Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Excellent Spring Fishing on the Big Horn River in Montana
Published 1 year ago
Description
Fishing Report for Big Horn, Montana - April 9, 2025
Good evening, fishers. The Big Horn River is in prime condition today, offering excellent opportunities for anglers. The weather has been pleasant, with mild temperatures in the mid-50s, clear skies, and light winds. Sunrise was at 6:39 AM, and sunset will be at 7:48 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for a productive fishing session. The water clarity is good, and the flow is near normal at 2,320 CFS.
The fish are active as spring continues to wake them from their winter slumber. Trout, particularly brown trout (averaging 15 inches) and some trophy rainbow trout, are feeding eagerly. Midges and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are hatching during the warmest parts of the day, usually mid-afternoon. Anglers have reported excellent nymph and streamer fishing throughout the river system, especially in deeper runs and pools.
Recent catches have been plentiful, with a variety of flies and lures proving effective. Recommended nymphs include Cotton Candies, Tailwater Sows, and Red Bead Carpet Bugs. For streamers, patterns like Rusty Trombones, Thin Mints, and Pete’s Buggers have been yielding great results. If you’re opting for dry flies, the mid-afternoon BWO hatches can be matched with Perfect Fly BWO emergers or adult imitations.
Spin anglers are also having success with lures like gold and silver Panther Martins, Kastmasters, and rainbow-colored Rapalas. These lures, paired with moderate retrieves, are performing well in the current conditions.
Two hotspots to target today:
1. **The 13-Mile Stretch Below the Afterbay Dam**: This section consistently delivers fantastic trout fishing. Focus on the deeper slots and runs where fish are congregating.
2. **Bighorn Access Site Area**: As the current slows and the water warms slightly, this area provides a mix of trout and other species like catfish and whitefish in the lower portions.
Live bait is restricted in most areas of the Big Horn, so stick to artificial flies and lures. Worm patterns, scuds, and midges remain the go-to options for fly anglers.
With light fishing pressure reported in recent days, now is an excellent time to hit the river. Take advantage of these conditions and enjoy some of Montana’s best trout fishing. Tight lines, and happy fishing!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Good evening, fishers. The Big Horn River is in prime condition today, offering excellent opportunities for anglers. The weather has been pleasant, with mild temperatures in the mid-50s, clear skies, and light winds. Sunrise was at 6:39 AM, and sunset will be at 7:48 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for a productive fishing session. The water clarity is good, and the flow is near normal at 2,320 CFS.
The fish are active as spring continues to wake them from their winter slumber. Trout, particularly brown trout (averaging 15 inches) and some trophy rainbow trout, are feeding eagerly. Midges and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are hatching during the warmest parts of the day, usually mid-afternoon. Anglers have reported excellent nymph and streamer fishing throughout the river system, especially in deeper runs and pools.
Recent catches have been plentiful, with a variety of flies and lures proving effective. Recommended nymphs include Cotton Candies, Tailwater Sows, and Red Bead Carpet Bugs. For streamers, patterns like Rusty Trombones, Thin Mints, and Pete’s Buggers have been yielding great results. If you’re opting for dry flies, the mid-afternoon BWO hatches can be matched with Perfect Fly BWO emergers or adult imitations.
Spin anglers are also having success with lures like gold and silver Panther Martins, Kastmasters, and rainbow-colored Rapalas. These lures, paired with moderate retrieves, are performing well in the current conditions.
Two hotspots to target today:
1. **The 13-Mile Stretch Below the Afterbay Dam**: This section consistently delivers fantastic trout fishing. Focus on the deeper slots and runs where fish are congregating.
2. **Bighorn Access Site Area**: As the current slows and the water warms slightly, this area provides a mix of trout and other species like catfish and whitefish in the lower portions.
Live bait is restricted in most areas of the Big Horn, so stick to artificial flies and lures. Worm patterns, scuds, and midges remain the go-to options for fly anglers.
With light fishing pressure reported in recent days, now is an excellent time to hit the river. Take advantage of these conditions and enjoy some of Montana’s best trout fishing. Tight lines, and happy fishing!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI