver pattern. Trail that with a small midge or baetis nymph in size 18–20. On warmer afternoons, look for PMD and baetis mayflies; if you see noses, a size 16–18 pale mayfly dry or a small parachute pattern will get eaten if your drift is clean. Best lures and bait for spin anglers: small gold or silver Panther Martins, Mepps in size 0–2, and 1/8‑ounce marabou jigs in olive, black, or brown. Cast upstream at a 45 and let them swing through the buckets. If you’re fishing bait where it’s allowed, drift nightcrawlers or leeches just off the bottom; keep your weight light so you’re bouncing, not dragging. Two hot spots to focus on: • The Afterbay to “slick” stretch just below the dam – cold, clear water, plenty of seams and shelves, great for nymphing and light streamers early and late. • The side channels and islands around Three Mile Access – perfect walking water, lots of structure, and pods of rising fish when the evening mayflies show. Streamer fans should keep it subtle: small olive or black buggers, thin-profile sculpin patterns, and sparsely dressed articulated flies in natural tones. Work them on a slow strip, especially along the drop‑offs and soft edges. The river is in fine shape, the crowds aren’t too heavy yet, and the fish are looking up. Rig light, mend often, and don’t overlook those skinny riffles – there are more fish in a foot of water than most folks think. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out of south‑central Montana, centered around the Bighorn River near Fort Smith and up toward Hardin and Bighorn. No tides to worry about here—this is tailwater country below Yellowtail Dam—so flows and weather are what matter. Overnight we’ve had cool, clear conditions with river temps starting in the high 40s to low 50s and climbing into the mid‑50s by afternoon. Expect light morning winds, building to a steady breeze by midday, with highs in the low to mid‑70s. Skies are mostly clear to partly cloudy, and the barometer is fairly steady, which keeps trout behavior predictable. Sunrise is right around a quarter after five, with sunset close to nine o’clock in the evening, giving you a long, workable window. The most productive bites have been the first three hours after sunup and the last two before dark. Midday still produces, but you’ll work a little harder for each fish once the sun is high and the wind comes up. Reports from local guides and shop chatter in Fort Smith say fish activity has been solid. Waders and boat anglers are seeing good numbers of wild browns in the 14–18 inch class and rainbows in the 12–16 inch range, with the occasional 20‑inch plus fish reported each day. On better drifts, folks are talking 20–30 fish to the net per angler, with slower hands still picking off a dozen if they stay at it. Most of the action is in the classic Bighorn soft seams, edges of deeper runs, and just off the shelves. Subsurface has been king. Right now, the best producers are small nymphs: - For fly anglers, think size 16–20 sow bugs in tan or grey, radiation or soft hackle patterns, and skinny mayfly nymphs in olive or brown. - Zebra midge style patterns in black or red, size 18–20, have been money in the slower slots and tailouts. Spin anglers drifting from the dam down are doing well with: - Small marabou jigs in olive, black, or brown, 1/16 to 1/8 ounce. - Tiny crankbaits and minnow plugs in brown trout and rainbow patterns, worked slow and close to the bottom. If you’re bait fishing where it’s allowed, nightcrawlers drifted just off the bottom and small leeches have been steady producers, especially in the deeper runs and outside bends. Hatches: midges early and late, with mayflies and a few caddis showing mid‑day when the sun isn’t too bright. Dry‑fly action has been spotty but can be excellent when the river slicks off in the evening. A simple parachute pattern in sizes 16–18, matched roughly to whatever’s hovering over the water, will pick off risers in the flats and along the foam lines. Keep leaders long and tippet light—these fish see a lot of pressure. A couple of local hot spots to focus on: - Below Yellowtail Dam through the first several miles: classic Bighorn riffle‑run structure, cold and consistent tailwater flows, and heavy concentrations of trout. Work the drop‑offs and inside seams. - The stretch around Three Mile and down toward the Bighorn Access: softer banks, good shelves, and more room to spread out from the crowds. That mid‑river bucket water has been giving up some bigger browns in the evenings. Overall, if you get out early, stay flexible, and keep your bugs or hardware near the bottom with a natural drift, you’re going to stay busy. The river’s in good shape, the fish are happy, and it’s a fine time to be on the Bighorn. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out of south‑central Montana, centered on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith and down toward Hardin. We’re sitting on a classic early‑summer pattern. Overnight lows dipped into the upper 40s, and daytime highs are set to climb into the mid to upper 70s with mostly clear skies, light winds in the 5–10 mph range, and just a small chance of an afternoon thunderstorm popping up over the breaks. Sunrise hit a little after 5 a.m., with sunset coming close to 9 p.m., so you’ve got a long window of low‑light feeding on both ends of the day. No tides to worry about this far inland, but flows and clarity are the key. On the upper Bighorn near Afterbay, flows are running moderate for June and the water’s cold and clear enough for strong trout activity. As you move downstream toward Bighorn and the Yellowstone confluence, the water warms, stained but fishable, and the warm‑water species turn on. Trout first: rainbows and browns have been active in the tailwater section from Afterbay down to about Bighorn Access. Anglers in the last few days have been reporting steady numbers of 12–16 inch rainbows with the occasional 18–20 inch brown mixed in. Most fish are coming off nymph rigs and smaller attractor patterns. Think subsurface: sow bug and scud imitations, small mayfly nymphs, and midges. A #16–18 beadhead under an indicator with a bit of split shot has been the ticket in the deeper runs. For spin anglers on the river and nearby ponds, small silver or copper spoons, 1/8‑ounce marabou jigs in olive or black, and small crankbaits in natural baitfish patterns are producing. Light line, 4–6 lb test, and a slow, steady retrieve is your best bet in the clearer water. Downstream where the Bighorn meets the Yellowstone, the warm‑water bite has been picking up. Folks have been bringing in decent numbers of smallmouth bass with a few pushing the 2–3 pound mark, along with channel catfish and the odd walleye. Soft‑plastic grubs and swimbaits in green pumpkin or shad colors, worked along current breaks and behind rock piles, have been drawing strikes from smallmouth. For cats, try classic cut bait or nightcrawlers on a slip sinker rig, set just off the main current seams. Best bait options right now: nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows where legal. Nightcrawlers are doing double duty, catching everything from trout to cats. Leeches on a slow‑drift rig are deadly for bigger browns holding in the deeper slots. Couple of hot spots to circle on your map: First, the stretch from Afterbay Dam down to 3‑Mile Access. Drift the inside seams, and pay attention to softer water behind mid‑river structure; that’s where a lot of those nicer browns have been hanging. Second, the water around Bighorn Access down toward the mouth, especially in the evenings. As the sun gets low, baitfish push tight to shore and both smallmouth and walleye move up—perfect time to throw small crankbaits or swimbaits. Best times today are first light until mid‑morning and then again from about two hours before sunset until dark. Midday can still produce if you go deeper with nymphs or bait and target shaded banks and deeper holes. That’s the rundown from Big Horn country. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in from the Bighorn country around Fort Smith and Big Horn, Montana, with your early season river report. We’re sitting on a cool start this morning, mid‑40s warming into the low 70s under mostly sunny skies with a light north breeze laying the river down nice and flat. Local forecasts are calling for just a slight chance of an afternoon shower, but no big wind events, so it’s a good day to be on the oars. Sunrise is right around 5:20 a.m., sunset close to 9:10 p.m., giving you a long fishing window. Being a tailwater off Yellowtail Dam, the Bighorn doesn’t have tides, but flows and clarity are the big story here instead. Recent word from local guides and fly shops along the Fort Smith stretch is that the river’s in good shape: cold, clear, and running at moderate releases out of the dam. Nymphing has been the main producer. Folks have been reporting strong numbers of **brown trout** in the 14–18 inch class, with plenty of healthy **rainbows** mixed in and the occasional fish pushing past 20 inches. The upper three miles below the dam have seen the highest counts, with anglers routinely putting a couple dozen fish in the net on good days when they stay on the nymph game. Bug‑wise, we’re in that crossover period. There are still midges around in the mornings, and blue‑winged olives popping on the overcast stretches, with whispers of early PMD activity starting to show. Fish have been feeding subsurface most of the day, sliding up into the softer seams and inside edges as the sun gets higher. The afternoon window has seen fish move a bit deeper, so getting your rigs down has been key. Best producers right now are classic Bighorn patterns: small **midge and baetis nymphs** in sizes 18–20, tan and gray **scuds**, and slim **Pheasant Tail** and **Split Case PMD** style flies. For a two‑fly nymph rig, think a size 16 scud or sow bug on top with a small midge or baetis dropper 14–18 inches below, enough split shot to tick bottom, and an indicator set just right so it rides naturally in those walking‑pace seams. If you like swinging or stripping, small **woolly buggers**, **Thin Mints**, and sparse **sparkle minnows** have been moving some of the bigger browns out of the banks, especially during low light. Bait fishing is limited by local regulations on much of this river, so be sure to check the current Montana FWP rules before you go. Where it’s allowed on nearby waters, natural **nightcrawlers** drifted along the bottom and small **minnows** or **leeches** under a float tend to be the best bet for both trout and the odd walleye or smallmouth in the lower reaches and side waters. Keep leaders a bit heavier there; those fish aren’t as leader‑shy as the upper‑river trout. A couple of local hot spots to keep in mind: – The **Afterbay to 3‑Mile** stretch: coldest, clearest water, highest trout counts, and reliable nymphing all day. Work the shelves dropping off the weed beds and the soft edges below riffles. – The **Bighorn–Soap Creek confluence area** downstream: a little more color, fewer but often larger fish, and a better place to throw streamers tight to the grass and cutbanks. If you’re wading, focus on inside bends, knee‑to‑thigh‑deep seams, and any broken water below riffles, especially early and late. Boat anglers should keep an eye on side channels and mid‑river shelves; a quick stop to thoroughly work a productive seam can turn a decent day into a great one. That’s the word from the river for now. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn, Montana fishing report. We’ll start with the conditions. Around Fort Smith on the Bighorn River, Weather.gov shows a cool, clear early morning in the low 50s, climbing into the 70s by afternoon with light winds under 10 mph and only a slight chance of showers. Sunrise is right around a quarter after five, with sunset close to 9 p.m., so you’ve got a long, generous window to work that water. Being an inland river system, we don’t have true tides here, but flows out of Yellowtail Dam act like a man‑made tide: stable, cool releases and clear water, ideal for trout. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and recent local shop chatter out of Fort Smith both report consistent action on the upper 13 miles below the dam. Anglers have been putting good numbers of **brown** and **rainbow trout** in the net, with many fish in the 14–18 inch class and enough 20‑inchers to keep everyone honest. No big spikes in flows lately, so the fish are settled into their summer seams. Fish activity has been best right at first light and again toward evening. Midday is still productive if you get down and precise. According to local guides’ updates, nymphing is out‑producing everything, but dry‑fly windows are opening when the clouds move in or the evening calm sets up. On the fly side, the top producers have been: - **Lures and flies:** small **Pheasant Tails**, **Two‑Bit Hookers**, and **Ray Charles** in tan or gray, size 16–18; **Zebra Midges** and other midge patterns in 18–20; and for streamers, smaller **olive or black buggers** and articulated patterns stripped slow along the shelves. - **Dries:** when heads are up, think **PMD** and **baetis** patterns, plus small caddis in the evening. A size 16–18 parachute PMD or CDC comparadun will carry you a long way. For bait anglers where it’s allowed on side waters or below special‑reg stretch, locals have been doing well with: - **Nightcrawlers** drifted under a small float along softer seams. - **Salmon eggs** and small **PowerBait nuggets** in natural trout colors, used sparingly so you don’t over‑chum the hole. Spin fishermen are scoring with: - 1/8‑ounce **gold or copper spoons**, - small **Panther Martin** or **Mepps spinners** in gold/black, - and slim **minnow plugs** in rainbow or brown trout patterns worked across current breaks. As for hot spots, a couple of local favorites: - The classic stretch **from Afterbay boat ramp down through 3‑Mile**: cold, clear, and packed with structure—shelves, inside bends, and mid‑river gravel bars. Work nymph rigs 6–8 feet deep under an indicator, ticking just above the rocks. - The **Bighorn Access to Bighorn Fishing Access Site** run farther downstream: a bit more color, a touch warmer, but the browns here have shoulders. Streamers along the cutbanks early and late can move some real meat. If you’re wading, pick your crossings carefully; flows from the dam can change and slick cobble will put you on your back in a hurry. Light fluorocarbon tippet, 5X to 6X on the nymphs and dries, is making a difference in this clear water. Give other boats and wade anglers some room—these fish see plenty of pressure, and a little courtesy helps everyone catch more. That’s the latest from in and around Big Horn, Montana. Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Morning on the Big Horn around Fort Smith is shaping up like a classic early-summer drift: **clear, fishable water**, comfortable temperatures, and a strong window around first light before the sun gets high. There’s no tidal influence here, so anglers are really keying on flows, water clarity, and that early bite. The **weather** for the Big Horn corridor is looking seasonable and good for a rod in hand: cool at daybreak, warming quickly through the morning, with light winds giving way to a bit more chop later if you’re out on the river. With a June sun, the best action should be from sunrise into mid-morning, then again late afternoon into evening when the light softens. **Sunrise** is around **5:20 AM** and **sunset** around **8:50 PM** for this part of Montana in mid-June, which gives you a long, workable day on the water. The prime feed windows are the first couple hours after dawn and the last couple hours before dark. On the **fish activity** side, the Big Horn is still fishing like a river that wants precise presentations. The main catch here is **trout**—especially **brown trout** and **rainbow trout**—with fish feeding on small insects, baitfish, and subsurface bugs depending on the stretch. Recent local reports from this reach have been pointing to consistent trout action with some better fish showing in the seams, tailouts, and along the deeper banks where food drifts naturally. If you’re throwing **lures**, keep it simple and natural: small **streamers** in olive, black, or tan; **spinners** in subtle gold or copper; and little **jigs** or minnow-style plastics if you’re covering water. For **bait**, the best producers are usually natural offerings like worms, salmon eggs, or crawlers where legal and appropriate, but the Big Horn often rewards anglers more with flies and stealth than with heavy bait. If you’re matching the hatch, think small nymphs, soft hackles, and mayfly imitations; if fish are looking up, a small dry fly can turn the whole day around. For **hot spots**, I’d focus on: - The **Fort Smith drift water** right above and below the dam tailwater stretches, where oxygen and current concentrate fish. - The **seams, bends, and deeper runs** farther downstream where trout tuck in and feed with less pressure. - Any **soft edges near structure**—rock bars, drop-offs, and slower inside turns can hold better-than-average fish. Locals know this river can be sneaky-good if you move quietly, keep your casts clean, and don’t overwork the water. Midday can go a little slower, but the Big Horn usually gives up a few surprises if you stay patient and fish the right depth. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

