Big Horn Montana Fishing Report Today

Howdy folks, Artificial Lure here reporting from frosty Big Horn country—it’s Monday, November 17th, and there’s still fish to be had if you’re brave enough to bundle up and wet a line. Weather out here in Big Horn, Montana, is classic November: mornings hovering in the low 20s, warming (if you can call it that) into the upper 30s by midday. Skies are mostly cloudy according to weather maps from WeatherBug, but we’ll see a peek of sun now and then, and at least the winds will be light. Bundle up, layer on the thermals, and keep that coffee hot—fingers get stiff quick in this chill.

For those keeping track, sunrise hit us just before 7:20 am, and you’ll lose your light about 4:39 pm, so work those prime morning and late afternoon hours. As there are no ocean tides here—no need for tidal charts—focus on river flow: the Bighorn’s running clear and cold, with moderate discharge. Expect fish to be stacked near slower wintering holes and deep runs. According to FishingReminder, today’s major bite windows line up with 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. That afternoon dusk bite has been money for bigger browns chasing baitfish.

Montana Outdoor’s latest report says it’s “cold, quiet, and pretty great if you’re still fishing.” Hunters are out in force, so most river access sites are quieter, and the fish aren’t spooked by boat traffic. The Bighorn below Yellowtail’s still your best bet: plenty of recent reports of 16-20” rainbows, with a few browns nudging above 22”. Drift boats are few, and wade anglers have been picking up nice stringers up at the Afterbay, Three Mile access, and the famed 13 Mile stretch.

The word on the river is that the rainbows are hugging bottom in deep slots, especially near slow seams behind big rocks and undercut banks. Brown trout are post-spawn but still aggressive—streamers and big nymphs are catching jaws. Recent catches? Two anglers at Bighorn Access boated 14 rainbows between them yesterday, mostly running 16–19", all healthy and hot. Another regular out of Soap Creek netted a husky 22" brown on a black sculpin while swinging through a deeper bend.

Best lures and baits for today:

- Go **with olive and black sculpin-pattern streamers**, dead-drifted or slow-swung on sink-tips.

- If you’re nymphing, **eggs, small pink or orange midges, and flashy split-back Baetis** patterns are the ticket.

- Flows are stable enough for nymph rigs: a size 16–18 red or black zebra midge beneath an egg pattern has tempted plenty of bows.

- Don’t shy from a classic San Juan worm in pink or red after a cold snap.

Cherry-picked hotspots for November:

- The **Afterbay** section up by the dam—warmer water, steady flows, holds fish all winter. Low crowds, some big rainbows chasing midges.

- The classic **3 Mile Access** run—several productive gravel bars and depth transitions. Try the seam down from the island for brown trout on streamers.

- For a quick outing, the deep bend just below **Bighorn Access** continues to deliver, with both waders and

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The air’s cold and crisp out here in Big Horn, Montana, as November lays its first real claim on the landscape. With hunters pushing deep into the hills, local rivers and lakes are left peaceful, with barely another angler in sight. Today’s weather started off clear and brisk—temperatures right around freezing at dawn, slow to climb, barely nudging past 40 even at midday. The wind is mostly calm, swirling just enough to keep the bite interesting. Sky’s been pale, with sunrise coming at 7:13 a.m. and sunset sliding in at 4:41 p.m. No tidal shifts out this way, just steady reservoir and river flow.

Folks fishing yesterday and early this morning reported excellent action around Fort Peck, the Yellowstone, and the big bends of the Bighorn River. Word from Montana Outdoor Radio Show says post-spawn browns are on the move and rainbows are getting active, picking up on streamers and nymphs during the warmer mid-day stretches. Water temps have dropped quick, so fish are tucked tight to structure—timing is everything. Fort Peck’s turning wintery, but deepwater walleye and trout are cooperating where the spoons and slow jigs drop down near ledges and sunken timber.

Anglers at Fort Peck just wrapped up the annual Chinook salmon egg take, with nearly 900,000 eggs collected—most from healthy, younger females averaging about 15 pounds, promising good runs next year. This fall’s catch did see fewer salmon than last year, especially among the 2-year-olds, but some fat 3- and 4-year-old Chinooks were landed throughout October and early November. Pike and smallmouth bass have also been feisty lately, with a few big northern pike pushing 40 inches reported from colder back bays.

Bighorn River, especially below the Afterbay and along the upper boat ramps, is reliably producing trophy trout as always, especially for those working streamers like olive peanut butter, black woolly buggers, and classic zonkers. Midges and smaller nymphs on light tippet are drawing strikes from rainbows feeding slow along the seams. If you’re banking or wading, best results are coming from deeper runs as trout are stacking up in cold pools.

Lure choice this time of year is all about presenting something slow and tempting: big, flashy streamers for browns and rainbows in moving water; small jigging spoons and rubber-tail grubs in silver or chartreuse for Fort Peck walleye and trout. If you’re crankbaiting for pike, stick with fire-tiger patterns and slow retrieves. Live bait—nightcrawlers and fathead minnows—continue to outfish artificial in stillwater spots, especially right after sunrise.

Some real hot spots worth hitting:

- Fort Peck Reservoir: Focus near the dam and around duck creek for walleye, with trout schooling deeper.

- Bighorn River: Afterbay section down to 3 Mile Fishing Access—steady action on trout and maybe a late brown on the move.

- South end of Dry Creek and Yellowtail: Pike and smallmouth structure bites are still strong before full freeze-up.

Conditions out ther

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Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Big Horn, Montana fishing report for November 15, 2025. Folks, sunrise hit around 7:13 this morning and we’re looking at sunset right around 4:40 this afternoon, so daylight hours are tightening up now that we’re past the time change. No tides to worry about this far inland, but the flow on the Bighorn River remains steady—clear water with temps in the upper 40s to low 50s, thanks to those chilly Montana nights.

The November weather’s been pretty mild for this time of year, keeping things comfortable on the water despite a brisk start this morning. Expect high temps in the mid-40s, a light breeze, and overcast skies settling in by late morning—perfect conditions for working streamers and minnows.

If you’re after trout, late fall fly fishing is still firing on all cylinders. Montana Outdoor reports big browns on the move and blue-winged olives hatching in pockets. Fish are actively feeding ahead of real winter, holding tight to structure. Anglers have turned up impressive browns and rainbows, mostly in the 16–22 inch range. Best results have come drifting nymphs—think pheasant tails and zebra midges—or swinging small olive and black streamers near gravel bars and drop-offs. Don Wilkins’ recent notes suggest these next two weeks are prime before the fish really slow down for winter.

Pike anglers are smiling too. According to the latest Fort Peck fishing report, big pike have moved up onto submerged weed beds in 5–10 feet of water. The hot bite’s been mid-morning to early afternoon. Casting spoons—like a trusty red-and-white Dardevle—or surface plugs across any remaining green weed beds is getting the job done. Don’t overlook classic jerkbaits fished slow as water cools.

Smallmouth bass haven’t checked out for the season yet, either. Fathead and sucker minnows, fished under slip bobbers around any rocky point with deep water nearby, have produced some decent fish lately. The action slows down compared to summer, but patient anglers are still putting 2–4 pounders in the net.

For lake trout, Wilkins says the post-spawn bite is picking up as more fish move back to deeper breaks—try targeting 50–65 feet off rocky points with tube jigs or big white plastics. Lakers are more aggressive now than they’ll be all winter, so this is your window.

If you’re heading out, I’d pack:

- Gold or firetiger spoons for pike

- Large streamers and olive buggers for fall trout

- Jarred minnows or fatheads for smallmouth

- Tube jigs for lakers

Locals are quietly raving about Afterbay just below the Yellowtail Dam—steady flows here keep trout active even as temps drop. Don’t overlook Ok-A-Beh Marina for late-fall pike and the occasional surprise walleye either.

That’s your November rundown from Big Horn. Bundle up, fish slow, and don’t let the short days put a damper on your time outside. Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure’s fishing report—make sure you subscribe to catch next week’s hot bite.

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Big Horn country is crisp this morning—a classic mid-November bite for diehards willing to dress warm and chase that last great trout before full-on freeze. We saw a 20-degree dawn under a pale brush of clouds, with temps climbing toward the mid-40s by early afternoon. According to AccuWeather, we’re trending mild for November, a welcome break in the usual, and light wind means the river’s edge is even more inviting. No tides to mind on this stretch; just the slow, predictable pulse of late-autumn flow. Sunrise hit at 7:12 a.m., and sunset’ll tuck away behind the rims at 4:49 p.m., so your best window is that soft light before noon and those magic last two hours.

Big Horn’s holding steady—clear water, but dropping overnight temps have those browns and rainbows sliding into the slow stuff. Folks from Hardin up to Afterbay say morning nymphing’s consistent: rubberlegs, pheasant tails, and purple perdigons are working especially well, drifted through the knee-to-waist deep runs mid-river. The lower river’s giving up some girthy browns, especially for anglers dropping olive or black sculpin patterns—mini dungeons and sparkle minnows have been top-notch when the sky’s a little gray, just like last week’s action around Two Leggins.

Dry fly action is short-lived but special: blue-winged olives are coming off during calm, overcast afternoons, and the fish are keying in around the foamy seams and soft inside bends. Keep a few #18-20 olive emergers or sparkle duns ready—locals say you don’t want to miss those quick risers, especially if you find yourself near Soap Creek after lunch.

As for numbers, reports out of the Bighorn Trout Shop show anglers pulling a steady catch—double digits for rainbows in the 14–18" class are common, with a few healthy browns in the mix, some stretching over 20" for the streamer faithful. The go-to setup has been 5x fluorocarbon with a pair of nymphs, about a foot apart, fished on a 9’ leader. Those who’ve switched to streamers after noon found browns willing to chase in the deeper slots behind old weed beds.

Best baits this week are about matching what’s drifting: small scuds, olive or tan, and midge larvae are steady picks. If you want to go old-school, drifting a San Juan Worm after a chilly night isn’t a bad call either. And don’t ignore a tiny drop of split shot—most fish are hugging bottom till that sun’s well up.

Hot spots right now include the Afterbay to Three Mile stretch—less pressure, solid structure, and easy walk-wading. The “13-Mile” bend downriver is also fishing hot for streamer junkies, especially late in the day.

Remember, the Bighorn’s a different beast once temps start dropping: slow it down, focus on the soft edges, and keep that approach gentle. One sharp wade and they’re gone for twenty yards.

Thanks for tuning in, folks! Subscribe for more local updates, tips, and river talk every time you hit the water.

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Artificial Lure here reporting live on Thursday, November 13, 2025, sharing the latest angling scoop from in and around Big Horn, Montana.

The day kicked off crisp and clear—sunrise was right around 7:05 a.m., with that first golden light promising good visibility for morning casts. Local weather patterns matched the region, with sunny skies, highs pushing 65°F, and a light breeze from the west. According to Don Day’s Wyoming Weather Forecast, winds were up to 22 mph in the afternoon, but overall, it’s prime fall trout weather—no hazardous conditions expected according to the Southeast Big Horn County Weather and Climate Synopsis. Sunset tonight should hit at about 4:45 p.m., so plan your outings to get the most from midday warmth.

No tidal influence here, as we’re strictly river country. River flows have dropped — the Bighorn River below Thermopolis is running at about 631 cfs. Dropping flows mean fish are shifting deep, hugging ledges and soft seams. North Fork Anglers notes fish are on the move from shallow riffles to the deeper runs as water cools, so target deeper pockets for the best action.

Late fall fly fishing is in full swing as Montana Outdoor reports, with big brown trout actively chasing streamers. Locally, both browns and rainbows have been taken in good numbers in recent days, especially by those working the seam lines with patience. Most successful anglers are reporting a mix of 16–22" browns and rainbows, with a few chunky 'bows still holding in the runs.

Live and artificial bait recommendations? Worm patterns are gold right now. North Fork Anglers highlights “poxyback sow, yum-yum sow, Herford’s magic, and various worms,” alongside scuds, thin mints, midges, and perdigons. Streamers like Sculpzilla and Rusty Trombone are pulling aggressive hits, especially early morning and late afternoon when the browns get predatory. If you’re working nymphs, go with firebead sow bugs or purple and pink lucent perdigons below an indicator—fish a dropper rig with something buggy up top (think small Chubby Chernobyl or a para Adams).

On spin tackle, stick with natural colored soft plastics and small crankbaits. Nightcrawler pieces drifted on a small hook and split shot are still effective for multi-species action. For the fly crowd, focus on midges, BWO emergers, and sow bugs in the slower water. As the day warms, expect a brief uptick in surface activity—watch for the subtle rise forms near undercut banks and riffle tails.

For hotspots, here are my top picks:

- The section just downstream of the Afterbay—deep runs and slow seams just inside the bend often hold big browns.

- By the Soap Creek confluence—look for migrating rainbows staging for winter.

- The stretch near Fort Smith boat launch—current breaks and drop-offs here had good fish activity over the past few days.

Midriver islands in this part of Montana’s Bighorn are loaded with holding water; let your rig swing below the riffle lips for best results.

