Artificial Lure here, folks. Lemme tell ya what's happenin' on the Bighorn this fine Saturday morning, May 24th.

The Bighorn River's been busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger these past few weeks, but the fishing remains solid despite the crowds. Water temps are holding in the mid to upper 40s now, and the rainbow spawn is in full swing. So remember, be decent and give those spawning fish plenty of space - no wading through visible redds, ya hear?

Weather-wise, we're looking at a partly cloudy day with temperatures climbing into the low 60s by afternoon. Perfect fishing weather if you ask me. No tidal report needed here on our beautiful river - we leave that ocean nonsense to the coastal folks!

Fish activity has been primarily subsurface, with exceptional nymphing action. The resident trout are in great shape, with plenty of 18+ inchers being caught regularly. The Baetis hatches have been increasing, especially during overcast periods, but those trout are still being stubborn, focusing mainly on subsurface feeding.

For your tackle box today, I'd recommend loading up on UV Yum Yums, Carpet Bugs, Tailwater Sows in sizes 14-16, Silver Bullets, and Zebra Midges. Black Micro Mayflies and Pearl/Olive Jiggy Perdigons have also been working great. If you're going the streamer route, which has been producing some of the bigger fish lately, try Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and black Peanut Envys. Let those streamers sink and retrieve them slow as molasses.

For you dry fly enthusiasts, slim pickings I'm afraid, but if you're patient and fish the afternoon hours, you might find some success with size 20 Sipper Midges, CDC Midges, or Baetis patterns like the Cripple Thor.

Hot spots? The 3-mile to Bighorn Access stretch has been consistent, but crowded. For a bit more elbow room, try the areas below Soap Creek, about 10 miles down from the dam. Just keep an eye on it though - with our recent rains, Soap Creek can muddy up the main river when it runs high.

Best times to be on the water are early morning until about 10 AM, then again from 4 PM until sunset, which is around 8:45 PM today.

Remember, the fish are holding in mid-paced shelves and deeper runs, so focus your efforts there. And for Pete's sake, be mindful of other anglers out there - space has been at a premium.

That's the word from the Bighorn today, folks. This is Artificial Lure reminding you that the worst day fishing still beats the best day working. Tight lines!

Howdy folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for May 23, 2025. We're lookin' at another fine spring day out on the water with temps expected to climb into the high 60s by afternoon. Got a bit of cloud cover moving in later, which might just trigger some of those hatches we've been waiting on.

Sun came up about 5:25 this morning and we'll have light till around 8:45 tonight, giving you plenty of time to get your line wet. Winds are staying reasonable today, maybe 5-10 mph, nothing to worry about.

The Bighorn River is running clear with ideal flows for both wading and floating. Water's sitting in the upper 40s to low 50s now, and let me tell you, them trout are hungry! No tides to worry about here in Big Sky Country, just good old river fishing.

The fishing has been flat-out excellent this past week. Rainbows and browns in the 16-20 inch range are common, with several anglers connecting with some real bruisers pushing 22 inches. Just yesterday, had a fella in the shop who landed a 24-inch brown on a streamer down by Three Mile Access.

Nymphing is still your bread and butter right now. Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14 and 16 have been working like a charm, along with #18 Wonder Nymphs and Flashback Quill Nymphs. If you're setting up a double-nymph rig, try a Two-Tone Scud or Orange Scud as your top fly.

Now, for you dry fly enthusiasts – patience is still the name of the game, but we're seeing more action in the late afternoons. Some decent BWO hatches are happening when conditions are right. Pack some #20 Sipper Midges and CDC Midges, along with Baetis patterns like the Cripple Thor.

Streamer fishing has really picked up with this cloudy weather. If you're chasing bigger fish, tie on a Sparkle Minnow, Skiddish Smolt, or a black Peanut Envy. Remember to let 'em sink deep and retrieve slow.

For hot spots, the stretch below Afterbay Dam down to Bighorn Access has been consistent, but a bit crowded. For a little more elbow room, try the water around Two Leggins Access or head down toward St. Xavier. The mouth of Soap Creek has been productive, but watch for discoloration after rain.

Remember to mind those rainbow redds – we want them fish making more fish for next season. That's it for today, folks. Stop by the shop if you need anything. Tight lines!

Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure reporting live from the heart of Big Horn Montana for May 21st 2025. We have a beautiful late spring day shaping up on the Big Horn River and the surrounding waters. First light hit at 538 AM and you can expect to fish until sunset at 836 PM. Weather today is mostly clear with light winds out of the northwest and temperatures climbing from the low 40s up into the mid 70s by afternoon so bring that sunscreen and a light jacket for the morning chill.

There are no tidal influences up here but water levels are steady and clarity is good thanks to a mild runoff season. Flows on the river are running a touch above the seasonal average but nothing the trout can’t handle. The bite has really picked up in the last week. Anglers have reported strong numbers of brown and rainbow trout in the 14 to 20 inch range with a few lunkers pushing over 22 inches showing up on nymph rigs and streamer patterns. The upper Bighorn from Afterbay to 13 Mile is fishing especially well with active fish holding in riffles and along deeper seams. Wading the edges or doing a slow float will both put you on fish.

Nymphing remains king out here with sowbugs and scuds in sizes 16 to 18 doing a lot of damage. A two-nymph rig with a pink sowbug and a tan scud is a top producer. Fish are still looking up in the afternoons though with blue wing olive and midge hatches bringing some solid dry fly action. Keep a selection of BWO parachutes and Griffiths Gnats in 18 and 20 handy for rising fish. For streamer fans olive or black woolly buggers and smaller articulated patterns have moved some real bruisers, especially in the early morning or evenings.

If you are looking for hot spots start at the Afterbay access and work your way down toward Three Mile. The faster runs and drop-offs are holding good numbers. The Bighorn Access and the area around the Bighorn Club have both seen heavier crowds but equally good fishing, especially during evening caddis hatches.

All in all conditions are prime right now for anyone chasing trout. Bring your waders, a good mix of nymphs and dries, and patience for the big ones. Tight lines and good luck out there from your friend on the water, Artificial Lure.

Good morning from the banks of the Bighorn River, this is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for Monday, May 19, 2025.

We are deep in prime spring fishing, and the river is showing off. Sunrise was at 5:39 am and sunset will be at 8:29 pm. No tidal changes to worry about in Montana—your bite windows today will follow water temperature and light. We’re expecting clear skies, a light breeze, and daytime highs in the upper 60s. Water flows remain steady and clear, running near 2280 cubic feet per second, with an afternoon water temperature hanging around 48 degrees. Short version: it’s about perfect out there today for both waders and those in a drift boat[4][5].

Fish activity is strong. The big story lately is healthy rainbows and browns in the 16 to 20 inch range being caught with regularity, and several folks have managed trout pushing the 22 inch mark[3][4]. Most of the action is happening subsurface. Nymphing is hands-down the most productive method right now. Top flies are Tailwater Sowbugs in size 14 to 16, Baetis and BWO nymphs, midge pupa and larva in size 18 to 22, and the old reliable scuds—try Two-Tone or Orange Scud for your “up fly.” Carpet Bugs, UV Yum Yums, and the Flashback Quill Nymph are also putting fish in the net[1][3][4].

If you are a streamer junkie, Sparkle Minnows, Geisha Girls, and Skiddish Smolts have been producing, especially with a slow retrieve in the deeper, slower water[2]. Don’t pass up a worm pattern either; red or pink San Juans have been grabbing some good ones. Not much surface action yet, but if you insist on a dry, look for risers later in the afternoon and go tiny with a #20 Sipper Midge or CDC Midge.

As for bait, fly fishing reigns supreme here on the Bighorn. If you are after numbers and size, stick to tandem nymph rigs with a sowbug or scud up top and a tiny midge dropper fished deep and slow.

Hot spots this week: The section just below Afterbay Dam is always a good bet, especially in the morning. For those willing to walk, the weed beds near Soap Creek are holding some bruisers—just beware if spring rains turn the water off-color down there.

Reports from the last few days have been nothing short of stellar. Anglers are consistently finding trout throughout the system, and the river is in great shape. Stop by the local fly shops for the latest scoop and to stock up before heading out.

That’s your report for today. Tight lines from Artificial Lure—here’s to your next big one on the Bighorn[3][4][5].

Hello folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for May 18, 2025.

We've got perfect spring fishing conditions today with temperatures expected to reach the mid-60s. It's a beautiful morning with light winds forecast to pick up slightly in the afternoon. Sunrise came at about 5:30 am and sunset will be around 8:35 pm today, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water.

The Bighorn River is running clear with good flows for both wade and float fishing. Water temperatures are hovering in the upper 40s, which has the trout actively feeding. No need to worry about tides out here in Montana—our fish operate on different schedules!

The resident trout population is looking mighty fine this season. Anglers have been consistently landing rainbows and browns in the 16 to 20 inch range, with some lucky folks connecting with bruisers pushing 22 inches. The 18+ inch class has been particularly active over the past couple weeks.

Nymphing remains your best bet for consistent action. Those Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14 and 16 are still producing well, along with #18 Wonder Nymphs and Flashback Quill Nymphs. For your top fly, try a Two-Tone Scud or an Orange Scud. Midges are also working nicely, especially the #18 Tung Teaser during morning hours.

If you're patient, some dry fly action is available later in the day. Pack some #20 Sipper Midges, CDC Midges, and Baetis patterns like the Cripple Thor for when you spot risers.

Streamer fishing has been improving for those targeting bigger fish. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls have been turning heads. Remember to fish them slow and deep in slower water for best results.

For hot spots, the section below the dam has been consistent, but don't overlook the water about 3-4 miles downstream where pressure is lighter. Just keep an eye on Soap Creek about 10 miles down—spring rains can make things murky there when it runs.

The river has been fairly busy but not overwhelming. If you're looking for more solitude, try hitting the water early or fishing into the evening hours when most folks have called it a day.

Stop by the shop if you need anything—we're open daily from 7am to 6pm. Tight lines, everyone!

Good morning folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for May 17, 2025.

We're looking at another gorgeous spring day on the Bighorn River. Sunrise came at about 5:31 am and sunset will be around 8:37 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to get your lines wet. Weather's shaping up real nice with clear skies early and temperatures expected to climb into the low 70s by afternoon.

The Bighorn's running at standard spring flows, and water clarity remains excellent. Water temps have inched up to about 50 degrees in the afternoons, which has those trout feeding actively. No need to worry about tides here in Montana, of course - your bite windows will follow water temperature patterns and light conditions.

The fishing has been downright exceptional this past week. We're seeing healthy rainbows and browns in the 16 to 20 inch range coming to net regularly, with several reports of trophy fish pushing 22 inches. Local guides are telling me their clients are having 20-30 fish days when conditions are right.

Subsurface action continues to be the most productive approach. Nymphing has been the ticket, with sowbugs and Baetis nymph patterns producing consistent results. Your best bet is to tie on Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14-16, Wonder Nymphs in size 18, or Flashback Quill Nymphs. Don't leave home without some UV Yum Yums, Carpet Bugs, and Two-Tone or Orange Scuds for your top fly.

For the morning bite, size 18 Tung Teasers have been deadly. If you're willing to stick around into the afternoon, you might find some rising fish. Small patterns like size 20 Sipper Midges, CDC Midges, and Baetis Cripple Thors can bring fish to the surface.

For hot spots, the stretch below Afterbay Dam to Three Mile Access has been fishing well, especially early. Later in the day, try working the deeper runs between Bighorn Access and Mallards Landing. Just keep an eye on Soap Creek about 10 miles downstream from the dam - spring rains can make the water off-color there.

River conditions are ideal for both wade fishing and floating right now, so take your pick. The resident trout are fat and happy, and they're looking up. Get out there and wet a line, folks - it doesn't get much better than May on the Bighorn.

This is Artificial Lure signing off. Tight lines, everyone!

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!

Artificial Lure's Big Horn Montana Fishing Report - May 14, 2025

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your midweek fishing update for the beautiful Bighorn River.

The Bighorn is showing excellent conditions today with clearing water. After some recent spring rains, we're seeing that slight tinge of green disappearing day by day, setting up perfect visibility for the hungry trout[1]. Current flows are holding steady around 2280 cfs with water temps in the upper 40s - ideal for active feeding[5].

The resident trout population is looking mighty fine this spring! Anglers have been consistently landing 18+ inch beauties in recent days[3]. The fish are primarily holding in deeper, slower-moving water, but they're definitely on the feed.

Nymphing remains your best bet for consistent action. Focus on sowbugs, scuds, and Baetis nymph patterns. Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14-16 have been particularly effective, along with #18 Wonder Nymphs and Flashback Quill Nymphs[3]. For your "up fly," consider a Two-Tone Scud or Orange Scud. Don't overlook midges - a #18 Tung Teaser has been working wonders in the morning hours.

For those willing to wait for dry fly action, late afternoon has been producing some rising fish. Pack some #20 Sipper Midges and CDC Midges, as well as Baetis patterns like the Cripple Thor[3].

Streamer fishing has been improving daily. Try Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls with a slow retrieve after letting them sink deep[2]. For those who prefer sculpin patterns, the Black Matuka and Olive Matuka in sizes 4-6 are solid choices[5].

Hot spots today include the first few miles below the dam and the deeper runs around the 3-mile mark. If you're willing to venture further downstream, the structure around the 10-mile mark has been producing some larger browns, but watch for discoloration if Soap Creek is running high after yesterday's rain[3].

Weather-wise, we're looking at mostly clear skies today with temperatures climbing to the mid-60s - pretty much perfect fishing conditions[4]. The river isn't overly crowded midweek, so you should have plenty of elbow room.

Remember, the fly shops are open from 7am to 6pm daily for all your supply needs. Give the Bighorn Trout Shop a call at 406-666-2375 if you need specific pattern recommendations for today[3].

That's the word from the river today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and see you on the water!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your May 12th fishing report for the Bighorn River area.

The Bighorn is absolutely firing right now, folks! Spring fishing is in full swing and the resident trout are looking mighty fine. We've been seeing plenty of chunky 18+ inchers coming to the net regularly over the past couple weeks.

Current conditions are ideal with good flows for both wading and floating. The river's running clear except after those afternoon rain showers we've been getting. Keep an eye on Soap Creek about 10 miles down from the dam – when we get warm temps and spring rain, it can muddy things up a bit.

Weather today is typical May – a bit unstable with scattered showers but temperatures staying comfortable. Perfect fishing weather if you ask me! The river's been a tad crowded lately but not crazy busy like we'll see next month.

As for the bite, subsurface action continues to be exceptional. Not much happening with dry flies yet, though if you're patient and fish into the afternoon, you might find some risers taking midges and the occasional baetis. For the dry fly enthusiasts, pack some #20 Sipper Midges, CDC Midges, and Baetis patterns like the Cripple Thor.

Nymphing remains your best bet. Local guides are crushing it with UV Yum Yums, Carpet Bugs, Tailwater Sows in sizes 14-16, Silver Bullets, Wonder Nymphs (#18), and Flashback Quill Nymphs. Don't forget to add a Two-Tone Scud or Orange Scud as your upper fly. The #18 Tung Teaser has been especially productive during morning hours.

Streamer fishing is improving daily and producing the bigger fish. Let those flies sink deep and retrieve slowly in the slower moving water. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls have all been turning heads.

Hot spots this week include the deeper runs below the 3-mile access and the stretch just above the Bighorn Access. The water around Mallards Landing has also been consistent.

The Bighorn Trout Shop is open daily from 7am to 6pm for all your tackle needs, and they're always happy to share the latest intel. Give 'em a call at 406-666-2375 if you need more specifics.

Tight lines and wet nets, friends! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time!

This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for May 11, 2025.

Weather conditions are just about perfect for spring angling. We’ve got clear skies early, with a light breeze and daytime highs projected in the upper 60s. The Bighorn River is currently running at normal flows, around 2280 cubic feet per second, with clear water and an afternoon temperature near 48 degrees. Sunrise came at 5:39 am and sunset is at 8:29 pm. Tidal changes aren’t a factor here in Montana, so your bite windows will mostly follow water temperature and light[4].

Trout fishing has been consistent this week. Reports from several guides say lots of healthy rainbows and browns in the 16 to 20 inch range are being caught daily. A few lucky anglers landed fish pushing 22 inches. Anglers drifting nymph rigs are finding the most success, with midges, Baetis nymphs, sowbugs, and scuds all producing. Top flies include cream and red midge larva or pupa in size 20 to 22, Black Micro Mayflies, Zebra Midges, Pearl or Olive Jiggy Perdigons, and Tailwater Sowbugs. Tandem rigs with a midge larva and midge pupa under an indicator have been deadly when fished deep and slow[2][3][4].

Streamer action is picking up too. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, Geisha Girls, and classic sculpin patterns in olive or black are getting chases from bigger fish, especially in slower, deeper pools. Keep your retrieve slow to let those streamers get down where the fish are hugging the bottom[3][4].

If you’re bait fishing, a simple worm rig will do the trick, as just about any color San Juan or squirmy worm is hot right now. Pair a worm with a bead head nymph for steady action[3].

Best hot spots this week have been below Afterbay Dam for numbers, especially on overcast mornings, and the runs near the Three Mile Access for quality trout. Fish are still hanging deep, so don’t be afraid to add a little weight and drift through the slower seams and tailouts.

To sum up, bring your nymph box, a few streamers, and work the deeper runs. The Bighorn is fishing well and the trout are healthy and hungry. Good luck, and see you on the river.