Fishing Report 2/9/2018. Good old fashion Moss free FISHING!

River Data:

River flow: 4,300 cfs

Water Temp: 38 F

Hot Flies:

Nymphs: Sow Bugs, Scuds and Midges

Method: 7.5 foot 4x or stronger leader to one BB and a B split shot. 1ft or so to the first fly and1ft or so to the second fly.

Size 14-18 Grey Ray Charles

Size 14-18 Tan Ray Charles

Size 12-16 Orange Scud

Size 12-16 Natural Scud

Size 16-20 Black Zebra Midge

Size 16-20 Cream Zebra Midge

The Bighorn River is fishing like it typically does in the winter. The water is reaching it’s coldest of the year so the fish are kind of sluggish. Most of the fish are holding in the deep slower runs in the middle of the river. Grass and moss growth is relatively low this time of year making for many clean drifts in a run. Don’t get discouraged if a run that should hold trout doesn’t produce and move onto the next deep slow moving hole. Eventually you’ll find the one that’s really hitting!

Dry Flies: Midges

Method: 9 foot 5x leader to the top fly. 1ft or so leader to the second fly.

Size 18-20 Midge patterns

Size 18-20 Griffith’s Gnat

Size 18-20 Midge Cluster

Size 18-20 Student

Size 18-20 Adams

Fish have been targeting midges ferociously this winter so keep your eyes focused on the surface for subtle takes. Look for trout sipping midges in unlikely places. Especially slow junky water that’s tough to get a drift in.

Streamers: Working ok on the lower river.

Method: 4-6 foot 0x or stronger leader to your first fly and 1-2 feet to your bottom fly.

Colors: White, olive, black, brown, red and yellow

Many brown trout hatchlings and smaller species of fish are flushed downstream. There is a lack of aquatic insect life this time of year on the lower river so the fish target the minnows regularly. Fish the streamers deep with a 200 grain sink tip, but don’t pass up the chance to hit pockets on the heavy banks.

Happy Winter Fishing from Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort!