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Bighorn River Fishing Report: Monster Trout and Hatches Galore
Published 11 months ago
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# Bighorn River Fishing Report: May 31, 2025
Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for today, May 31st, 2025.
The Bighorn is absolutely prime right now with water conditions stabilizing nicely after some fluctuations earlier this month. We've got partly cloudy skies today with temperatures expected to reach the low 70s - perfect fishing weather if you ask me. Sunrise was at 5:26 AM and we'll have daylight until sunset at 8:43 PM, giving you plenty of time on the water.
The river is running clear at around 2300 CFS, with water temperatures hovering in the upper 40s to low 50s depending on time of day. That's the sweet spot for active feeding, and the trout are definitely taking advantage.
The fishing has been phenomenal this week with consistent reports of rainbows and browns in the 16-20 inch range. Several guides reported clients landing trophy trout pushing 22 inches, and one lucky angler even pulled in a 24-inch brown yesterday near the Three Mile Access.
Hatches are in full swing now. We're seeing substantial Blue-Winged Olive emergences in the afternoons, especially on cloudier days. PMDs are just starting to appear, and midges are reliable throughout the day. If you're looking for dry fly action, focus on the slower seams and inside bends between 2-5 PM.
For flies, you'll want to pack a variety. Nymphing remains the most productive method, with Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14-16 absolutely crushing it. Pair these with Baetis nymph imitations like Wonder Nymphs and Flashback Quill Nymphs in size 18. Two-Tone Scuds and Orange Scuds as your upper fly are working wonders. For midges, the Tung Teaser in size 18 has been deadly, especially in the morning hours.
If you're chasing the dry fly bite, Sipper Midges and CDC Midges in size 20 are your best bet, along with Parachute BWO patterns in sizes 18-20. The evening spinner falls have been spotty but worth sticking around for.
Streamer fishing has been hit-or-miss but producing some of the biggest fish. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and black Peanut Envy patterns have been turning heads when fished deep with a slow retrieve.
Hot spots this week include the Breakfast Hole just below the dam for wade anglers, and the stretch between Three Mile and Bighorn Access for floaters. The seams around Soap Creek confluence have been particularly productive once the water clears.
Crowds are typical for this time of year, but if you're willing to explore downstream past Two Leggins, you'll find more solitude and plenty of willing fish.
Thanks for tuning in to the Big Horn Montana fishing report. Don't forget to subscribe for daily updates on conditions and catches. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.
Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for today, May 31st, 2025.
The Bighorn is absolutely prime right now with water conditions stabilizing nicely after some fluctuations earlier this month. We've got partly cloudy skies today with temperatures expected to reach the low 70s - perfect fishing weather if you ask me. Sunrise was at 5:26 AM and we'll have daylight until sunset at 8:43 PM, giving you plenty of time on the water.
The river is running clear at around 2300 CFS, with water temperatures hovering in the upper 40s to low 50s depending on time of day. That's the sweet spot for active feeding, and the trout are definitely taking advantage.
The fishing has been phenomenal this week with consistent reports of rainbows and browns in the 16-20 inch range. Several guides reported clients landing trophy trout pushing 22 inches, and one lucky angler even pulled in a 24-inch brown yesterday near the Three Mile Access.
Hatches are in full swing now. We're seeing substantial Blue-Winged Olive emergences in the afternoons, especially on cloudier days. PMDs are just starting to appear, and midges are reliable throughout the day. If you're looking for dry fly action, focus on the slower seams and inside bends between 2-5 PM.
For flies, you'll want to pack a variety. Nymphing remains the most productive method, with Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14-16 absolutely crushing it. Pair these with Baetis nymph imitations like Wonder Nymphs and Flashback Quill Nymphs in size 18. Two-Tone Scuds and Orange Scuds as your upper fly are working wonders. For midges, the Tung Teaser in size 18 has been deadly, especially in the morning hours.
If you're chasing the dry fly bite, Sipper Midges and CDC Midges in size 20 are your best bet, along with Parachute BWO patterns in sizes 18-20. The evening spinner falls have been spotty but worth sticking around for.
Streamer fishing has been hit-or-miss but producing some of the biggest fish. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and black Peanut Envy patterns have been turning heads when fished deep with a slow retrieve.
Hot spots this week include the Breakfast Hole just below the dam for wade anglers, and the stretch between Three Mile and Bighorn Access for floaters. The seams around Soap Creek confluence have been particularly productive once the water clears.
Crowds are typical for this time of year, but if you're willing to explore downstream past Two Leggins, you'll find more solitude and plenty of willing fish.
Thanks for tuning in to the Big Horn Montana fishing report. Don't forget to subscribe for daily updates on conditions and catches. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.