I’m **Artificial Lure**, and here’s your Big Horn, Montana fishing report for this morning. Big Horn is waking up under a classic early-summer June setup: **cool dawn air, warming sun, and good river conditions for anglers who like to get there early**. I don’t have live weather, tide, or current catch reports available in the provided results, and tides are not relevant for Big Horn’s inland waters. For the most reliable local read today, check the river gauge, wind, and hourly forecast before you launch. On the water, this is the kind of day where **trout feed best in the low-light windows**—first light through mid-morning, then again late afternoon into evening. If the Big Horn is running clear and steady, look for fish holding in softer seams, along weed edges, tailouts, and the slower inside bends. If flows are bumped up or the wind gets into it, the fish usually tuck a little deeper and closer to structure. For **recent fish activity**, I can’t verify exact numbers or species caught from the search results provided, so I won’t make up a tally. What anglers typically target here in early June are **trout**, especially **rainbows and browns**, with fish responding to both subsurface and dry-fly presentations when the bugs are on. The **best lures and flies** for a day like this are usually: - **Small nymphs**: pheasant tail, hare’s ear, copper john - **Attractor streamers**: olive or tan Woolly Bugger, small sculpin patterns - **Dry flies** if the hatch is going: caddis, PMDs, and parachute patterns - **Spinners/small spoons** for bank anglers working deeper slots and current breaks For **bait**, where it’s legal and allowed on the stretch you’re fishing, **nightcrawlers** and small natural offerings tend to be the most dependable. If you’re strictly fly fishing, a two-fly nymph rig is a strong play until you see fish rising. A couple of **hot spots** to check around Big Horn: - **Soft inside bends** with slower water and a little depth change - **Tailouts below riffles** where food drifts naturally and fish can slide up to feed If I were fishing it myself, I’d start with a **nymph rig in the morning**, watch for a hatch, and switch to a **dry-dropper or streamer** once the light gets higher and the wind starts moving the surface. Keep your casts clean, your drifts long, and don’t overlook the first drop-off below faster water. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out of south‑central Montana, centered on the Bighorn River below Yellowtail. No tides to worry about here—this is all tailwater, all the time. With steady releases out of Yellowtail Dam, flows have been running on the mild side and nice and clear, classic Bighorn conditions. Overnight lows have been cool, with afternoon highs pushing into the upper 70s to low 80s under mostly sunny skies and light winds, the kind of weather that keeps trout happy and bugs moving. Sunrise is around a quarter after five in the morning, sunset a bit after nine in the evening, giving you a long window to work the water. Fish activity has been strongest early and late. Mornings have seen consistent subsurface action with nymph rigs, while afternoons slow a bit under bright sun unless you target deeper seams and shady banks. Evening brings a noticeable bump in surface activity as the light drops and bugs stack up in the film. Recent catch reports from local guides and shop talk in Fort Smith all line up: good numbers of healthy browns and rainbows in the 14–18 inch class, with the occasional pig over 20 for folks who stay patient and fish methodically. Anglers running double nymph rigs have been putting up steady counts—dozens of hookups on better days—with most fish coming out of knee‑ to thigh‑deep riffles and the soft edges below them. Waders picking apart heads of runs are doing nearly as well as boats. On the lure and fly front, keep it simple and match what’s been working: - For nymphs and subsurface: small mayfly patterns in the 16–20 range, scuds and sowbugs tight to the bottom, and a midge pupa as a dropper. A bit of weight to tick rocks has been the difference between looking good and catching fish. - For streamers: small to medium articulated patterns in olive, tan, or black stripped slow along the banks early and late. Cloudy spurts in the afternoon have given streamer junkies a short but sweet window. - For bait where legal on nearby reservoirs and ponds: nightcrawlers and leeches under a slip bobber have been producing rainbows and a few walleye, especially in the low‑light hours. A simple jig‑and‑minnow combo is still tough to beat. Two local hot spots to keep on your radar: - The Afterbay to 3‑Mile stretch: cold, clear, and crowded with fish. Work the classic Bighorn shelves, foam lines, and mid‑river buckets. Even on busy days, careful boat positioning or patient wading will get you into unpressured seams. - The 3‑Mile to Bighorn Access reach: a touch less pressure, with plenty of productive side channels and softer banks that hold bigger browns. Look for subtle depth changes and inside bends; those soft edges have been quietly giving up some of the better fish. If you’re planning a mission this week, think early launch or late‑day swing, bring plenty of small bugs, and don’t be afraid to change depths until you start bumping fish. The river’s in good shape, the trout are eating, and it’s a fine time to be out in Big Horn country. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out of the Bighorn River near Fort Smith and the Big Horn, Montana area. We don’t worry about tides out here—this is tailwater country below Yellowtail Dam—so flows and weather matter most. Flows this week have been running on the moderate side and pretty steady, keeping the river clear enough with a light green tint. That classic Bighorn look means good visibility on the flats and just enough color along the banks to let you get close to fish. Overnight we’ve had cool temps in the 40s, climbing into the upper 60s to low 70s by midafternoon with light west–northwest winds around 5–10 mph. Skies have been partly cloudy, giving fish that perfect mix of sun and shade. Sunrise is right around a quarter after five, with sunset a little after nine, so you’ve got a long window of low-light feeding on both ends of the day. Fish activity has picked up nicely. Mornings have seen solid nymph bites in the deeper runs and inside seams, then a bump in surface action late afternoon into evening. Recent reports from local guides and shop talk in Fort Smith say rainbows have been the main players, with plenty of 14–18 inch fish and enough 18–20s to keep you honest. Browns are still there, a bit moodier, but some thick 19–21 inch fish have come out of the heavier seams and undercut banks. Anglers are commonly putting a dozen to twenty fish in the net on good half‑day floats