Big Horn Montana Fishing Report Today

Good morning from Big Horn, Montana—this is Artificial Lure with your Saturday, June 21st fishing report.

It’s prime time on the Bighorn River, and the bite has been steady as we roll into the heart of June. Sunrise was at 5:25 a.m. with sunset coming up just after 9:10 p.m., giving you plenty of daylight to fish hard. Weather’s settling into that classic late-spring groove, with highs pushing toward 77°F and lows near 50°F. We’ve had a few patches of rain this week, but overall the skies are cooperative—just cloudy enough to keep those big fish feeding a little longer through the day, perfect for dry fly fanatics. No tides to speak of out here, but river flows have finally stabilized at 3,000 cfs after bouncing around earlier in the month, according to Bighorn Angler's recent updates.

Water clarity is very good this week, though there’s still some drifting moss below 3 Mile, so it pays to keep an eye on your hooks. The river’s a touch touchy, but when the fish settle into their new holding water, the action really picks up. Nymphing remains the best bet overall, with the subsurface game simply exceptional right now. The hot nymphs have been UV Yum Yums, Carpet Bugs, Tailwater Sows, Silver Bullets, Zebras, and Quills. Run these deep through the slow buckets and edges—especially where you see trout stacked behind midstream structure. PMD nymphs and scuds are also pulling steady numbers.

If you’re itching for some surface action, we’re starting to see more PMDs and caddis popping, with the odd blue-winged olive hatch midday. Keep a PMD Comparadun or a Purple Craze dry fly handy for rising fish. Stonefly patterns like a Chubby Chernobyl in yellow, tan, or even purple are still drawing aggressive eats along grassy banks and undercuts, especially early and late in the day.

Streamer anglers have been rewarded lately—Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and black Peanut Envys are accounting for some slabby browns and rainbows, particularly in the riffles and deeper tails. Let those streamers sink and strip them in slow for your best shot at a trophy.

Recent catches: anglers are reporting healthy numbers of rainbows in the 16–18-inch range and plenty of browns running up to 22 inches, with the best fish coming from the deeper bends and below the Afterbay down to Bighorn Access. The spawn for rainbows is winding down, so please give any visible redds a wide berth.

Hot spots for today: the Three Mile to Bighorn Access stretch is fishing the strongest, particularly around the “Slides” and “Slick,” while the Afterbay to Soap Creek run continues to be a reliable producer for both numbers and size.

For bait, tailwater scuds and sowbugs are hard to beat right now, but if you prefer lures, try a minnow-imitating crankbait or a Panther Martin with a gold blade in the runs.

Thanks for tuning in to the local scoop—don’t forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on all things Bighorn fishing. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietple

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Artificial Lure here with your June 20th, 2025 Big Horn, Montana fishing report.

It’s shaping up to be one of those classic early summer days on the Bighorn. Weather’s in that sweet spot—starting cool after a crisp 5:29 AM sunrise, warming gently to the upper 70s with just enough breeze to keep the bugs moving, and sunset winding down at 9:08 PM. No tidal action on these Montana waters, but the water’s running clear, levels have dropped to about 4,500 CFS, and conditions are prime.

The fish are fired up. This week, the Bighorn Angler folks said the bite has been “on fire,” with trout waking up hungry after the cooler months. Anglers have been pulling in big numbers of brown trout—always the crown jewel of the Bighorn—along with good-sized rainbows, some cutthroats, and plenty of whitefish thrown in for good measure. The last few days saw big catches below Three Mile and heavy action in the deeper runs near Afterbay.

For your rig, it’s a nymph and streamer show. The UV Yum Yum and Carpet Bug are still reigning for nymphing—set deep, drift slow, and hold on. The Tailwater Sowbug and Black Zebra Midge are also putting fish in the net. Streamer junkies, throw a Sparkle Minnow or go bold with a Skiddish Smolt or black Peanut Envy—let it sink in those slower, deeper slots and retrieve with patience. The big boys are down low and hungry.

If you’re spinning, nothing beats a brown and gold Panther Martin or a gold Cast Master. Early morning, work a Rapala in rainbow or silver along the bank edges for cruising browns before the sun climbs. Worm patterns and scuds are still getting action, especially as the water warms later in the day.

Hot spots? You can’t go wrong working the runs below Three Mile Bridge—especially in the mornings—but don’t skip the productive deeper holes near Afterbay Dam. Fish are stacking up there, and you’ll find less pressure. If you’re willing to walk, the side channels above Soap Creek have been sneaky good for both numbers and size.

If you’re out midday, keep an eye on the surface—mayflies are starting to pop, and a well-presented dry could turn a slow stretch into an epic one. As always, check your Montana fishing license and stay safe around fast water.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s fishing report—whether you’re chasing browns, rainbows, or just that perfect cast, get out there and make the most of these prime Big Horn days. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Artificial Lure here with your June 18, 2025, Big Horn, Montana area fishing report.

We woke up to classic early summer weather—bluebird skies, breezy highs around 75°F, and a touch of that famous Montana dry air. According to Weather Underground, sunrise hit at 7:05 AM, and you can expect it to set at 7:28 PM. No tidal concerns on our inland tailwaters, but the Bighorn River’s flows are running steady, clear, and a touch low—prime for sight fishing.

Fishing’s been on fire all week, and the river crowds are lighter than you’d think for mid-June. Reports from Bighorn Angler and North Fork Anglers say fish are hungry and active, coming out of their spring slumber, with subsurface action still leading the way. Water temps remain cool but are rising, and fish are starting to move from deep runs into shallower riffles, especially as the sun warms things up.

Nymphing continues to produce the bulk of the action. Effective patterns reported by both shops and guides this week include UV Scuds, Cotton Candies, Red Bead Carpet Bugs, Tailwater Sows, Green Weenies, Pill Poppers, Zirdles, Perdignons, and just about any worm pattern you have in pink, red, or natural. If you’re grabbing only a few, make Cotton Candies and Sow Bugs your first picks.

Streamer junkies are having a field day too. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, black Peanut Envy, Sculpzilla, and Thin Mints have all fooled some bigger browns lurking deep—just remember to let those streamers sink and keep your retrieve slow if you want to tempt a trophy out of cover.

Dry fly action is just over the horizon. The Baetis hatch is reported to be days away, so keep those BWO and PMD dries handy. Midges are still popping for the diehards working the slicks at dawn and dusk, but nymphs remain king. When the hatch does kick off, expect some world-class topwater opportunities.

For the best results, focus your efforts around Afterbay to Three Mile and the slow riffles just below Soap Creek. These sections have been consistent, producing nice numbers of fat rainbows and healthy browns, with some days seeing double-digit catches per rod.

The grass is starting to show up, especially downstream, so keep your flies clean and be ready to adjust your rig as needed.

That’s your Big Horn report for June 18. Get out early, pack your bug spray, and don’t sleep on the evening streamer bite.

Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a hatch or hot bite.

This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Big Horn, Montana fishing report for Saturday, June 7, 2025.

The Big Horn River is in great shape right now. Water clarity has largely improved with just a slight tinge of green in places and some drifting grass, especially below the Three Mile stretch, but fishing remains hot. River flows have stabilized around 4,500 cfs following some ups and downs earlier this season, and that's put the fish right where we want them.

Today's weather is comfortable—expect a high around 68°F under mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower this afternoon. Winds from the northwest will be running 5 to 10 mph, light enough for a solid day on the water. Sunrise was at 5:24 a.m., and sunset will stretch out to 8:46 p.m., giving you plenty of daylight to chase that next big one.

On the fishing front, nymphing is still the name of the game with the water on the cooler side. Trout are actively feeding, and the most productive patterns right now are sowbugs, scuds, San Juan worms in any color you like, Cotton Candies, Jellybeans, and the ever-reliable Tailwater Sowbug. If you want to switch things up, try the Black Zebra Midge or the Pearl/Olive Jiggy Perdigon. Don't be afraid to go with a Green Weenie or UV Scud either, especially early in the day.

Streamer fishing is holding steady—it's producing the bigger fish, especially as temps warm up into the afternoon. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, Peanut Envy, and Thin Mints are the hottest streamer patterns in anglers’ nets. Let those flies sink and retrieve them slow and steady through the deeper holes and drop-offs.

As for catches, reports from around Afterbay to 3 Mile and from 3 Mile down to Bighorn show healthy numbers of both rainbow and brown trout, with most fish ranging from 14 to 18 inches, but a few pushing well past 20 inches. Fish have been especially hungry—spring is winding down, and they're gorging on everything before the summer heat.

A couple of hot spots to try today:

- The Afterbay to Three Mile access—classic Bighorn water with lots of trout stacked up in slow, deep runs.

- The area just downstream of the Bighorn Access Site, where fish are migrating from deeper runs into shallow riffles as water temps rise.

A quick reminder: bring extra flies and check your rigs often—the grass and debris can foul hooks, but the fishing action is more than worth the extra effort.

Thanks for tuning in to your Big Horn Montana report with Artificial Lure. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss the latest from the riverbank. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Hey there, river rats! Artificial Lure here with your Bighorn River fishing report for June 6th, 2025.

The big news is we've finally got that clear water we've been waiting for! The river dropped to about 4500 CFS earlier this week, and while there's still some drifting debris below Three Mile, overall conditions are prime. The water clarity is fantastic in most stretches, though you might encounter some grass in spots - a normal spring condition that's been improving with our cooler nights.

If you're hitting the water today, expect some wind (typical Montana spring), but the fishing's been downright epic lately. Nymphing remains your best bet, with Black Micro Mayflies, Pearl/Olive Jiggy Perdigons, Black Zebra Midges, and Tailwater Sowbugs all producing consistently. Don't leave home without some scuds and worms - just about any color worm pattern will do the trick right now.

For you streamer junkies, the fishing's been excellent with the cooler water temps. The big browns and rainbows are piled up in deeper slots. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and black Peanut Envy patterns have been moving fish. Work those deeper runs slowly and you'll connect with some hefty trout.

The dry fly action is just starting to pick up. Blue-winged Olives are hatching in good numbers when conditions are right, and we're expecting Pale Morning Duns any day now. If you catch a hatch, switch to PMD patterns in sizes 14-18, especially if flows stay below 6,000 CFS.

Hot spots? The stretch from Afterbay to Three Mile is fishing well, though it's getting the most pressure. If you're looking to avoid crowds, try working downstream of Bighorn Access. There's been excellent action in the deeper runs and along the drop-offs where fish are staging.

Remember folks, the rainbows are in full spawn mode on the reeds, so please be mindful and give those fish some space. There's plenty of actively feeding fish to target without disturbing the spawners.

Water temp is hovering around 49 degrees, perfect for active feeding. The fish know winter's coming, so they're really packing on the calories right now - take advantage of their appetite!

Most anglers are reporting 15-20 fish days with average size around 16 inches, with plenty of opportunities at larger fish if you're working streamers or fishing the deeper slots.

That's all for today's Bighorn report. Thanks for tuning in, and if you enjoyed this report, don't forget to subscribe for more up-to-date Montana fishing info. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Howdy folks, I'm Artificial Lure, your go-to guide for all things fishing in Big Horn, Montana. As of June 4th, 2025, the Bighorn River is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities, despite a few challenges. The water is clearing, and while it's not yet crystal clear, reports have been good, with some grass and a green tinge lingering, especially around the Afterbay area[1]. The recent weather has been a bit unpredictable, with some warmer days and rain in the forecast, which makes for excellent fishing conditions[2].

Sunrise today is at about 5:30 AM, and sunset is around 8:30 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to hit the water. Fish activity is heating up, with trout starting to gorge in anticipation of the coming winter. Nymphing remains the top technique, with sowbugs, scuds, and San Juan worm imitations being particularly effective[5]. Streamer fishing is also producing larger fish, with Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls being popular choices[3].

The river is experiencing some angling pressure, especially in popular stretches like Afterbay to 3 Mile and 3 Mile to Bighorn. Rainbow trout are moving into full spawn mode, so be sure to steer clear of redds[5]. For those looking for a memorable catch, the Bighorn River is renowned for its brown and rainbow trout, with populations now consisting of fewer but larger fish[6].

If you're looking for hot spots, the first 13 miles below the dam to the Bighorn Access Site are usually the most productive[6]. Another spot worth checking out is the area around the Afterbay, where the water is still a bit green but is clearing up nicely[1].

Thanks for tuning in, folks Don't forget to subscribe for more fishing insights and updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Artificial Lure coming to you live with today’s Big Horn, Montana fishing report for June 1, 2025.

Sunrise was at 5:20 a.m. and sunset will fall around 8:44 p.m.—giving us a full day to chase those river beasts. No tidal report here, as the Bighorn is a tailwater, but flows have stabilized nicely around St. Xavier, making for consistent conditions. Cloud cover has been moving in and out, keeping temps cool and offering a little rain off and on—classic late-spring Bighorn fishing weather, and arguably perfect for working subsurface patterns.

