Hello, anglers! This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for Saturday, May 10th, 2025.

The sun broke over the horizon at about 5:50 this morning, and we're looking at a decent day on the water. Spring fishing is in full swing on the Bighorn River, with those resident trout showing excellent condition. Plenty of 18+ inch fish have been coming to the net regularly over the past week.

Water conditions are favorable right now. The Bighorn is flowing at a great level for both wade fishing and float trips. Visibility is good, though keep an eye on Soap Creek about 10 miles downstream from the dam - warm temperatures and spring rain can make things murky there.

The fish have been most responsive to subsurface presentations. Nymphing has been the ticket to success, with sowbugs and Baetis nymph patterns producing consistently. Try Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14-16, Wonder Nymphs in size 18, and Flashback Quill Nymphs. Two-Tone or Orange Scuds as your upper fly can also trigger strikes. For the early bite, size 18 Tung Teasers and other midge pupa imitations have been working well.

Dry fly action has been limited but improving. If you stick it out into the afternoon, you'll find some rising fish. Size 20 Sipper Midges, CDC Midges, and Baetis patterns like the Cripple Thor are your best bets.

Over on the Big Hole, conditions are stable with about 3 feet of visibility. Fishing has been productive with a mix of nymphs - Pat's Stones in black/brown size 10, Jig Hot Spots size 12, San Juan Worms in pink or red, and Prince Nymphs have all been effective. For those preferring streamers, the Sparkle Minnow J.J. size 6 and Rusty Trombone have been moving fish.

Hot spots this weekend: The stretch just below Afterbay Dam has been particularly productive for wade anglers, while float fishing from Three Mile to Bighorn Access is yielding quality browns and rainbows. If you're heading to the Big Hole, the section below Melrose has been seeing good March Brown hatches.

Water temperature is sitting around 48-50 degrees, perfect for increasing insect activity. The fish we're seeing caught are healthy and in great shape for the season.

Stop by the fly shop in town from 7am to 6pm for all your tackle needs, or give us a call at 406-666-2375 with any questions.

Tight lines until next time, folks! This is Artificial Lure signing off.

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!

Howdy there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Big Horn fishing report for this fine Wednesday morning, May 7th, 2025.

The Bighorn River is absolutely on fire right now, folks! Water conditions are holding steady with flows around 2280 cfs and clarity remaining good. Water temps have climbed into the upper 40s, which has the trout active and feeding aggressively.

The resident trout population is showing exceptional quality this spring. Anglers have been consistently landing healthy 18+ inch fish throughout the system. These beauties are fat, colorful, and fighting hard!

Subsurface fishing continues to be the most productive method this week. Your best bet is nymphing with UV Yum Yums, Carpet Bugs, and Tailwater Sows. The Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) nymphs are providing ample food sources for these fish, so matching these patterns will serve you well. For those wanting to try streamers, the Sparkle Minnow J.J. size 6 or Rusty Trombone size 6 have been producing nice strikes.

If you're heading over to the Big Hole area, try Pat's Stones in black or brown #10, Jig Hot Spots #12, or San Juan Worms in pink or red #8. The visibility there is about 3 feet with stable flows.

For midges, stick with Cream and Red (Blood) patterns in sizes 20-22. The pre-rigged tandem midge setups with larva and pupa have been mighty popular, especially when fished under a strike indicator with the larva near the bottom.

Hot spots to try: The stretch below Afterbay Dam has been consistently productive, especially in the morning hours. The 3-Mile Access area is also turning out nice fish for those willing to put in a little extra effort to reach less pressured water.

As for the weather today, we're looking at typical spring conditions with warming temperatures that should further improve the action as the day progresses. The sunshine might keep the fish from looking up for dry flies, so stick with the subsurface approach for now.

With the water temps climbing, expect increased insect activity which should get those fish moving more actively throughout the day. The March Browns and BWOs are hatching nicely, so keep an eye out for rising fish in the slower sections, especially during cloudy periods.

Overall, it's prime time on the Bighorn, friends! The fish are healthy, active, and ready to bend your rod. Get out there while the getting's good, and I'll see you on the water!

Tight lines and wet nets,
Artificial Lure

Fishing report for Big Horn Montana, Monday May 5th, 2025, from your local angling partner, Artificial Lure.

First light hit the river at 5:54 AM this morning and we can fish steady through sunset at 8:28 PM. The weather has been cooperative lately, with the river running clear and steady at about 2280 cfs, water temp pushing 48 degrees and the clarity just right for spotting those beauties[2][3].

The Bighorn is living up to her reputation this spring. Fish activity has been excellent, especially in the afternoons as the water warms a bit. Midges have been coming off strong, and while dry fly action is still a little slow, nymph fishing has been fair to good. Recent reports show folks landing plenty of brown and rainbow trout, with numbers still holding around an impressive 3500 fish per mile in the most productive stretches[1][5]. Most fish caught this past week ranged 14 to 17 inches, with the occasional 20-inch torpedo rewarding the patient streamer angler.

Your best bet right now is nymphing, with sowbugs and midge or BWO nymphs doing most of the heavy lifting. Tailwater sowbugs, scuds, and any color of worm pattern have all put fish in the net. For midges, try cream or blood red larva and pupae, sizes 20 to 22 – rig those tandem under an indicator and keep the bottom fly down low[2][3]. For those looking to swing for something bigger, streamer action is picking up. Sparkle Minnows, White Belly Sculpin, Articulated Streamers, and Skiddish Smolts retrieved slow and deep are getting hammered, especially when the sun dips behind a cloud[2][3].

For bait, if you’re fishing with conventional gear, nightcrawlers and red worms have worked well in slower water, but most anglers this week are sticking with flies.

Hot spots have been the usual suspects: below Afterbay Dam for morning nymphing, and the stretch around Three Mile Access for strong midge and BWO hatches in the afternoon. If you want to get away from the crowds, drift into the deeper buckets near Mallards Landing or work the edges at Two Leggins, especially with a streamer in hand[1].

No tides to worry about this far inland, just keep an eye on those afternoon breezes and dress in layers for chilly mornings. The shop in Fort Smith is stocked with everything you need.

That’s the report for today – the Bighorn is fishing great. Tight lines and see you out there.

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Bighorn River fishing report for this beautiful Sunday morning, May 4th, 2025.

The Bighorn is fishing exceptionally well right now as we're smack in the middle of spring prime time. Water flows are running at normal levels and clear, with afternoon temps hovering in the upper 40s. This is exactly what we want to see in early May!

Weather-wise, we're looking at slightly warmer conditions than we've had the past few weeks, though still expecting some scattered rain showers which honestly makes for perfect fishing weather. The fish don't mind getting wet, and neither should you!

The river's been moderately crowded but not packed to the gills like we'll see in another month. Lots of locals getting out before the summer rush hits.

As for the fishing itself, there's been excellent nymphing action lately. Sowbugs, scuds, and worms in just about any color have been bringing consistent success. Black Micro Mayfly, Pearl/Olive Jiggy Perdigon, Black Zebra Midge, and Tailwater Sowbug patterns have all been working their magic. Midges have been hatching regularly, particularly cream and red (blood) midges in sizes 20-22.

Streamer fishing has been picking up nicely compared to a month ago. Try Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls, but remember to let 'em sink deep and retrieve slowly. The big browns are holding in the deeper, slower water.

While dry fly action hasn't been red hot yet, it's improving daily as we move deeper into May. Keep some BWO patterns handy as these hatches are starting to intensify.

For hot spots, I'd recommend trying the stretch below Afterbay Dam in the morning hours, especially if you're nymphing. The 3-mile flat has been producing consistently, and the deep runs near Two Leggins have been giving up some quality fish to those working streamers.

Sunrise was around 5:50 this morning with sunset expected around 8:15 tonight, giving you plenty of daylight to get your fix.

Remember folks, this is prime time on the Horn - May and June offer some of the best fishing of the year. Get out there, be patient with your presentations, and you should have no trouble connecting with these beautiful trout.

This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and wet nets to all you anglers out there!

Artificial Lure reporting in from Big Horn, Montana with your May 3rd, 2025 fishing report.

We woke up to crisp spring air and the promise of great fishing conditions on the Bighorn River. The sun came up at 5:55 AM and will set around 8:25 PM, giving anglers a long window to work the water. No need to worry about tides here since the Bighorn is a freshwater river, not affected by ocean tides.

The weather has been stable and on the cool side. Mornings are chilly, but the afternoons warm up nicely, perfect for hitting the river after a late breakfast. The water is running clear and at a steady flow, about 2280 cubic feet per second with an afternoon temperature around 48 degrees. This clear water, combined with active hatches, is making for excellent trout fishing[5].

Fish are on the move. After shaking off winter, they’re feeding eagerly. Nymphing is your best bet; sowbugs, midges, and BWO nymphs are all working well. Folks fishing the last few days have been netting solid numbers of rainbow and brown trout, mostly using tandem midge rigs under an indicator to get down deep where the fish are hugging the bottom[1][4][5].

Streamers are also producing, especially in the deeper slots and along the grassy banks. Try a sculpin pattern, white belly sculpins, or something articulated in black or olive, sizes 4 to 6. The water still has a touch of grass breaking loose, but it’s not enough to spoil the action[5].

Dry fly purists are starting to find a few fish rising to midges, but the real topwater action isn’t far off. Keep an eye out for BWOs if the clouds roll in.

For bait anglers, the classic patterns hold up: sowbugs, scuds, and the occasional worm pattern will draw strikes from the river’s hungry trout.

Your best hotspots right now are between Afterbay and Three Mile. This stretch is seeing good numbers and healthy fish. Another solid bet is the area below the Bighorn Access where the water deepens and current seams hold big browns.

To sum it up: the Bighorn is wide open and fishing is hot. Bring your nymph rigs and a handful of streamers, and you’ll be in for a banner day. See you on the river – tight lines from your local source, Artificial Lure[2][3][5].

BIGHORN RIVER FISHING REPORT
May 2, 2025

Howdy folks, Artificial Lure here with your spring fishing report for the Bighorn River!

Let me tell you, the fishing has been absolutely on fire lately! Our Bighorn trout have fully awakened from their winter slumber and they are HUNGRY. The water is running clear at about 2280 cfs with afternoon temperatures around 48 degrees - perfect conditions for early May fishing[5].

The browns and rainbows (nearly 3,500 per mile in these waters) are actively feeding, making this one of the most productive times to be on the river[1]. We're seeing the spring hatches kick into high gear with Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) now coming off in good numbers, and midges are thick on warmer afternoons[3].

Nymphing remains the most consistent producer, especially in the morning hours. Sowbugs paired with midge or BWO nymph patterns have been deadly. For your nymph rig, try Black Zebra Midges, Pearl/Olive Jiggy Perdigons, Tailwater Sowbugs, or any color of worm pattern[3]. If you tie your own, cream and red (blood) midges in sizes 20-22 have been particularly effective[5].

As the day warms up, keep your eyes peeled for rising fish. The dry fly action isn't red hot yet, but on warmer days with cloud cover, you'll find fish looking up, especially to BWOs.

For you streamer junkies, the action has been inconsistent but producing some of the bigger fish. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, Geisha Girls, and Matuka Sculpins in black or olive are turning heads[3][5].

Hot spots right now include the productive runs below Afterbay Dam, Three Mile access, and the deeper slots around Bighorn access. The fish are stacking up in the deeper water, especially with the cooler water temps we've been seeing[1][2].

The crowds have been light, making this the perfect time to hit the water. The river is in prime shape - as clean as it gets all year - though water temps are still a bit chilly[2]. Expect things to only get better as we move deeper into May.

For access, your best bets are Afterbay Dam, Three Mile, Bighorn, Mallards, and Two Leggins launches[1]. Fort Smith has all the angler facilities you'll need.

Weather has been typical Montana spring - up and down with some wind, but the fishing remains good regardless[2]. Layer up for those cool mornings, but be ready to peel down as the day warms.

That's the word from Big Sky Country, folks. The Bighorn is fishing mighty fine, and with the improving conditions, I'd say get out there while the getting's good!

Tight lines,
Artificial Lure

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Bighorn fishing report for this fine Wednesday, April 30th.

The Bighorn River is really coming alive now as we push into late April. Water's finally clearing up nicely after that greenish tinge we saw earlier this month, and the grass that was breaking off has mostly cleared out. Water temps are climbing steadily with our recent stretch of warmer weather, which has the fish increasingly active.

The BWO hatches I mentioned might be coming a couple weeks back? They're now in full swing! Blue-winged olives are bringing fish to the surface when conditions are right, especially during cloudy periods. This is giving us some consistent dry fly fishing opportunities that we've been waiting for all spring.

Fish activity has been excellent lately. The rainbows and browns have fully woken from their winter slumber and are feeding aggressively. They know it's time to pack on the calories. Nymphing is still producing the most consistent action, but don't miss those afternoon dry fly windows when the BWOs are popping.

For flies, I'm having great success with Black Micro Mayflies, Pearl/Olive Jiggy Perdigons, Black Zebra Midges, and Tailwater Sowbugs in the 16-20 size range. The scud patterns in olive and orange are working well too. And never underestimate a good ol' worm pattern on the Bighorn - pink, red, or brown, they're all getting grabs. For the dry fly folks, size 18-20 BWO patterns are your ticket right now.

Streamer fishing has been hit or miss but is producing some of the larger fish. Try Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls, but fish them slow and deep since the bigger fish are still holding in the deeper runs.

For hot spots, the stretch below 3-Mile Access has been particularly productive, especially in the deeper slots where fish are piled up. Also check out the area around Bighorn Access where there's been tremendous action in the morning hours.

The river's been a bit crowded on weekends, but midweek fishing gives you plenty of elbow room. Get out early to claim your spot - sunrise is around 6:00 AM these days, with sunset pushing toward 8:15 PM, giving us nice long days on the water.

No tidal report needed here on our beautiful tailwater! Weather for the next few days looks mighty fine - temps in the 60s with some scattered clouds, perfect for those BWO hatches.

Tight lines, y'all! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Stop by the shop for the latest intel if you're heading this way!

Greetings from Big Horn Montana, this is Artificial Lure bringing you today’s fishing report for April 23rd, 2025.

Spring has truly sprung on the Bighorn River and the fish are awake and hungry after their winter slumber. Weather is finally mild enough for a full day out, though expect some wind which is typical this time of year. Sunrise hit around 6:08 AM this morning, with sunset coming up at 8:12 PM—plenty of daylight for a long float or to work a few favorite runs from shore.

No tides to worry about out here, just solid river flows. The water is still carrying a bit of a green tinge in places, with some grass and moss breaking up, but clarity is improving downstream of the Afterbay and should be prime in the coming days. Flows are steady, and water temps are still cool, so the fish are piled up in the deeper runs.

Nymphing remains the top producer this week. Fish are gorging on sowbugs and scuds, so be sure to rig double nymphs with a Tailwater Sowbug or Firebead Sow Bug paired up with a black Zebra Midge or BWO nymph. Worm patterns in any color are also working well—think San Juan Worms, Bloody Marys, and various Perdigons. For those who like it flashy, Pearl or Olive Jiggy Perdigons have landed quite a few rainbows lately. The streamer bite is coming on, with Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls getting chases from big browns if you work the deeper, slower slots[1][4][5].

Dry fly action is just starting to heat up with midday BWO hatches if the clouds roll in and the wind calms down. Keep a small BWO or Griffith’s Gnat handy if you see fish rising during the warmest part of the afternoon.

Reports from the last few days have been solid, especially on nymphs and streamers. Anglers are netting good numbers of healthy brown and rainbow trout, especially near the Afterbay Dam and down through Three Mile and Mallards Access. Trout numbers hold strong as always here—expect to connect with fish in the 14 to 18 inch range, with the occasional beast pushing past 20.

For hot spots, focus your efforts from the Afterbay down to Three Mile in the morning, then slide downstream towards Bighorn Access by afternoon. Fish are congregated in the deeper, slower runs—look for structure and seams.

It’s shaping up to be an excellent week as the river clears. Stock up on sowbugs, worms, and flashy streamers and you’ll stay tight to fish all day. Good luck out there and tight lines from Big Horn.

Artificial Lure reporting in with your Big Horn Montana fishing update for April 21, 2025.

The river is in classic early spring shape with water clearing up nicely. Recent days brought some lingering grass and a tinge of green, but overall clarity is improving and fishing has been productive. The river’s running cool, so dress in layers if you’re heading out. Weather today is crisp in the morning with highs forecast around the upper 50s. Expect a light breeze by midday. Sunrise came in at 6:09 AM and sunset will be about 8:09 PM, giving plenty of daylight for a long session on the water.

We’re not dealing with tides on the Bighorn, but flow rates are steady and wade fishing is safe and accessible. Angler pressure remains light, so you’ll have your pick of holes, especially upstream of Afterbay Dam and down through Three Mile and Mallards Landing. These access points are hot spots this week.

The nymph bite has been consistently good. Top producers are Cotton Candies, Jellybeans, Tailwater Sows, Copper Zebras, Green Weenies, UV Scuds, Silver Bullets, LBFs, and Pill Poppers. Fish these under an indicator in slow seams and drop-offs. Small midge patterns and BWO nymphs can be deadly, especially as the sun gets higher and midges start to hatch off.

Streamer fishing is picking up, mostly later in the day as water temps rise. Strip darker patterns through deeper runs for a shot at hungry browns and rainbows. Scuds and sowbugs are still the staple food, and the numbers are impressive—expect to see plenty of strong rainbows and the odd trophy brown.

Dry fly action is ramping up with some blue-wing olive and midge activity on sunny afternoons, but it’s still hit and miss. If you see rising fish, tie on a BWO or midge emerger in size 18 or 20.

For bait, fly anglers are sticking to the usual suspects: sowbugs, scuds, and midges. If you’re throwing hardware or spinning gear, small jigs and marabou grubs in natural or olive shades are your best bet.

Recent catches include plenty of rainbows in the 14 to 18-inch range with a few browns pushing 20 inches coming from deeper pools. The action has been steady throughout the day, with the afternoons fishing a little hotter as things warm up.

To sum it up, the Bighorn is in prime early spring form—clear water, cool temps, and plenty of fish on the bite. Aim for Afterbay Dam, Three Mile, and Mallards for your best shot at numbers and size. Dress warm, bring a good selection of sowbugs, scuds, and midges, and don’t forget a streamer rod for the big boys. Tight lines from Artificial Lure—see you on the river.

Sources: [1][3][4]