Recent catch logs show steady

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Artificial Lure here with your November 11th, 2025 report from Big Horn, Montana—tight lines and cold hands as fall sets in deep across the valley!

Local sunrise slipped in at 7:05 AM and the sun’ll drop at 4:41 PM, so you’ve got a short window, but it’s prime light for moving browns and hungry rainbows. According to Don Day’s weather forecast, we’re looking at crisp, clear skies with a high near 59°F, lows dipping to 29°F overnight. Winds are gentle; bring a light shell, but no need to duck gale-force gusts out here. Last week's snow in the Bighorn Mountains has iced up the upper timber, but the river and lower valley remain wide open[2][8].

The Bighorn River itself is in prime late fall form. Flows are steady, the water’s clear, and fish are showing real appetite. Mark Raisler from Headhunters Fly Shop notes reliable nymphing, improving streamer action, and a bit of surface activity to keep things spicy. The blue-winged olives (BWOs) are still popping on overcast afternoons, and trout aren’t shy. Browns are aggressive, starting to move quick with the cold—this is big fish season if you’re hunting trophies[1].

As for what’s biting? The best action lately has been on medium-size rainbows and healthy browns, with some anglers reporting 20-fish afternoons from Soap Creek to Three Mile Access. Pink and red San Juan worms, small black and olive streamers, and classic Pheasant Tail nymphs have led the charge. Woolly Buggers (in olive or black) are a local legend; strip one by the cutbanks and you’re in for a brawl with a brown that’s been eating well this autumn.

No tides to mess with—Montana’s rivers run by melt and rain, not the moon, but the late fall bump in flows after last week’s light rain triggered a mini-feed. Yesterday, one local drift guide saw a half dozen browns over 18" and more than a dozen solid bows from the Afterbay downstream before noon. Midges and BWOs drove most of the dry action.

If you’re throwing hardware, small silver spoons and Mepps spinners have picked up trout and the occasional wily walleye near deeper runs and eddies. Bait anglers are finding success on nightcrawlers and powerbait, especially off the gravel bars near Bighorn Access. This week also saw a couple of hefty carp pulled from the sloughs—kids are having a blast with dough balls and leftover worms.

Lure and bait selection for today:

- *Best flies*: Pink or red San Juan worm, Pheasant Tail nymph, olive/black Woolly Bugger, BWO dries #18-20.

- *Best lures*: Small silver or gold spoons, inline spinners in red or white.

- *Bait*: Nightcrawlers, powerbait in chartreuse or orange, corn for the carp and perch.

Hot spots right now:

- *Three Mile Access to Mallard’s Rest*: The classic wade stretch—trout are stacked in the seams and riffles.

- *Soap Creek confluence*: Big browns moving in from deeper water. Dead drift a worm or strip a Bugger at dusk.

Not much left to the season but the fishing is hot—dress warm and fish slow in the mornings, then go aggressive w

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Artificial Lure here with your November 10th, 2025, Big Horn Montana fishing report. We're looking at a classic late-fall day along the Bighorn—cool air, autumn colors hanging on by a thread, and the fish getting frisky ahead of full-on winter.

Weather’s taken a cool turn for us, with highs in the mid 60s and plenty of overcast this morning, giving way to scattered showers through the afternoon and a decent northwest wind running 10 to 20 mph. Expect those clouds to start breaking tonight, with lows dropping into the lower 40s and maybe some patchy fog after 3 a.m., so be mindful if you're making an early trip. Tomorrow’s snagging sunny and warmer, heading for the mid 70s, so things will pick up again for mid-week according to the National Weather Service.

Sunrise hit just after 7:00 a.m., and sunset lands right around 4:50 p.m.—daylight’s slipping fast, so plan accordingly if you’re chasing evening rises.

Now, tide fans might be out of luck since the Bighorn's long way from salt; it’s fed by the tailwater of Yellowtail Dam, so river flows dominate the bite instead. Streamflow this morning at St. Xavier is running about 2,300 cfs—just a touch above yesterday, but still on the low side for November, thanks to a dry year per the USGS summary. Lower water means fish are concentrated, but also a bit wary.

On the fishing front, it’s a good bet you'll find rainbow and brown trout pushing into the prime gravel for spawning. The browns in particular are hot right now—so keep your eyes out for those redds, avoid wading on 'em, and let the future stock do their thing. Recent days saw good numbers of quality browns in the slot, folks pulling a few over 20 inches, with a solid handful of bows in the mix too—many in the healthy 16–18 inch range, according to local guides recapping yesterday’s action.

Best lures and baits: It’s full-on midge and blue-winged olive season. Small midge pupa (#20–#22) and BWOs (#18–#20) are where the real numbers lie right now—get those emerger patterns under a small indicator and drift slow, just on the edge of seams. Streamer junkies found joy stripping olive or black buggers, especially with a little rain and cloud cover, with a few big browns rolling out from undercuts or deep shelves to hammer a slowly twitched bugger or a sculpin pattern.

For spin fishers, a lightweight Panther Martin in yellow/red or a small Rapala Countdown did the trick in deeper runs—keep retrieves slow and erratic.

Live bait’s not legal here, but if you’re tying up nymph rigs, trailing a tiny zebra midge, black beauty, or olive RS2 off a small scud or sowbug is the move.

Today’s hot spots: The section just below Afterbay boat ramp saw steady traffic but also produced the best action early, while the Bighorn Access around 3 Mile pumped out chunky browns for folks willing to hike to quieter side channels. Stay clear of heavily trampled gravels so you don’t crush egg pockets.

To sum it up—expect active browns near spawning gravels, bows holding j

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Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for Sunday, November 9, 2025.

We’re starting today off under sunny skies with highs expected in the lower 60s here in the valley, according to the National Weather Service. Winds will be from the northwest at 10–20 mph, perfect for keeping bugs and drift boats moving, but light enough not to spoil your cast. Water on the Bighorn River near St. Xavier is running at about 2,300 cubic feet per second, with a gauge height just over 60 feet—just what we like to see for solid fall flows and healthy trout activity, according to the USGS report. The river is flowing at 81% of its normal mark for early November, so expect slightly lower, clearer water, which means wary, educated fish. No tidal action to worry about since we’re far upriver.

Sunrise was at 7:00 AM and sunset’s coming at about 4:47 PM, so you’ve got a tight window for prime fishing. Temperatures will be warming up fast by late morning—the perfect time to see midges and blue-winged olives start popping, especially with that low, clear water.

Recent stringers from the main and side channels have been stout. Guides and locals on the upper three miles report browns are in full spawning color and cruising the gravel, while rainbows have been eager and chunky on the nymph. Numerous trout in the 14 to 18-inch class were boated yesterday; there’ve been reliable reports of some topping 20 inches, especially from the Afterbay down through Bighorn Access. No word on any monster carp caught, but the occasional whitefish has kept folks guessing.

Best lures right now: small olive or black streamer patterns like Sculpzillas or Mini-Dungeons—strip 'em slow on the swing into deeper runs. Nymph setups are still king, with sowbugs (ray Charles, scuds in pink or gray), zebra midges, and assorted baetis working beneath an indicator. The Bighorn’s tailwater stays cold, so make sure your midge pupa is running deep, 5 to 8 feet behind some split shot. If you’re going to throw dries, wait for the warmest part of the day and look for fish sipping in the slicks—size 18–22 BWO emerges and clusters are the ticket.

For bait anglers, if you’re drifting nightcrawlers or salmon eggs through deeper holes, especially below the dam or down by Soap Creek, you’ll move rainbows and possibly a bonus brown on gravelly structure.

Couple of hot spots to try today:

- Head just below the Afterbay Dam to the “catch and release” stretch, where cool, oxygen-rich water and plenty of structure have yielded some of the best fall browns.

- For wade fishers, the stretch near Three Mile Access remains excellent, with side channels holding nice pods of trout—just watch for muddy banks if you’re hiking solo.

Big Horn’s legendary for turning on in this weather, but stealth is the name of the game with the crystal-clear flows. Light tippets and smart casts will reward you. Remember, the upper river stays busy, but the crowds thin quickly below Bighorn

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Artificial Lure here with your boots-on-the-bank Big Horn Montana fishing report for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

First light rolled in this morning at 6:59 AM and sunset will cap us off at 4:47 PM, giving anglers a brief but productive window for fall action. The Bighorn Valley’s been waking to frosty mornings—temps kicking off in the low 20s, climbing to highs around 46 by the afternoon, with mostly sunny skies and a steady breeze typical for early November according to Don Day’s Wyoming Weather Forecast. Water clarity’s prime, and flows are holding steady thanks to recent rain and a flush of colder air. According to the latest Montana Flow Report, the Bighorn River is running clear and near seasonal averages, with no flow drought issues currently complicating the bite.

