The Bighorn is fishing well right now and the timing could not be better for those with May dates on the calendar.
Flows are stable and the river is running clear. Water temperatures are climbing through the low 40s — still cold, but moving in the right direction. Trout are feeding consistently subsurface, and the midday window is where the action is concentrating as afternoon light warms the water and kicks off hatches.
Blue Winged Olives and midges are the story right now. On calm, overcast afternoons you'll find fish looking up in the softer water — those are the moments worth waiting for. The BWO hatch is building and will be firing consistently by the time May arrives.
What's Working
- Nymphs: Sow Bug #16, Orange Scud #16, Zebra Midge #18-20, Pheasant Tail #16-18, small pink and purple perdigons — keep everything deep and drifting clean. If you're not occasionally ticking bottom, add weight before you change flies.
- Dries: CDC Baetis #18, Hairwing Duns — watch for subtle surface activity on calm afternoons in softer water.
- Streamers: Olive and White Woolly Buggers #6 — still moving fish, particularly in the mornings near structure.
The fish are holding in slower runs and deeper buckets. Clean drifts and good water selection matter more right now than covering ground.
May on the Bighorn is coming in fast. The river will be in full stride.
Plan Your May Trip
We still have dates available May 1–15, August 21–26, and September 1–10. Call us at 800.665.3799 or visit forrestersbighorn.com to inquire.