when they stay on the right drift and adjust depth. On the bug front, midges and little blue‑wing olives have been steady, with a mix of tan and olive sowbugs still doing heavy lifting. There have been pockets of caddis activity toward evening on softer edges and back eddies. Nymphing with size 16–20 baetis patterns, black or red midges, and classic Bighorn sowbugs in grey or tan has been the most reliable producer. Trail a smaller midge or baetis behind a sowbug and you’re in business. If you like to throw hardware or bait, small spoons and spinners in silver or gold with a touch of red have been turning rainbows in the deeper bends, especially when you tick bottom now and then. For bait, nightcrawlers drifted just off the bottom and well‑presented leeches or minnows where legal have taken some nicer browns. Keep leader light but not silly—4X or 5X for flies, 6–8 lb mono or fluoro for gear—and don’t be afraid to bump weight up or down until you’re just tapping rocks. Hot spots to keep in mind: the stretch from Afterbay down through 3‑Mile remains a go‑to, with consistent seams and plenty of holding water. The side channels and shelves below 3‑Mile, especially those softer inside turns with knee‑to‑thigh‑deep water, have been sneaky good. Farther down, the water around Bighorn Access has produced some of those better browns on streamers and bigger nymph rigs, particularly when the wind ripples the surface. Streamer folks should run smaller patterns—thin olive, black, or rust sculpin styles, or sparse buggers—on a slow swing or short strip. The big “meat” still moves a fish now and then, but the bite’s been more consistent on those slimmer profiles, especially in the shaded banks in early and late light. Overall, conditions are quietly excellent: stable flows, cool clear water, long days, and trout that are eating if you put it in front of them and stay patient on your drift. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out of south‑central Montana. We’re sitting on a cool, clear early‑summer pattern along the Bighorn River below Yellowtail. Flows are typically managed and steady this time of year, keeping water cold and clear with just a hint of color. Expect chilly mornings, light wind at first light, then a bit of breeze building by midday. Afternoons warm up, but the river stays cool enough that trout stay active most of the day. Skies are often partly cloudy with the odd shower sliding through. Sunrise is right around the early‑five o’clock hour, with sunset pushing well into the eight‑thirty range, so you’ve got a long fishing window. No tides here in Big Horn, just dam‑controlled flows, so pay more attention to any bump or drop in discharge than the clock. Fish activity has been strong in the classic Bighorn style. Browns and rainbows in the 14–18 inch class are the bread and butter, with a fair number of 18–20 inch fish coming to the net and the occasional bigger brute mixed in. Boats and wade anglers have been seeing steady numbers: a good stick can put a dozen to twenty fish in the net on a solid day, with slower hands still getting into a handful if they stick with the program. Subsurface is still king. Nymph rigs under an indicator have been the top producers. Small mayfly nymphs and baetis patterns in the 18–20 range, slender midge patterns, and tan or grey sowbugs are all fishing well. Scuds in orange or pink are still worth running on your bottom fly, especially in deeper seams. A bit of split shot and a long leader will help you get down along those shelves and inside bends. For those who like to throw hardware, small silver or gold spoons, in‑line spinners in brown trout or rainbow patterns, and subtle crankbaits in olive or perch tones are getting eaten in the deeper runs and tailouts. Keep retrieves slow and steady; let the current do the work. Bait anglers where it’s legal are doing well with nightcrawlers drifted along the bottom and leeches under a float in the slower buckets and along the edges at first and last light. If you’re after warmwater species in nearby stillwaters and ponds, small jigs tipped with a piece of worm are turning up perch and the odd walleye, with a few smallmouth around rocky structure. A couple of local hot spots to keep in mind: • The Afterbay to 3‑Mile stretch: classic Bighorn water, lots of productive shelves and seams, great for nymphing and swinging small streamers on a cloudy afternoon. • Down around Bighorn Access and beyond: slightly fewer boats, plenty of shelves, and softer inside corners that have been holding some of the better browns. Best windows have been first light through mid‑morning and then again toward evening, when the wind lays down and fish slide shallow. Midday can still fish, but you’ll want to go a bit deeper and smaller with your nymphs. That’s the word from the river. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

This is Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report for the Bighorn River around Fort Smith and the Big Horn, Montana area. No tides to worry about here in the high plains, just river flow and weather. The Bighorn below Yellowtail is running clear and cold, with steady releases keeping levels wadeable but deep along the main buckets. Overnight temps dipped into the 40s, climbing into the 70s this afternoon with light wind and a mix of sun and a few high clouds. Sunrise came early over the canyon rim and sunset will slide in late, giving you a long, fishable day with good light on both ends. Water temps are sitting in that sweet trout window, and the fish have been active most of the day, not just at dawn and dusk. Guides in Fort Smith report solid numbers of rainbows in the 14–18 inch class and plenty of browns mixed in, with the occasional fish pushing over 20 inches when you hit the deeper structure and softer seams. Nymphing is still king. Best producers have been small mayfly and midge patterns under an indicator: think size 16–20 pheasant tails, two-bit hookers, quill-style baetis, and tiny zebra midges. A plain ol’ sowbug or scud in gray or tan continues to pick up fish, especially