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Springtime on the Bighorn: Nymphs, Dries, and Trout Galore in Big Horn, Montana
Published 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Description
This is Artificial Lure checking in with your May 16, 2025, report for Big Horn, Montana and the legendary Bighorn River. We’re set up for another fine day on the water, with spring in full swing and fish activity ramping up.
Weather’s about perfect for angling right now. Skies are clear, there’s just a whisper of breeze early, and high temps will be in the upper 60s. The Bighorn is running steady at around 2280 cfs, water clarity is excellent, and by mid-afternoon, the river temp is hanging around 48 degrees. Sunrise hit at 5:39 am and sunset will be at 8:29 pm. Since we’re an inland tailwater, tides play no role here—focus your bite windows on water temp and light, especially as the afternoon warms things up[5].
Trout fishing has been steady to downright hot this week. Local guides are reporting strong numbers of healthy rainbows and browns, mostly in the 16 to 20 inch class, though a handful have topped 22 inches. Fish are active and feeding well as nymphs continue to dominate the menu. If you’re nymphing, go with small midge patterns (cream and red midge larva or pupa, size 20-22), Baetis nymphs like Black Micro Mayflies, Zebra Midges, Pearl or Olive Jiggy Perdigons, and always keep Tailwater Sowbugs in the box. Tandem rigs—midge larva and pupa under an indicator—have been the ticket, fished deep and drifted slow[2][3][4][5].
If you like dry fly action, keep an eye out for midges and Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) coming off in the late morning and early afternoon, especially when the cloud cover rolls in. Watch the flats and slow seams—if you see noses, try a BWO or midge emerger on a light tippet. For the bait crowd, eggs and worms will pick up trout holding tight on the bottom.
Hot spots right now are below Afterbay Dam, Three Mile Access, and further downstream at Mallards—these always produce this time of year. The upper river is a classic for spring, but don’t overlook the long riffles and deeper slots below Bighorn Access as well.
To sum up, Big Horn is fishing great—bring your nymph box, toss in some dries, and enjoy these prime May conditions. Good luck out there, and as always, respect the river and fellow anglers. Tight lines!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Weather’s about perfect for angling right now. Skies are clear, there’s just a whisper of breeze early, and high temps will be in the upper 60s. The Bighorn is running steady at around 2280 cfs, water clarity is excellent, and by mid-afternoon, the river temp is hanging around 48 degrees. Sunrise hit at 5:39 am and sunset will be at 8:29 pm. Since we’re an inland tailwater, tides play no role here—focus your bite windows on water temp and light, especially as the afternoon warms things up[5].
Trout fishing has been steady to downright hot this week. Local guides are reporting strong numbers of healthy rainbows and browns, mostly in the 16 to 20 inch class, though a handful have topped 22 inches. Fish are active and feeding well as nymphs continue to dominate the menu. If you’re nymphing, go with small midge patterns (cream and red midge larva or pupa, size 20-22), Baetis nymphs like Black Micro Mayflies, Zebra Midges, Pearl or Olive Jiggy Perdigons, and always keep Tailwater Sowbugs in the box. Tandem rigs—midge larva and pupa under an indicator—have been the ticket, fished deep and drifted slow[2][3][4][5].
If you like dry fly action, keep an eye out for midges and Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) coming off in the late morning and early afternoon, especially when the cloud cover rolls in. Watch the flats and slow seams—if you see noses, try a BWO or midge emerger on a light tippet. For the bait crowd, eggs and worms will pick up trout holding tight on the bottom.
Hot spots right now are below Afterbay Dam, Three Mile Access, and further downstream at Mallards—these always produce this time of year. The upper river is a classic for spring, but don’t overlook the long riffles and deeper slots below Bighorn Access as well.
To sum up, Big Horn is fishing great—bring your nymph box, toss in some dries, and enjoy these prime May conditions. Good luck out there, and as always, respect the river and fellow anglers. Tight lines!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI