Water flow: 1920 CFS
Visibility: 24 inches plus
Water condition: Clear and beautiful
Best time of day to fish: 10:00-4:00
Best stretch: Afterbay to Bighorn
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:
Sow Bugs (not a hatch), Midges, Baetis
Fish species: Trout
Fishing season: Year-round
Nearest airport: Logan International (Billings)
Recommended fly-fishing leader: 6 Foot Leader
Recommended fly-fishing tippet: 3X Tippet
Best fly-fishing rod: 9' 6 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line
The Bighorn River is fishing wonderfully! Expect to fish primarily nymphs right now. Fish double sow bug patterns like a Ray Charles (grey or tan) in a size 16 or a sow bug with a size 18 midge pupa with a 6-foot leader and a small log of tungsten putty. Fish are finding target water in close to the seams, so focus your efforts there. There are a few fish at times up eating midges; I saw them eating singles mostly and not clusters. Try fishing a smoke jumper pattern after finding a pod. I did not notice the rainbows on their beds yet, but it should happen soon; be careful to avoid them if you see them.