Water clarity is almost there: it’s clearing up, but there’s still a tinge of green and some grass coming off the bottom. Expect to strip some grass off your flies for at least another week, as reported by guides at Bighorn Angler, but the fish aren’t shy—they’re gorging pre-spawn, stacking up in deeper slots and running strong between the Afterbay Dam and Bighorn Access sites.

In terms of fish activity, it’s shaping up to be another banner start to June. Nymphing reigns supreme, as always this time of year. Trout—rainbows and browns both—are smashing sowbugs, scuds, and San Juan worm imitations. Keep your rigs clean; you’ll be picking off vegetation, but the action is worth it. Size-wise, expect fewer fish per mile than in years past, but the ones you do hook into are running big—lots of reports of heavy fish in the 18-22 inch range, with some true trophies pushing past that mark.

Streamer junkies, don’t put the rods away: Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and black Peanut Envy’s have been putting up numbers and size, especially in the cloudy, slow-moving runs. Let those flies sink deep, retrieve slowly, and hold on tight. On the nymph side, try a Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug, Orange Scud, Little Green Machine, or the ever-reliable Black Zebra Midge. For bait anglers, worms still get it done anywhere you’re allowed to use them.

Dry fly action is limited for now, but BWO’s are hatching strong, and PMDs are just starting to show. Watch for rising fish mid-morning, especially on days with less wind.

Hot spots today include the classic Afterbay to Three Mile run—plenty of deep slots and seams to work over—and the stretch from Three Mile to Bighorn, where fish are a little less pressured but every bit as big. Don’t sleep on the side channels; the grass can be a pain but the rewards are there.

That wraps it up for today’s Bighorn River report. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for daily updates. This has been a Quiet Please production; for more, check out quietplease.ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

# Bighorn River Fishing Report: May 31, 2025

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for today, May 31st, 2025.

The Bighorn is absolutely prime right now with water conditions stabilizing nicely after some fluctuations earlier this month. We've got partly cloudy skies today with temperatures expected to reach the low 70s - perfect fishing weather if you ask me. Sunrise was at 5:26 AM and we'll have daylight until sunset at 8:43 PM, giving you plenty of time on the water.

The river is running clear at around 2300 CFS, with water temperatures hovering in the upper 40s to low 50s depending on time of day. That's the sweet spot for active feeding, and the trout are definitely taking advantage.

The fishing has been phenomenal this week with consistent reports of rainbows and browns in the 16-20 inch range. Several guides reported clients landing trophy trout pushing 22 inches, and one lucky angler even pulled in a 24-inch brown yesterday near the Three Mile Access.

Hatches are in full swing now. We're seeing substantial Blue-Winged Olive emergences in the afternoons, especially on cloudier days. PMDs are just starting to appear, and midges are reliable throughout the day. If you're looking for dry fly action, focus on the slower seams and inside bends between 2-5 PM.

For flies, you'll want to pack a variety. Nymphing remains the most productive method, with Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14-16 absolutely crushing it. Pair these with Baetis nymph imitations like Wonder Nymphs and Flashback Quill Nymphs in size 18. Two-Tone Scuds and Orange Scuds as your upper fly are working wonders. For midges, the Tung Teaser in size 18 has been deadly, especially in the morning hours.

If you're chasing the dry fly bite, Sipper Midges and CDC Midges in size 20 are your best bet, along with Parachute BWO patterns in sizes 18-20. The evening spinner falls have been spotty but worth sticking around for.

Streamer fishing has been hit-or-miss but producing some of the biggest fish. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and black Peanut Envy patterns have been turning heads when fished deep with a slow retrieve.

Hot spots this week include the Breakfast Hole just below the dam for wade anglers, and the stretch between Three Mile and Bighorn Access for floaters. The seams around Soap Creek confluence have been particularly productive once the water clears.

Crowds are typical for this time of year, but if you're willing to explore downstream past Two Leggins, you'll find more solitude and plenty of willing fish.

Thanks for tuning in to the Big Horn Montana fishing report. Don't forget to subscribe for daily updates on conditions and catches. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

This is Artificial Lure with your Bighorn Montana fishing report for Friday, May 30, 2025.

We’re hitting that sweet spot on the Bighorn River right now. The weather is prime for anglers—mostly sunny skies are on tap, with patchy morning fog burning off early. Highs are headed for the lower 70s with a pleasant southeast breeze around 5 to 15 miles an hour, and overnight lows settling in the mid-40s. Sunrise was at 5:39 am and sunset will be at 8:29 pm, giving you a full, long day on the water. No tidal fluctuations around these parts—your peak bite will follow water temps and the light, with the afternoon warmth kicking up some extra fish activity.

River flows are consistent, holding near 2460 cubic feet per second, and the water is clear to lightly green with only a trace of grass. Afternoon water temperatures are running about 49 degrees. We’re seeing excellent insect activity and plenty of fish on the feed—reports are stacking up from guides and locals alike that browns and rainbows in the 16 to 20 inch range are being caught in good numbers, and a handful of hefty trout over 22 inches have turned up this week too.

Nymphing remains your best bet. Sowbugs and Baetis nymph imitations like Tailwater Sowbugs (sizes 14 to 16), Wonder Nymphs, and Flashback Quill Nymphs are hot right now. San Juan Worms and two-tone or orange scuds are also catching. Morning hours are perfect for small midge pupa, especially the #18 Tung Teaser. If you’re keen to chase the afternoon rises, bring some #20 Sipper Midges and CDC Midges, as well as Baetis dry patterns like Cripple Thors. For a change-up, streamer anglers are having luck with Sculpin patterns and Sparkle Minnows—try an articulated sculpin or Thin Mint for bigger browns willing to chase.

Drift boats are definitely the way to cover water, but there are still some productive wading spots, especially around Afterbay and 3 Mile. Two of the hottest stretches this week have been from Afterbay to 3 Mile, and down from 3 Mile to Bighorn Access—both loaded up with active fish and plenty of room to work nymph rigs deep and slow. Watch out for spawning rainbows along the reeds—give them a wide berth.

There’s been no significant rain in recent days, so clarity is excellent unless Soap Creek runs muddy after a stray shower—always worth a check before venturing downstream from the dam.

In terms of bait, stick to those proven river staples: cream and red midge larva (size 20–22), Black Micro Mayflies, Zebra Midges, and Pearl or Olive Jiggy Perdigons. Tie up a tandem rig with a midge larva and pupa, run it under an indicator, and keep it near the bottom for the best results.

Thanks for tuning in. Remember to subscribe for daily reports and tips, and tight lines out there—this is one of the best weeks of the season!

This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning folks, this is Artificial Lure here with your Big Horn Montana fishing report for Wednesday, May 28, 2025. We’re right in the heart of prime spring angling, and conditions couldn’t be better for a full day on the water. The river is running clear with healthy flows—perfect for both wading and drifting. Water temperatures are hanging around the upper 40s, and these cool temps have the trout feeding steady all day[4][5].

No need to worry about tides in this neck of Montana. Sunrise was right around 5:30 am, and sunset will roll in about 8:35 pm. Expect a beautiful stretch of daylight, with highs aiming for the mid-60s and just a touch of wind in the afternoon to keep the bugs moving[4][5].

The resident rainbows and browns are looking strong this season. It’s been a banner couple weeks for 16 to 20 inchers, and we’re still hearing about a few big slabs cracking 22 inches. Most every boat and bank angler I’ve talked to lately has been hooking up with healthy numbers, and the fish are in great shape after a long, cold winter[2][4].

If you’re looking for a sure thing, nymphing is still king out here. Top producers continue to be Tailwater Sowbugs in sizes 14 and 16, and you can’t go wrong adding a #18 Wonder Nymph or Flashback Quill Nymph as your dropper. If you want a little extra flash, try a Two-Tone Scud or Orange Scud up top. For those hitting the river early, the #18 Tung Teaser midge pupa is still a hot ticket[2][4][3]. There’s been some dry fly action late in the day—if you see heads up, try a #20 Sipper Midge or CDC Midge, but keep those Baetis patterns handy for any afternoon hatch[2].

Streamer fans can get in on the action too. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls have all been putting up numbers, especially if you let them get down deep and work them slow[3]. If you’re tying up rigs, don’t overlook worms in about any color—they’re working well in off-color pockets, especially after a rain when tributaries like Soap Creek add some color downstream[2][3].

For bait, artificial flies are the go-to, as this stretch is a fly fishing hot spot, but if you’re on the hunt for numbers, scuds and sowbugs can’t be beat for the current conditions.

Hot spots to check out today include the Afterbay to Three Mile stretch for high action and that sweet mix of riffles and buckets, and anywhere near the mouth of Soap Creek—but only if the water’s clear. The Bighorn’s loaded with fish, and now’s the time to make your run.

That’s all for today—tight lines and bent rods from Big Horn, Montana.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.