tight to the bottom near the weed beds. Run your lead fly deep, with enough weight to tick occasionally. For those who like to throw hardware, small gold and copper spinners, 1/8 oz marabou jigs in olive or black, and slim crankbaits in brown trout or rainbow patterns have moved some hefty fish out of the ledges and drop-offs. Light fluorocarbon leaders help in the clear water. Dry-fly action is picking up in the afternoons. Look for small baetis and midges, and be ready with CDC emergers and parachute patterns in the 18–20 range. When the wind lays down and the surface slicks out, you can find pods of fish gently sipping in the softer side channels. If you’re bait fishing on nearby stillwaters or legal sections, nightcrawlers and leeches under a slip bobber are turning up trout and the odd walleye, especially in the evenings. On the river itself, stick to artificials where regulations require it and always double-check current rules. Couple of hot spots to circle on your mental map: • The classic stretch from Afterbay down through 3-Mile: inside bends, drop-offs, and side channels are loaded with fish right now. • The water around 13-Mile and down into the lower canyon: slightly less pressure, bigger structure, and a better shot at those heavy browns swinging streamers at first and last light. Streamer fans should hit those lower runs at low light with olive or black articulated patterns, sculpin imitations, and slender baitfish in natural tones. Short, punchy strips along the shelf edges are triggering some mean takes. That’s the word from the river. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn country fishing report out of the Fort Smith and Bighorn, Montana area. We’re sitting under a classic early‑June pattern: cool at first light in the upper 40s to low 50s, climbing into the low to mid‑70s this afternoon, with a light southwest breeze that will stiffen a bit after lunch. Skies are mostly clear to partly cloudy, with just enough cloud cover drifting through to keep mid‑day fish from getting too spooky. Sunrise came in right around a quarter after five, with sunset roughly a little after nine this evening, so you’ve got a long window to work the river. No tides to worry about here on the Bighorn, but flows and clarity are the name of the game. The tailwater is running cool and steady out of Yellowtail, with that classic green‑tea tint that makes trout guides grin. Water temps are hanging in the 40s early and slipping into the low 50s by afternoon—prime feeding temps. Fish activity has been solid the last few days. Mornings have seen good nymph and streamer action, with the bite picking up again in the last two hours of light. Mid‑day slows a touch, but fish are still being taken if you get your drift right and go a size smaller. Reports from local guides and shops in Fort Smith have browns and rainbows in the 14–18 inch range showing up consistently, with enough fish over 20 inches to keep folks honest. Anglers floating the Afterbay to 3‑Mile and down through Bighorn Access have been putting a dozen or more fish in the net on better days, with a mix leaning slightly toward rainbows right now, but plenty of thick‑shouldered browns when you get your flies down along the structure. Nymphing is still the main producer. Think small and natural: size 16–20 sowbugs, scuds, and baetis nymphs under a light indicator with just enough split shot to tick bottom. Zebra midges, thread midges, and tiny PTs are all getting eaten. If you’re running spin gear, a small split‑shot rig with a beadhead sowbug and a bit of worm will flat‑out work. Streamer fans should lean into the morning and evening low‑light. Thin-profile patterns in olives, browns, and natural baitfish tones are the ticket. Keep them on the smaller side—size 6–8—stripped slow with the occasional pause. Conventional anglers are doing well on 1/8‑ to 1/4‑ounce marabou or hair jigs in olive or black, as well as smaller silver or gold spoons swung across current seams. Dry‑fly wise, keep an eye out for midges and a few lingering blue‑wing olives, especially on overcast patches. A size 18–20 midge cluster or parachute BWO will pick off risers in softer seams and back eddies. It’s not a blanket hatch, but patient anglers are getting some solid heads. For bait, if regulations where you’re fishing allow, nightcrawlers, small pieces of worm, and salmon eggs drifted naturally are producing, especially for bank anglers below the Afterbay. Check the current regs before you dunk bait—this river has some special rules. A couple of hot spots to circle today: • The classic stretch from the Afterbay down to 3‑Mile: great for floaters, plenty of productive shelves, weed edges, and drop‑offs. Work the inside bends and any soft water below riffles. • The water around Bighorn Access: excellent wade opportunities, consistent runs, and some sneaky side channels. Nymph the deeper slots during the day, then switch to streamers or dries during the evening rise. If the wind picks up, shorten your leader a bit, add a touch more weight, and fish tighter to structure. This isn’t the day to get cute—good drifts, right depth, and simple patterns will out‑fish fancy every time. That’s your Big Horn Montana fishing rundown from Artificial Lure. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more on‑the‑water updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in from the Big Horn country, and the river’s in pretty fine shape right now. Flows below Yellowtail are running clear and cold, with just a touch of color along the soft edges. No tides to worry about here, just dam releases, and they’ve been steady enough that the fish are settled into a good early‑summer pattern. Weather around Fort Smith and the Big Horn corridor today is mild: cool start in the 50s, climbing into the 70s by mid‑day, light breeze out of the west, and only a small chance of an afternoon shower. Skies are partly cloudy—enough cover to keep fish comfortable through most of the day. Sunrise came early over the canyon and sunset will give you a long evening window, so you’ve got plenty of fishable light on both ends. Trout activity has been strong at first light and again from late afternoon into dusk. Mid‑day is still productive, but you’ll want to work a bit deeper and focus on the seams. Rainbows have been the main players, with plenty of 14–18 inch fish reported, and a decent number of browns in that same class, plus the occasional pig brushing the 20‑inch mark. Folks drifting nymph rigs have been putting good numbers in the net—double‑digit days are very realistic if you stay on the oars and adjust depth. For fly anglers, small nymphs are the ticket. Think **scuds**, **ray charles**, **pupae**, and **pheasant tails** in the 16–20 range under an indicator, with a bit of weight to tick just off the bottom. A small midge or a flashy soft hackle dropped below a sowbug has been a reliable combo. When the clouds thicken or the wind lays down, keep an eye out for midges and the odd baetis; a tiny parachute or CDC emerger can clean up on rising fish along inside bends and back eddies. Spin and conventional folks are doing well too. Small **inline spinners** in silver or copper, and little **minnow‑style crankbaits** in rainbow or brown patterns are consistent producers in the riffles and tailouts. If you’re bait fishing where it’s allowed, drifted **nightcrawlers** or **salmon eggs** under a small float through the deeper runs will put trout in the cooler. Keep your presentations natural—light line, subtle weight, and long drifts. A couple of local hot spots to keep in mind: • **Below Afterbay to 3‑Mile**: Classic Big Horn—riffle‑run‑pool structure, plenty of holding water, and good access. Work the seams off the main current and the soft inside turns; fish are stacked there. • **13‑Mile to Bighorn Access**: A bit more spread out, but the browns tend to run bigger. Focus on the ledge drops and slower outside bends, especially as the sun gets low. Streamers along the banks at last light can move some serious fish. Overall, it’s a “bring all the rods” kind of day: nymphs for numbers, a dry box handy for the hatch windows, and a few streamers or hardware options for probing the deeper slots and undercut banks. Wading is comfortable if you pick your spots, but a drift boat or raft lets you cover that sweet mid‑river structure. That’s the word from Big Horn country. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn country fishing report, coming to you from in and around Fort Smith and the Bighorn River. First off, no tides to worry about up here – we’re a long way from saltwater – but flows and weather are the real drivers. The Bureau of Reclamation and local fly shops report the Bighorn below Yellowtail running clear and cold, with steady releases out of the dam keeping levels very wade‑friendly. Water temps are starting in the low 40s at first light and pushing into the low 50s by afternoon. Weather today is classic late‑spring Bighorn: a cool, calm morning in the 40s, warming into the 60s by mid‑day with light southwest breeze 5–10 mph, clouds building by afternoon but no serious storms expected. The National Weather Service lists sunrise around 5:30 a.m. and sunset just after 8:45 p.m., giving you a long window with especially good edges early and late. Trout activity has been strong the last several days. Local guides in Fort Smith are reporting solid numbers of wild browns in the 14–18 inch range with a good mix of chunky rainbows, plus the occasional fish over 20 inches if you’re willing to work the deeper buckets. Most boats are putting 20–40 fish in the net on good drifts, with wade anglers doing well if they stay mobile and key on structure. Subsurface is still king. Nymphing with sowbugs and scuds remains the bread and butter – a tan or gray sowbug in sizes 14–18, rigged below a small indicator with split shot to tick bottom. Mix in midge pupa and baetis patterns if you see noses dimpling or birds working. According to the local fly shops, orange scuds, Ray Charles, soft hackles, and small PT nymphs have been hot all week. For those of you slinging conventional gear, the best “lures” on the Bighorn are small, subtle offerings. Use light line and small split shot, drifting 1/32–1/16 oz marabou jigs in olive, brown, or black, or tiny in‑line spinners with silver blades and muted bodies. Keep them high in the column over weed beds and let the current do most of the work. Natural bait where allowed – especially nightcrawlers or salmon eggs – should be drifted just off bottom in the softer seams. Always double‑check current Montana regulations before using bait; some stretches are artificial‑only and catch‑and‑release. The afternoon has seen some decent dry‑fly windows whenever clouds slide in and the wind lays down. Look for midges and lingering baetis; a size 18–20 parachute BWO or CDC midge on 5X or 6X will take picky risers in the flats. Swinging soft hackles through the tailouts has been a great way to connect without having to perfectly match the hatch. As for hotspots, a couple of stretches have really stood out: 1. The Afterbay to 3‑Mile section: Classic early‑season water. Side channels, softer inside bends, and gravel bars are stacked with fish. Focus on the edges of weed beds and the first drop‑offs below riffles. 2. The run below Bighorn Access: The long, even seams and mid‑river shelves here have been loaded. Row or wade the inside lines and look for that green, walking‑speed water – not too fast, not too slow. If you find a pod of rising fish, slow down, change angles, and don’t be afraid to drop to smaller tippet. The river’s clear enough that stealth is making a big difference right now. That’s your on‑the‑water rundown from Artificial Lure. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Morning, folks — Artificial Lure here with your Big Horn, Montana fishing report. For today, the weather looks like classic late-spring river country: cool morning air, warming into a decent midday bite window, with a light breeze and the kind of changing conditions that can turn a slow start into a good evening. Sunrise is around 5:48 a.m. and sunset about 8:44 p.m., giving anglers a long day to find that window when the fish settle in. There’s no tide to speak of this far inland, but river flow and clarity are the big players, and around Big Horn the Yellowstone system is still running like a trout river should — with a bit of color in spots and enough push to keep fish feeding in seams, soft edges, and tailouts. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, this stretch has been producing a mix of trout, especially rainbows and brown trout, with some cutthroat in the broader river system. Recent reports from local anglers have them picking up a handful of fish a trip when they stay mobile and fish the right water. Most of the better action has been on midges, caddis, small mayflies, and streamer patterns swung or stripped near structure. On the slower side channels and softer banks, nymphing has been the ticket — two flies, a little split shot, and a patient drift. If you’re bait fishing where it’s allowed and appropriate, worms and salmon eggs are still the old reliable standby, though artificials are the better local choice in these waters. For lures, keep it simple: olive or black Woolly Buggers, sculpin streamers, small spinners, and anything that imitates a minnow or leech. If the water’s got a touch of stain, go a little brighter or darker for contrast. If it clears up, smaller and more natural tends to win the day. Best bets around Big Horn? First, look at the seams and bends below access points where current breaks into softer buckets. Second, any deeper outside bends, undercut banks, or slower tailouts with just enough cover can hold fish all day, especially early and late. If you’re willing to walk a bit, side channels and drop-offs with nearby weed edges can be very productive when the sun gets higher. The bite should improve as the day warms, with the evening hatch offering the best dry-fly chance. If you’re nymphing, think pheasant tail, hare’s ear, and zebra midge combinations. If you’re throwing meat, don’t be afraid to work the bank slow and close. The fish here are looking up and sideways, but they’re not giving it away — you’ve got to make them earn it. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to subscribe for more local fishing updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

Artificial Lure here with your Big Horn country fishing report, coming to you from down along the Bighorn River near Fort Smith and on up toward Hardin. First off, no tides to worry about out here – we’re a long way from saltwater – but flows are the key. The Bureau of Reclamation and local fly shops are reporting steady, wade‑friendly releases out of Yellowtail. The river’s running clear with that classic Bighorn green tint, visibility good, and water temps pushing into the low 50s by mid‑afternoon. Weather today is stable and pleasant: cool at dawn in the low 40s, climbing into the upper 60s to low 70s by mid‑day, light variable wind with a touch of breeze in the afternoons, and only a slight chance of an isolated shower. Sunrise is right around 5:40 a.m., sunset close to 8:45 p.m., giving a long window of prime light. Fish activity has been solid. Guides out of Fort Smith shops report strong nymphing from first light through late morning, with a decent afternoon lull, then a nice bump again toward evening as shadows stretch. Brown trout have been the headliners, with plenty of 14–18 inch fish and a few pushing 20+ showing up in the nets. Rainbows are mixed in, especially in the faster chutes and tailouts; numbers are good, with pods of smaller bows hammering nymphs. On the insect front, midges are still ever‑present, but the real story has been blue‑winged olives and some early caddis. Techy fish are sipping in softer seams when the clouds slide in. If you’re a fly angler, this is your time. Best producers lately have been: – Nymphs: • Small BWO patterns (RS2s, split case olives) in 18–20 • Scuds and sowbugs in grey or tan, 14–16 • Zebra midges, black or red, 18–20 • A small worm or ray‑charles style soft hackle as the anchor Run a double‑nymph rig under an indicator, 5X or 6X tippet, and don’t be shy about adding split shot to get down in the deeper buckets. – Dry flies: • CDC BWO emergers and parachute olives in 18–20 on overcast stretches • Small dark midges in the slicks early and late Long leaders, drag‑free drifts, and keep your casts short. For the spin folks, the river’s still giving up nice trout if you play it smart. Ultralight gear with 4–6 lb line, small in‑line spinners in gold or copper, and minnow‑style plugs in brown or rainbow trout patterns are getting eats, especially tight to the bank, just off the current. In the Bighorn and nearby ponds and small reservoirs, locals have been picking up walleye and smallmouth on: – Jigs tipped with nightcrawlers – Small swimbaits in perch or shad colors – Twister tails in chartreuse or white Best natural baits on the river remain worms and leeches where allowed, suspended just off bottom. Check local regulations carefully before bait fishing; certain stretches are artificial‑only and barbless. As for hot spots, two areas are drawing most of the whispers right now: 1. The stretch from Afterbay down through 3‑Mile: classic Bighorn—deep runs, productive shelves, and plenty of fish working midges and olives. Nymph deep in the morning, then watch for subtle riseforms tight to the foam lines when the BWO hatch kicks. 2. The section around Bighorn Access near St. Xavier: a little more spread out, but the side channels and softer inside bends have been holding pods of nice browns. Great spot for a late‑day wade when the sun drops behind the cottonwoods. If you’re willing to poke around a bit, some of the off‑channel sloughs and nearby irrigation ponds closer to Hardin are waking up too, with panfish and the occasional chunky largemouth chasing small crankbaits and worms. That’s the word from the water. Rig light, wade quiet, and keep an eye on those subtle takes—the Bighorn’s rewarding the patient angler right now. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn