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Whispers on the Water: A Poetic Ode to Fly Fishing the Bighorn

Some rivers rush.
Some rivers roar.
But the Bighorn?
The Bighorn whispers.

It speaks in tight loops and perfect drifts. In trout that rise like secrets. In wind that barely brushes your ears before sliding downriver into history.

Here, on this sacred stretch of southeastern Montana, fly fishing becomes prayer.

The First Cast of Morning

The sun climbs slow over the canyon rim,
light touching the river like a blessing.
Rod in hand, boot in mud, breath held.
The line dances forward—
a sigh, a stretch,
a perfect laydown.

There is no audience,
no inbox,
no noise but the hush of water against stone.

Where Time Moves Different

On the Bighorn, hours bend.
A morning hatch can stretch into forever.
An afternoon storm can shake the soul clean.
Evening arrives like a curtain,
drawn across a stage where only nature performs.

There are trout, yes – fat browns and hungry rainbows.
But there is also stillness.
And in that stillness, clarity.

A Lodge at the Edge of Memory

Our cabins sit quietly along the river’s edge,
not shouting their luxury—just living it.
Home-cooked meals, firelight flickers,
stories traded over bourbon and bug spray.
You’ll rest with the kind of sleep
only earned by sunlight and current.

And when you rise?
You will be ready again.
For drift.
For strike.
For silence.

You’re Not Just Booking a Trip. You’re Answering a Call.

People do not come to the Bighorn by accident.
They come because something in them
needs what this place gives.

Maybe it has been a year.
Maybe it has been a lifetime.
Either way – this river has been waiting.

Join Us on the Bighorn

Let the line lead.
Let the guide guide.
Let the water teach you what still matters.

Book your stay.
Come find your cast again in Montana’s most poetic current.

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The River Remembers: Why the Bighorn Is the Soul of Montana Fly Fishing

Not all rivers are created equal. Some run fast and loud – quick to impress, but just as quick to forget. Others, like Montana’s Bighorn River, carry memory.

Here, water carves more than canyon walls – it shapes rituals. Repeat anglers. Stories passed around the fire. That moment when the fog lifts off the water and a 19” brown sips a size 20 trico like it is his first meal in weeks.

You don’t just fish the Bighorn.
You return to it.

What Makes the Bighorn Different?

  • It’s not performative.
     The Bighorn does not care about Instagram. It is not Yellowstone-famous. It does not need to be.
  • It rewards patience.
     You do not hammer 50 fish in an hour. But with the right drift and a quiet approach? The takes are unforgettable.
  • It teaches presence.
     There is no cell service on most floats – and that is the point. You will remember your guide’s story, the curve of the bend, the osprey’s shadow overhead.

A River Built for Repeat Pilgrims

Bighorn anglers return.
Some every year. Some every season.

They know that when flows are stable and insect hatches align, it is not hype—it is science and stewardship. The cold tailwater from Yellowtail Dam fosters a food-rich, stable environment. And that stability feeds not only trout, but tradition.

“Every trip here, I find a new cast. A new bend. But the feeling? It’s always the same – like I am back where I’m supposed to be.”
— Guest, 2024 Season

You Don’t Need to Be an Expert

Beginners are welcome. Our guides know the Bighorn like their front porch. They’ll walk you through fly selection, leader setup, river reading, and even that tricky mend that makes all the difference.

We provide all gear. All meals. All heart.

You just show up ready to feel something again.

What the Bighorn Offers That No Other River Can:

  • Silence that speaks louder than any city.
  • Dry fly days that feel like cheating.
  • Guides who know your name by day two.
  • Brown trout that sip with the grace of elk at dusk.
  • Mornings so clear you’ll question everything you thought you needed back home.

Ready to Find Your Place in the Current?

We’re not a lodge built for numbers.
We’re a lodge built for memory.

If you’ve been searching “fly fishing Montana” and clicking through the same copy-paste lodges – you have found the one that is different.

Book your trip to the Bighorn.
Where the river remembers, and so will you.

