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Bighorn Montana Fishing Report: Trout Feast on Nymphs and Streamers in Ideal Spring Conditions
Published 11 months ago
Description
Good morning folks, this is Artificial Lure here with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for Wednesday, May 28, 2025. We’re right in the heart of prime spring angling, and conditions couldn’t be better for a full day on the water. The river is running clear with healthy flows—perfect for both wading and drifting. Water temperatures are hanging around the upper 40s, and these cool temps have the trout feeding steady all day[4][5].
No need to worry about tides in this neck of Montana. Sunrise was right around 5:30 am, and sunset will roll in about 8:35 pm. Expect a beautiful stretch of daylight, with highs aiming for the mid-60s and just a touch of wind in the afternoon to keep the bugs moving[4][5].
The resident rainbows and browns are looking strong this season. It’s been a banner couple weeks for 16 to 20 inchers, and we’re still hearing about a few big slabs cracking 22 inches. Most every boat and bank angler I’ve talked to lately has been hooking up with healthy numbers, and the fish are in great shape after a long, cold winter[2][4].
If you’re looking for a sure thing, nymphing is still king out here. Top producers continue to be Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14 and 16, and you can’t go wrong adding a #18 Wonder Nymph or Flashback Quill Nymph as your dropper. If you want a little extra flash, try a Two-Tone Scud or Orange Scud up top. For those hitting the river early, the #18 Tung Teaser midge pupa is still a hot ticket[2][4][3]. There’s been some dry fly action late in the day—if you see heads up, try a #20 Sipper Midge or CDC Midge, but keep those Baetis patterns handy for any afternoon hatch[2].
Streamer fans can get in on the action too. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls have all been putting up numbers, especially if you let them get down deep and work them slow[3]. If you’re tying up rigs, don’t overlook worms in about any color—they’re working well in off-color pockets, especially after a rain when tributaries like Soap Creek add some color downstream[2][3].
For bait, artificial flies are the go-to, as this stretch is a fly fishing hot spot, but if you’re on the hunt for numbers, scuds and sowbugs can’t be beat for the current conditions.
Hot spots to check out today include the Afterbay to Three Mile stretch for high action and that sweet mix of riffles and buckets, and anywhere near the mouth of Soap Creek—but only if the water’s clear. The Bighorn’s loaded with fish, and now’s the time to make your run.
That’s all for today—tight lines and bent rods from Big Horn, Montana.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.
No need to worry about tides in this neck of Montana. Sunrise was right around 5:30 am, and sunset will roll in about 8:35 pm. Expect a beautiful stretch of daylight, with highs aiming for the mid-60s and just a touch of wind in the afternoon to keep the bugs moving[4][5].
The resident rainbows and browns are looking strong this season. It’s been a banner couple weeks for 16 to 20 inchers, and we’re still hearing about a few big slabs cracking 22 inches. Most every boat and bank angler I’ve talked to lately has been hooking up with healthy numbers, and the fish are in great shape after a long, cold winter[2][4].
If you’re looking for a sure thing, nymphing is still king out here. Top producers continue to be Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14 and 16, and you can’t go wrong adding a #18 Wonder Nymph or Flashback Quill Nymph as your dropper. If you want a little extra flash, try a Two-Tone Scud or Orange Scud up top. For those hitting the river early, the #18 Tung Teaser midge pupa is still a hot ticket[2][4][3]. There’s been some dry fly action late in the day—if you see heads up, try a #20 Sipper Midge or CDC Midge, but keep those Baetis patterns handy for any afternoon hatch[2].
Streamer fans can get in on the action too. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls have all been putting up numbers, especially if you let them get down deep and work them slow[3]. If you’re tying up rigs, don’t overlook worms in about any color—they’re working well in off-color pockets, especially after a rain when tributaries like Soap Creek add some color downstream[2][3].
For bait, artificial flies are the go-to, as this stretch is a fly fishing hot spot, but if you’re on the hunt for numbers, scuds and sowbugs can’t be beat for the current conditions.
Hot spots to check out today include the Afterbay to Three Mile stretch for high action and that sweet mix of riffles and buckets, and anywhere near the mouth of Soap Creek—but only if the water’s clear. The Bighorn’s loaded with fish, and now’s the time to make your run.
That’s all for today—tight lines and bent rods from Big Horn, Montana.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.