There is a quiet, rhythmic power in a date circled on a calendar. Right now, you might be sitting at your desk, but in the back of your mind, you hear the cold swirl of the Bighorn River against your waders and the sharp intake of breath as a heavy shadow rises to your fly.
This is Anticipation. It’s the bridge between the daily grind and the river’s edge. At Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort, we believe the only thing better than landing a trophy trout is the months spent dreaming about it.
If you are planning a Montana fly fishing trip, timing is everything. To help you maximize your success on this world-class tailwater, here is a breakdown of why May, June, July, and August are the best months to fish the Bighorn River.
Why the Bighorn River is a Trophy Trout Paradise
The Bighorn River is a "blue-ribbon" fishery for a reason. As a tailwater fed by the Yellowtail Dam, the river enjoys consistent, cold-water releases year-round. This stable environment creates a nutrient-rich "fish factory" where wild Browns and Rainbows reach incredible sizes.
- Average Trout Size: It is common to reel in fish measuring 16 to 20 inches.
- Trophy Potential: For those seeking 24-inch+ "Montana monsters," the Bighorn’s deep seams and oxygenated riffles offer some of the best odds in the lower 48.
- Water Clarity: Unlike freestone rivers that blow out during spring runoff, the Bighorn stays remarkably clear and fishable when other Montana rivers are muddy.
Choosing Your Window: May, June, July, or August?
Fishing the Bighorn in May: The Solitude Specialist
May is the best-kept secret for anglers who crave high catch rates and low crowds.
- The Conditions: While air temperatures range from the 50s to 70s, the water remains crisp. This triggers massive hatches of Midges and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs).
- The Advantage: Excellent water clarity and reduced river traffic make this the perfect time for technical nymphing and streamer stripping.
Fishing the Bighorn in June: The Summer Kickoff
June brings a lush energy to the canyon and a transition into the heart of the season.
- The Experience: As the Montana landscape turns vibrant green, the river comes alive. It's a fantastic bridge month where you can experience the tail-end of spring hatches alongside the first signs of summer activity.
Fishing the Bighorn in July: The Dry Fly Peak
If you live for the "sip" of a rising trout, July is your month.
- The Hatches: This is the season of the Pale Morning Dun (PMD). While you'll start to see the first Tricos appearing, the focus remains on the steady PMD activity.
- The Experience: Long Montana summer days and stable river flows make for world-class drift boat trips. The trout are active, looking up, and feeding aggressively on the surface.
Fishing the Bighorn in August: Tricos and Hoppers
August is a favorite for technical dry fly enthusiasts and fans of the "Hopper Fest."
- The Strategy: This is when the Trico spinner falls truly come into their own, offering some of the most prolific dry fly fishing of the year. As the heat peaks, trout also move to the banks to wait for grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles to fall in.
- The Reward: Whether you are matching a tiny Trico or watching the explosive strike of a 20-inch Brown taking a large foam hopper, August is visual, exciting, and highly addictive.
Don’t Wait Until the Calendar is Full
The art of anticipation only works if you have a date to look forward to. Because of our reputation for world-class guides and rustic luxury, our prime dates from May through August are the first to fill up.
Stop dreaming about the river and start preparing for it. Secure your spot at Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort today and give yourself something incredible to look forward to.