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Bighorn River Fishing Report - Spring Trout Bonanza and Streamer Tactics
Published 11 months, 3 weeks ago
Description
Artificial Lure's Big Horn Montana Fishing Report
Friday, May 9, 2025
Good morning, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Friday fishing report for the Bighorn River. First light hit the water at about 5:50 this morning, and we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temperatures climbing into the mid-60s today.
The Bighorn spring fishing is absolutely firing right now, with the resident trout showing up in impressive numbers. Plenty of anglers are reporting 18+ inch fish on a regular basis, and they're looking healthy and strong after the winter months[1].
Water conditions are ideal for both wading and floating, with stable flows providing great clarity. Just keep an eye on Soap Creek about 10 miles downstream from the dam, as recent spring rains could make things a bit off-color[1].
For you nymph fishers, which is where most of the action is, focus on sowbugs and Baetis patterns. Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14-16 are producing consistently, along with #18 Wonder Nymphs and Flashback Quill Nymphs. Don't overlook a Two-Tone or Orange Scud as your upper fly[1]. The morning bite has been especially good with #18 Tung Teasers and other midge pupa patterns.
If you're patient enough to wait for afternoon dry fly action, there are some risers showing up. Pack some #20 Sipper Midges, CDC Midges, and Baetis patterns like the Cripple Thor[1].
For those who prefer the thrill of streamer fishing, it's been getting better each day. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls are your best bets. Fish are holding deep in slow water, so let those streamers sink and retrieve slowly[3].
Hot spots this week include the first 3 miles below the dam for consistent action, and the deeper runs around mile 7 for some trophy hunting. The river has been a bit crowded but not insane - plenty of water for everyone if you're willing to move around a bit[3].
Meanwhile, just a short drive away, the Big Hole has been fishing well too, with healthy fish and stable flows. Water visibility there is about 3 feet with March Browns hatching below Melrose[5].
The fly shop in Fort Smith is open daily from 7am to 6pm for all your gear needs, or give 'em a call at 406-666-2375 if you've got questions[1].
That's your report for today, folks. Remember, a bad day fishing the Bighorn still beats the best day working. This is Artificial Lure signing off – tight lines and see you on the water!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Good morning, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Friday fishing report for the Bighorn River. First light hit the water at about 5:50 this morning, and we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temperatures climbing into the mid-60s today.
The Bighorn spring fishing is absolutely firing right now, with the resident trout showing up in impressive numbers. Plenty of anglers are reporting 18+ inch fish on a regular basis, and they're looking healthy and strong after the winter months[1].
Water conditions are ideal for both wading and floating, with stable flows providing great clarity. Just keep an eye on Soap Creek about 10 miles downstream from the dam, as recent spring rains could make things a bit off-color[1].
For you nymph fishers, which is where most of the action is, focus on sowbugs and Baetis patterns. Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14-16 are producing consistently, along with #18 Wonder Nymphs and Flashback Quill Nymphs. Don't overlook a Two-Tone or Orange Scud as your upper fly[1]. The morning bite has been especially good with #18 Tung Teasers and other midge pupa patterns.
If you're patient enough to wait for afternoon dry fly action, there are some risers showing up. Pack some #20 Sipper Midges, CDC Midges, and Baetis patterns like the Cripple Thor[1].
For those who prefer the thrill of streamer fishing, it's been getting better each day. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls are your best bets. Fish are holding deep in slow water, so let those streamers sink and retrieve slowly[3].
Hot spots this week include the first 3 miles below the dam for consistent action, and the deeper runs around mile 7 for some trophy hunting. The river has been a bit crowded but not insane - plenty of water for everyone if you're willing to move around a bit[3].
Meanwhile, just a short drive away, the Big Hole has been fishing well too, with healthy fish and stable flows. Water visibility there is about 3 feet with March Browns hatching below Melrose[5].
The fly shop in Fort Smith is open daily from 7am to 6pm for all your gear needs, or give 'em a call at 406-666-2375 if you've got questions[1].
That's your report for today, folks. Remember, a bad day fishing the Bighorn still beats the best day working. This is Artificial Lure signing off – tight lines and see you on the water!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.