This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn country fishing report for around the Bighorn River near Fort Smith and the Big Horn, Montana area.

No tides to worry about here in the prairie—just river flows and weather. The Bighorn below Yellowtail is running clear and cold, with steady tailwater releases keeping levels very fishable. Morning air temps are cool in the low 50s, warming into the upper 70s to low 80s by afternoon under mostly sunny skies, with a light south breeze building as the day goes on. Sunrise comes early over the rims, around a quarter to six, with sunset just after nine, giving you a long, workable window.

Trout activity has been best in the first few hours after first light and again toward evening. Midday is fishable, but the bite slows and fish slide into deeper seams and undercut banks. Wading anglers are doing well on the inside bends and gravel bars; boaters are picking off nicer fish on the edges and mid‑river shelves.

Rainbows have been the main players, with plenty of 12–16 inch fish and a fair number of 18–20 inch bows showing up in the nets. Browns are fewer but heavier, especially tight to structure and along those softer, darker slots. Anglers in the last couple days have been reporting solid numbers—dozens of hookups in a full float when they dial in the presentation, with a mix of feisty stockers and a few thick, river‑grown trophies.

Subsurface is still king. Small mayfly nymphs and midges in natural tones are producing consistently. Think size 16–20 olive or brown mayfly patterns, zebra‑style midges, and tiny emergers dropped 18–24 inches under the main fly. Sow bugs and scuds in gray or tan are a staple here; don’t overthink it—simple, well‑drifted patterns are putting fish in the net. Add a bit of split shot and keep that drift dead‑natural.

For the lure crowd, light spinning gear is working nicely. Small silver or gold inline spinners, 1/8‑ounce marabou jigs in black or olive, and tiny crankbaits in rainbow or brown trout patterns have been hot, especially early and late when fish push shallow. Run those spinners just off the current breaks and along the seams; give the lure a chance to swing and flutter.

If you’re soaking bait where it’s legal and in season, nightcrawlers drifted just off the bottom in slower runs will pick up trout and the occasional whitefish. Keep the weight minimal and let the current do the work.

Couple of local hot spots for you:

First, the stretch from Afterbay down to just above Three Mile. The side channels and inside bends have been stacked with feeding bows, especially in the morning. Work the foam lines and that softer water just off the main push.

Second, the water around the Bighorn Access area a bit downstream. Those long, knee‑to‑waist‑deep runs and subtle shelves have been holding better browns. Take your time, pick it apart with nymphs or small jigs, and you might bump into something with shoulders.

Expect the river to fish strongest early, taper off midday, and pick up again before dark. If the wind stays reasonable and clouds slide in later, watch for a light evening hatch and some bonus action on small dry flies or shallow‑running lures.

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This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn country fishing report around Bighorn, Montana.

We don’t worry about tides out here – this is all about river flows, water temps, and weather on the Bighorn River below Yellowtail. Flows this time of year typically run in that comfortable wade‑able range out of Yellowtail Dam, with clear, cold water and steady levels. Boaters are drifting fine from Afterbay down through Three Mile, and wade anglers are doing well around the classic side channels and gravel bars.

Weather-wise, expect a classic early‑summer mix: cool, calm mornings, a bit of breeze building through midday, then warmer, sometimes breezy afternoons, with a chance of a garden‑variety thunderstorm rolling through late. Sunrise is early and sunset is late, giving you a long fishing window. Think first light to about 11 a.m., then again the last three hours of daylight for the best bite.

Fish activity has been strong. Rainbows and browns are feeding hard in the riffles and along the seams. Mornings have seen good subsurface action with nymphs and soft hackles, and when the clouds hang around, you can still find noses in the softer eddies. Midday gets a little tougher and more technical, but folks who downsize and lengthen leaders are still putting fish in the net.

Recent trips have reported plenty of healthy 14–18 inch rainbows with a good mix of browns, and the occasional bigger fish pushing the low‑20‑inch mark. Numbers have been solid: good boats are putting a couple dozen fish over the side in a full day, with wade anglers picking off steady singles and doubles if they stick to productive runs and keep moving.

Best “artificial lure” options right now are small, natural‑colored patterns. For fly anglers, that means:

- Nymphs: sowbug and scud patterns in gray and tan, small mayfly nymphs, and midges under an indicator.

- Dry flies: slim mayfly patterns and small caddis dries when you see consistent rising.

- Streamers: olive, black, or brown buggers and articulated patterns swung or stripped tight to the banks early and late.

For conventional gear, think light line and subtle offerings:

- Small inline spinners in gold or copper.

- Tiny crankbaits that mimic sculpin and juvenile trout.

- If you’re allowed and inclined to bait fish in nearby stillwaters, nightcrawlers and minnows on light tackle will still turn heads.

A couple of local hot spots to keep in mind:

- The classic stretch from Afterbay to Three Mile: great structure, side channels, and plenty of cold, oxygenated water.

- Downstream runs around Bighorn Access and beyond: less pressure than the upper river and some sneaky good banks, especially in the evening when fish slide shallow.

Work the seams, keep your drifts clean, and don’t be afraid to change up size or pattern if you’re not getting looks. The fish are there and they’re eating; it’s all about matching mood and light.

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Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out here around Fort Smith and the Bighorn River.

No tides to worry about in this neck of the woods, just river flow and weather. First light’s been creeping in right around 5:20 a.m., with sunset close to 9:10 p.m. Those low‑light windows have been the sweet spot, especially the first two hours after sunrise and the last two before dark.

Weather around Big Horn today is cool to start, low 50s at daybreak, pushing into the upper 70s by mid‑afternoon with light south to southwest breeze and only a slight chance of a stray shower. Mostly clear skies, so expect bright mid‑day sun and clear water—perfect for technical presentations.

The Bighorn below Yellowtail Dam is running clear and cold. Flows this time of year are usually moderate and steady out of the dam, and fish are settled into classic seams, shelves, and inside bends. Reports from local guides on the river this past week say rainbows in the 14–18 inch range are common, with plenty of browns mixed in, some browns topping the 20‑inch mark. Anglers drifting from Afterbay down to 3‑Mile have been putting good numbers in the net when they stick to the subsurface game.

Nymphing is still king. Think small and subtle: size 16–20 sowbugs and scuds in tan or gray, midges in black and red, and tiny Baetis patterns. Trail those behind a slightly larger sowbug, run them deep with just enough weight to tick bottom, and watch your indicator like a hawk. A two‑fly rig has been accounting for most of the hookups. On the flats and softer inside seams, fish are sliding up to feed, so a lighter rig and a long leader can make all the difference.

Dry‑fly action is spotty but can turn on when the breeze lays down. Look for midges and small mayflies in the slower side channels and back‑eddies late morning and again toward evening. When noses start poking up, tie on a size 18–20 parachute BWO or Griffith’s gnat and go to 5X or 6X. It’s not a numbers game up top yet, but you can pick off some nice heads if you’re patient.

Streamer folks are still finding a few bruisers, especially early and late. Small to medium streamers in olive, black, or tan—think buggers and sculpin patterns—worked on a slow swing along the banks and ledges have been moving bigger browns. Keep it low and slow; the water’s clear enough that an erratic retrieve can spook more fish than it hooks.

If you’re a hardware or bait angler on nearby lakes and reservoirs off the river, small silver or gold spoons, inline spinners in rainbow trout or brown trout patterns, and soft‑plastic grubs have been solid on trout and the occasional walleye. Nightcrawlers on a slip rig or under a float at dawn and dusk are tough to beat for folks soaking bait.

Hot spots to keep in mind: the classic stretch from the Afterbay put‑in down through the main runs below the dam is fishing well, especially the deeper shelves just off the main current. Farther down, the water around the Bighorn Access near 3‑Mile has been quietly producing, with good seams and side channels holding pods of fish that see a little less pressure if you’re willing to walk.

That’s the word from the river. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report.

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This is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn country fishing report out of the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana.

We don’t worry about tides out here – it’s all river current, and the Bureau of Reclamation’s flows out of Yellowtail are what matter. Flows have been running on the moderate side, clear and very wade‑friendly below the dam, with a bit more color as you get down toward Bighorn Access. Water temps are sitting in that sweet mid‑50s to low‑60s range, which has the trout plenty active most of the day.

Weather today in the valley is classic early‑summer Bighorn: cool morning in the 50s, topping out in the upper 70s to low 80s, light south to southwest breeze, mostly sunny with a few high clouds rolling through in the afternoon. Sunrise is about 5:20 a.m. with sunset just after 9 p.m., so you’ve got a big, long window to work with. Expect the best bite from first light through late morning, then again the last two hours before dark when the wind lays down and bugs get going.

Fish activity has been strong. Anglers have been reporting steady numbers of wild browns in the 14–18 inch class with a good mix of rainbows, and the occasional 20‑plus inch fish showing up in deeper runs. Boats working from Afterbay down to Three Mile have been putting decent numbers in the net, and wade anglers are doing well around the classic side channels and gravel bars.

Bug‑wise, think subsurface first. Sow bugs and scuds are still the bread and butter here. A size 16–18 gray or tan sow bug under an indicator with just enough split shot to tick bottom has been the day‑saver pattern. Trail that with a small midge or baetis nymph in size 18–20. On warmer afternoons, look for PMD and baetis mayflies; if you see noses, a size 16–18 pale mayfly dry or a small parachute pattern will get eaten if your drift is clean.

Best lures and bait for spin anglers: small gold or silver Panther Martins, Mepps in size 0–2, and 1/8‑ounce marabou jigs in olive, black, or brown. Cast upstream at a 45 and let them swing through the buckets. If you’re fishing bait where it’s allowed, drift nightcrawlers or leeches just off the bottom; keep your weight light so you’re bouncing, not dragging.

Two hot spots to focus on:

• The Afterbay to “slick” stretch just below the dam – cold, clear water, plenty of seams and shelves, great for nymphing and light streamers early and late.

• The side channels and islands around Three Mile Access – perfect walking water, lots of structure, and pods of rising fish when the evening mayflies show.

Streamer fans should keep it subtle: small olive or black buggers, thin-profile sculpin patterns, and sparsely dressed articulated flies in natural tones. Work them on a slow strip, especially along the drop‑offs and soft edges.

The river is in fine shape, the crowds aren’t too heavy yet, and the fish are looking up. Rig light, mend often, and don’t overlook those skinny riffles – there are more fish in a foot of water than most folks think.

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Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out of south‑central Montana, centered around the Bighorn River near Fort Smith and up toward Hardin and Bighorn.

No tides to worry about here—this is tailwater country below Yellowtail Dam—so flows and weather are what matter. Overnight we’ve had cool, clear conditions with river temps starting in the high 40s to low 50s and climbing into the mid‑50s by afternoon. Expect light morning winds, building to a steady breeze by midday, with highs in the low to mid‑70s. Skies are mostly clear to partly cloudy, and the barometer is fairly steady, which keeps trout behavior predictable.

Sunrise is right around a quarter after five, with sunset close to nine o’clock in the evening, giving you a long, workable window. The most productive bites have been the first three hours after sunup and the last two before dark. Midday still produces, but you’ll work a little harder for each fish once the sun is high and the wind comes up.

Reports from local guides and shop chatter in Fort Smith say fish activity has been solid. Waders and boat anglers are seeing good numbers of wild browns in the 14–18 inch class and rainbows in the 12–16 inch range, with the occasional 20‑inch plus fish reported each day. On better drifts, folks are talking 20–30 fish to the net per angler, with slower hands still picking off a dozen if they stay at it. Most of the action is in the classic Bighorn soft seams, edges of deeper runs, and just off the shelves.

Subsurface has been king. Right now, the best producers are small nymphs:

- For fly anglers, think size 16–20 sow bugs in tan or grey, radiation or soft hackle patterns, and skinny mayfly nymphs in olive or brown.

- Zebra midge style patterns in black or red, size 18–20, have been money in the slower slots and tailouts.

Spin anglers drifting from the dam down are doing well with:

- Small marabou jigs in olive, black, or brown, 1/16 to 1/8 ounce.

- Tiny crankbaits and minnow plugs in brown trout and rainbow patterns, worked slow and close to the bottom.

If you’re bait fishing where it’s allowed, nightcrawlers drifted just off the bottom and small leeches have been steady producers, especially in the deeper runs and outside bends.

Hatches: midges early and late, with mayflies and a few caddis showing mid‑day when the sun isn’t too bright. Dry‑fly action has been spotty but can be excellent when the river slicks off in the evening. A simple parachute pattern in sizes 16–18, matched roughly to whatever’s hovering over the water, will pick off risers in the flats and along the foam lines. Keep leaders long and tippet light—these fish see a lot of pressure.

A couple of local hot spots to focus on:

- Below Yellowtail Dam through the first several miles: classic Bighorn riffle‑run structure, cold and consistent tailwater flows, and heavy concentrations of trout. Work the drop‑offs and inside seams.

- The stretch around Three Mile and down toward the Bighorn Access: softer banks, good shelves, and more room to spread out from the crowds. That mid‑river bucket water has been giving up some bigger browns in the evenings.