Tides aren’t a factor out here—Big Horn’s a freshwater trout tailwater through and through—but water level steadiness keeps the fish settled in their fall patterns. With no drastic shifts, you can trust those trout are doing what trout do this time of year: bulking up before the chill takes full hold.

The activity’s been steady all week. Word from the bank is solid numbers of brown and rainbow trout, with a handful of anglers connecting on fish in the 16-20 inch range and some truly thumping browns pushing 22 inches. Recent days saw the fishiest runs outside of the Afterbay, down around Soap Creek, and stretches between 3-Mile Access and Bighorn Access. These classic spots are holding pods of trout in slow seams and gravel drop-offs. Local chatter backs up what I saw yesterday morning: persistent nymphers and patient streamer swingers are putting up steady tallies, with some reports of 20-trout days if you grind the holes.

This week, midges and baetis (blue-winged olives) are the main hatch, especially on those crisp overcast afternoons. Top subsurface producers? It’s tough to beat a two-fly rig—small red or black zebra midges (sz 18-20) trailed by a sow bug or firebead Ray Charles in tan or grey. If you like your bugs bigger, Czech nymphs and scuds (#14-16) have been popping some nicer rainbows. Bighorn regulars also report late-morning baetis nymphs in olive and grey (#18-20) are money just before a hatch.

Streamer junkies, this is your glory time: browns are hugging the structure, smashing gold and olive sparkle minnows, black woolly buggers, and peanut envy patterns, especially with a slow, steady retrieve and a little pause to trigger the take. Anglers casting near drop-offs and undercut banks have watched some true slabs shark after their fly. Don’t overlook flashy patterns, especially on those cloudier afternoons.

If you’re tipping toward bait, though most folks swing flies here, small leeches, nightcrawlers, and eggs are all classic fall producers below the Afterbay. Just remember to check regulations before baiting up, as special rules apply along several stretches.

Hot spots you’ll want to target this weekend? Swing by the usuals:

- Afterbay access: consistent wi

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This is Artificial Lure with your boots-on-the-bank fishing report for Big Horn, Montana, Friday, November 7, 2025.

The Big Horn greeted anglers this morning with a brisk, classic November vibe. Sunrise hit at 7:02 a.m. and you can expect sunset at 4:51 p.m., so daylight’s short and best capitalize on those prime hours.

Weatherwise, Don Day’s forecast calls for increasing clouds, a chance of rain and snow after 11 a.m., highs near 57, and winds from 10 to 16 mph, picking up to 20 to 24 mph overnight. A low of 29 tonight means keep an eye on wind chill if you’re out past dusk. Conditions are crisp, with the kind of variable barometer trout seem to love this time of year.

Now, tides aren’t a factor inland—with the Big Horn’s flow managed by Yellowtail Dam, water levels stay fairly steady, though late fall can see minor drawdowns. The current is ideal for strong runs and holding structure, so look for fish in seams, tailouts, and behind mid-river boulders.

The real story this week is a classic fall bite. According to the latest from Boots on the Bank, anglers are pulling in strong numbers of rainbow and brown trout, many in the 15- to 18-inch range, with a couple of browns pushing over the 20-inch mark. Those post-spawn fish are hungry, aggressive, and concentrated in deeper holes and faster water. Reports from the Afterbay down to Bighorn Access say most are landing double digits if you key into the right depth and drift.

Bug activity is tapering off with the cold, but midges are still hatching mid-morning. Nymphing is king—think small size 18-20 zebra midges and cream or black patterns. Scuds and sowbugs in the size 14–16 range are working throughout the river. Woolly buggers—especially olive, black, or white—get smacked on the swing in deeper runs. If you like to strip, try a JJ Special or a black leech—fish are smacking streamers with a slow retrieve, particularly in the cloudy water below side channels.

Spin anglers, the bite’s hot on smaller Rapalas in silver-black or gold, and marabou jigs drifted under floats. The live bait crowd is finding that nightcrawlers work well for mixed bags near Three Mile, but please remember the special regs and pack out every bit of trash.

Two hot spots: First, the Afterbay section, especially at first light—weed beds there still hold fish looking to bulk up. Second, the stretch between Soap Creek and the Bighorn Access—multiple anglers this week reported steady action midday, with browns hugging the inside turns and rainbows just outside the riffle seams.

Fishing pressure is moderate. You’ll likely have space to work your drifts, but don’t crowd—there’s plenty of river to cover.

Stay safe out there, keep your waders dry, and handle those wild trout with care. Thanks for tuning into today’s Big Horn report. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a bite.

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