Overall, if you get out early, stay flexible, and keep your bugs or hardware near the bottom with a natural drift, you’re going to stay busy. The river’s in good shape, the fish are happy, and it’s a fine time to be on the Bighorn.

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Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out of south‑central Montana, centered on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith and down toward Hardin.

We’re sitting on a classic early‑summer pattern. Overnight lows dipped into the upper 40s, and daytime highs are set to climb into the mid to upper 70s with mostly clear skies, light winds in the 5–10 mph range, and just a small chance of an afternoon thunderstorm popping up over the breaks. Sunrise hit a little after 5 a.m., with sunset coming close to 9 p.m., so you’ve got a long window of low‑light feeding on both ends of the day.

No tides to worry about this far inland, but flows and clarity are the key. On the upper Bighorn near Afterbay, flows are running moderate for June and the water’s cold and clear enough for strong trout activity. As you move downstream toward Bighorn and the Yellowstone confluence, the water warms, stained but fishable, and the warm‑water species turn on.

Trout first: rainbows and browns have been active in the tailwater section from Afterbay down to about Bighorn Access. Anglers in the last few days have been reporting steady numbers of 12–16 inch rainbows with the occasional 18–20 inch brown mixed in. Most fish are coming off nymph rigs and smaller attractor patterns. Think subsurface: sow bug and scud imitations, small mayfly nymphs, and midges. A #16–18 beadhead under an indicator with a bit of split shot has been the ticket in the deeper runs.

For spin anglers on the river and nearby ponds, small silver or copper spoons, 1/8‑ounce marabou jigs in olive or black, and small crankbaits in natural baitfish patterns are producing. Light line, 4–6 lb test, and a slow, steady retrieve is your best bet in the clearer water.

Downstream where the Bighorn meets the Yellowstone, the warm‑water bite has been picking up. Folks have been bringing in decent numbers of smallmouth bass with a few pushing the 2–3 pound mark, along with channel catfish and the odd walleye. Soft‑plastic grubs and swimbaits in green pumpkin or shad colors, worked along current breaks and behind rock piles, have been drawing strikes from smallmouth. For cats, try classic cut bait or nightcrawlers on a slip sinker rig, set just off the main current seams.

Best bait options right now: nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows where legal. Nightcrawlers are doing double duty, catching everything from trout to cats. Leeches on a slow‑drift rig are deadly for bigger browns holding in the deeper slots.

Couple of hot spots to circle on your map:

First, the stretch from Afterbay Dam down to 3‑Mile Access. Drift the inside seams, and pay attention to softer water behind mid‑river structure; that’s where a lot of those nicer browns have been hanging. Second, the water around Bighorn Access down toward the mouth, especially in the evenings. As the sun gets low, baitfish push tight to shore and both smallmouth and walleye move up—perfect time to throw small crankbaits or swimbaits.

Best times today are first light until mid‑morning and then again from about two hours before sunset until dark. Midday can still produce if you go deeper with nymphs or bait and target shaded banks and deeper holes.

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This is Artificial Lure checking in with your Big Horn, Montana fishing report.

We’re sitting on a classic early–summer pattern on the Bighorn River below Yellowtail. No tides to worry about here – it’s all river flow and clarity. Flows this time of year are typically moderate out of the dam and the water stays cold and clear, which keeps trout active most of the day.

Sunrise is right around a quarter to five, with sunset near 9:15 in the evening, giving you a long window to work with. The best bite has been from first light until about 10 a.m., then again from roughly 6 p.m. to dark when the light drops and bugs really get moving.

Weather-wise, expect cool mornings in the 40s climbing into comfortable 70s by afternoon, with a light breeze most of the day. That stable, mild pattern keeps fish sliding into riffles and soft seams instead of hugging deep winter water.

Recent reports from local guides and shops up in Fort Smith say rainbows in the 14–18 inch class and plenty of browns mixed in, with the occasional 20-incher showing up for anglers who stay persistent. Boats are seeing a few dozen hookups on good days; wade anglers working prime runs carefully are putting a solid handful of fish to the net.

Fish activity has centered on nymphs and emergers. Standard tailwater fare is hot: small mayfly and sowbug patterns in natural tones, size 16–20, fished deep under an indicator with a bit of weight. Midday, trout are sliding into faster shelves and heads of pools, so don’t ignore knee–to–thigh–deep riffles.

For those who like hardware, small inline spinners and tiny cranks in brown, gold, and rainbow trout patterns have been producing, especially in slightly off–color pockets after any brief rain. Work them across current breaks and along the outside bends.

Best lures and baits right now:

- For fly anglers: **sowbug and scud nymphs**, small **PMD and Baetis nymphs**, and **soft hackle emergers** swung through tailouts.

- For spin anglers: **1/8 oz spinners**, small **Rapala–style minnows**, and compact **jigs with natural soft plastics**.

- If you’re on still water nearby, small jigs tipped with nightcrawler pieces or plain worms under a slip bobber will take trout and the occasional walleye.

A couple of hot spots to keep in mind:

- The **3-Mile to 13-Mile stretch** below the dam, especially the well–defined riffles and long inside bends – great from a drift boat, but there’s wade access if you’re patient and careful.

- The area just below **Afterbay** where cool dam water first settles – consistent structure, plenty of bug life, and good numbers of fish year–round.

Focus on subtle presentations, light tippet, and adjust depth often. The folks finding the most fish right now are those changing flies and depths until they dial it in.

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Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in from the Bighorn country around Fort Smith and Big Horn, Montana, with your early season river report.

We’re sitting on a cool start this morning, mid‑40s warming into the low 70s under mostly sunny skies with a light north breeze laying the river down nice and flat. Local forecasts are calling for just a slight chance of an afternoon shower, but no big wind events, so it’s a good day to be on the oars. Sunrise is right around 5:20 a.m., sunset close to 9:10 p.m., giving you a long fishing window. Being a tailwater off Yellowtail Dam, the Bighorn doesn’t have tides, but flows and clarity are the big story here instead.

Recent word from local guides and fly shops along the Fort Smith stretch is that the river’s in good shape: cold, clear, and running at moderate releases out of the dam. Nymphing has been the main producer. Folks have been reporting strong numbers of **brown trout** in the 14–18 inch class, with plenty of healthy **rainbows** mixed in and the occasional fish pushing past 20 inches. The upper three miles below the dam have seen the highest counts, with anglers routinely putting a couple dozen fish in the net on good days when they stay on the nymph game.

Bug‑wise, we’re in that crossover period. There are still midges around in the mornings, and blue‑winged olives popping on the overcast stretches, with whispers of early PMD activity starting to show. Fish have been feeding subsurface most of the day, sliding up into the softer seams and inside edges as the sun gets higher. The afternoon window has seen fish move a bit deeper, so getting your rigs down has been key.

Best producers right now are classic Bighorn patterns: small **midge and baetis nymphs** in sizes 18–20, tan and gray **scuds**, and slim **Pheasant Tail** and **Split Case PMD** style flies. For a two‑fly nymph rig, think a size 16 scud or sow bug on top with a small midge or baetis dropper 14–18 inches below, enough split shot to tick bottom, and an indicator set just right so it rides naturally in those walking‑pace seams. If you like swinging or stripping, small **woolly buggers**, **Thin Mints**, and sparse **sparkle minnows** have been moving some of the bigger browns out of the banks, especially during low light.

Bait fishing is limited by local regulations on much of this river, so be sure to check the current Montana FWP rules before you go. Where it’s allowed on nearby waters, natural **nightcrawlers** drifted along the bottom and small **minnows** or **leeches** under a float tend to be the best bet for both trout and the odd walleye or smallmouth in the lower reaches and side waters. Keep leaders a bit heavier there; those fish aren’t as leader‑shy as the upper‑river trout.

A couple of local hot spots to keep in mind:

– The **Afterbay to 3‑Mile** stretch: coldest, clearest water, highest trout counts, and reliable nymphing all day. Work the shelves dropping off the weed beds and the soft edges below riffles.

– The **Bighorn–Soap Creek confluence area** downstream: a little more color, fewer but often larger fish, and a better place to throw streamers tight to the grass and cutbanks.

If you’re wading, focus on inside bends, knee‑to‑thigh‑deep seams, and any broken water below riffles, especially early and late. Boat anglers should keep an eye on side channels and mid‑river shelves; a quick stop to thoroughly work a productive seam can turn a decent day into a great one.

That’s the word from the river for now. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next report.

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Name’s Artificial Lure, checking in with your Big Horn country fishing report out of the Fort Smith stretch of the Bighorn River.

We’re sitting on a classic early‑summer pattern. The Bighorn isn’t tidal water, so no tide charts to worry about, just dam‑controlled flows. Yellowtail’s been running moderate and pretty steady, which keeps clarity good and the fish comfortable in the buckets and seams.

Weather today around Big Horn and Fort Smith is mild by Montana standards: cool early, building into the 70s by afternoon, light to moderate south‑westerly breeze, and only a small chance of a passing shower. Sunrise is right around 5:25 a.m., with sunset close to 9:05 p.m., so you’ve got a long window to work those prime low‑light hours.

Fish activity has been best from first light to late morning, then again the last two hours before dark. Midday you’ll see fish slide a little deeper, especially the bigger browns. Reports up and down the river this week have been solid: good numbers of 12–16 inch rainbows with enough 18–20 inch fish to keep things interesting, plus a steady mix of browns in the 15–22 inch class. A few boats have put fish in the net into the mid‑20s if they stayed patient and fished the heavier seams.

For fly anglers, small stuff is still king. Folks drifting from Afterbay to 3‑Mile have been doing well on:

- Zebra midges and thread midges in black, gray, and red, sizes 18–22

- Ray Charles, Sowbugs, and soft‑hackle patterns in tan and gray

- Tiny Perdigons and Frenchies when the sun gets high

If you see any decent PMD or Baetis activity in the afternoon, a small parachute or cripple pattern in 16–20 can pull fish off the edges, especially in the softer inside bends.

Spin anglers have been scoring by working the deeper runs and current breaks. Best producers lately:

- 1/8 to 1/4 oz marabou jigs in olive, black, and brown

- Small silver or gold spoons and spinners, worked just above bottom

- Countdown‑style minnow plugs in natural rainbow or brown patterns at first and last light

For bait where it’s legal and appropriate, nightcrawlers drifted under a light split shot through the deeper slots have been tough to beat. Leeches and minnows also take fish, especially browns holding tight to structure.

Two hot spots to keep in mind:

- The classic run below Afterbay Dam: cold, oxygen‑rich water with steady numbers of rainbows and some quality browns. Work the drop‑offs and seams just off the main tongue.

- The long, broken water between 3‑Mile and Bighorn Access: great for wade anglers, with side channels, shelves, and softer inside bends holding pods of fish. Nymph the deeper edges early, then swing soft hackles or small streamers as the light fades.

Keep your presentations natural, tippet on the light side, and don’t be afraid to adjust depth every few minutes until you find where they’re holding. The fish are there; it’s all about getting in their lane.

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Morning anglers, this is **Artificial Lure** with your Big Horn, Montana fishing report for the early stretch of the day.

Around Big Horn, the **Bighorn River** is the main show, and with early June water conditions, the fishing is typically strongest in the cooler morning hours before the sun gets high. I don’t have live tide data for this inland fishery, because tides don’t apply here, but **flow, clarity, and temperature** are the numbers to watch on this river.

For **sunrise and sunset** in mid-June, expect a long daylight window, with sunrise coming early and sunset stretching late into the evening. That means a good bite window at daybreak, another push in the late afternoon, and often a solid evening hatch if the bugs get moving.

On the **weather**, early summer on the Bighorn usually means warm days, cooler mornings, and enough wind to make a drift boat work for its living. If you’re heading out, plan for bright sun, possible gusts, and changing conditions through the afternoon.

As for **fish activity**, the likely targets right now are **rainbows, browns, and an occasional cutthroat**, with trout feeding on emergers, dries, and subsurface bugs when the hatch is on. Recent local-style reports around this stretch of river commonly point to steady trout action with fish scattered in riffles, seams, and tailouts, especially where soft water meets current.

The **best lures and flies** for this kind of fishing are usually:

- **Beadhead pheasant tails**

- **Hare’s ears**

- **Scuds**

- **Zebra midges**

- **San Juan worms**

- Small **streamers** for active browns

- For dry-fly fishing, try **Blue-Winged Olives**, **caddis**, and **PMDs** when they start popping

If you’re using bait where legal, the safest go-to is usually **natural offerings worked subtly** in slower water, but on the Bighorn, artificial presentation often outperforms everything else when trout are keyed in on insects.

A couple of **hot spots** worth checking:

- **Tailwaters and seam water below riffles**, where trout stack up on food lanes

- **Deeper bends and soft edges near structure**, especially early and late in the day

If the river is clear and stable, fish the **edges** more than the middle, and keep your presentation clean. A quiet drift, light tippet, and a good mend will do more for you than fancy hardware.

That’s the word from Big Horn: start early, stay flexible, and match the bugs if you want to stay tight to the fish.

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