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How to Plan Your Ultimate Fly Fishing Trip on Montana’s Bighorn River

If you have ever searched “fly fishing Montana,” you will see it is a world-class destination full of legendary rivers like the Madison, Missouri, and Yellowstone. But if you want to fish where solitude meets scenery and where guidance is personal-you belong on the Bighorn River.

Here’s how to build a perfect 3-day escape that combines elite trout fishing, remote lodging, and heart-slowing Montanan calm.

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Drift

  • Fly in & Check-in: Aim for Billings, then enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to Fort Smith. We will handle your transfers and gear setup.
  • Tone-Setting Evening: Hit the water for a sunset drift beneath the cool tailwater of Yellowtail Dam. Early tricos and caddis often ignite the river-perfect for evening dries.
  • Need help with flights or timing? Reach out and we’ll help coordinate your entire arrival.

Day 2: Full-Day Drift Fishing

  • Choose Your Float: Adventure begins with classic stretches-Afterbay to 3 Mile or 3 Mile to Bighorn Access.
  • Fish All Day: Target seams, riffles, and pocket water for brown and rainbow trout-all taking advantage of consistent hatches.
  • Riverside Lunch: Savored on the bank with just you, a packed lunch, and the river. Unplugging has never felt better.
  • Want to customize your float experience? Tell us your style, and we’ll tailor your day.

Day 3: Final Morning & Departure

  • Short Morning Float or Wade: End your trip with a final half-day session-focus on favorite tactics like dry/dropper setups.
  • Take a Moment: Grab a coffee, watch the morning light, and let the peace of the Bighorn linger.
  • Post-Trip Reflections: Leave with more than fish in the net-carry the calm and quiet home.
  • Ready to lock in your itinerary? Book your stay or call us today at 406-666-2550

Why the Bighorn Stands Out Among Montana Rivers

  • Tailwater Consistency: Powered by Yellowstone Basin hydrology, the tailwater below Yellowtail Dam delivers steady flows-ideal for trout growth and feeding habits.
  • Solitude & Scenery: Among Montana’s blue-ribbon rivers like the Madison, Missouri, and Gallatin-the Bighorn offers peace and remote beauty few other waters can match.
  • Local Expertise: Guided floats with Cary and David mean customized strategies, complete gear setup, and zero hassle-all you do is fish.

What’s Included in Your Escape

  • Private lodging & all meals handled
  • Guided fishing trips with flies, gear, and shuttle
  • Logger-level local photo tips & seasonal intel
  • Complete logistics-so every part of your trip flows

Everything’s handled – just show up ready to fish. Start planning now!

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How to Plan the Perfect 3-Day Fly Fishing Trip to the Bighorn River

When you only have a few days to escape, every detail matters. That is what makes the Bighorn River in southeastern Montana such a perfect destination. It is accessible, consistent, and just remote enough to feel like a true break from the modern world.

Whether you are a seasoned angler or simply craving solitude and cold water, this is how to make the most of a 3-day fly fishing trip on the Bighorn River.

Day 1: Arrival + Evening Hatch

Fly in, settle in, slow down.
 Most guests fly into Billings, MT, rent a car, and take a scenic two-hour drive to Fort Smith. When you arrive at the lodge, Cary and David will have everything ready-gear, rooms, food, and a cold drink waiting.

Need help planning your arrival? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

That evening, after a quick gear check and maybe a casting warm-up, you will hit the water for your first float or wade session. Tricos, caddis, and evening risers often light up the surface just before dusk. It is the perfect soft landing after a day of travel.

Ask us about evening float options when booking your trip.

Day 2: Full-Day Float + Unplugged Stillness

Wake up with coffee and a hot breakfast. Then it is time to float.

This is your full immersion day-8 to 10 hours on the water, floating classic Bighorn stretches like Afterbay to 3-Mile or 3-Mile to Bighorn Access. You will stop often to fish riffles, cast to sippers, and swing through deep seams.

Want to fish both dries and nymphs? We’ll tailor the float to your style-let us know.

Lunch is served riverside, often with nothing but the sound of wind in the grass and water moving past your boots. It’s the kind of day where you forget to check your phone-because you actually forgot it was in your pocket.

By the time you return to the lodge, you will feel it: that calm, sun-drenched fatigue that only a real day on the river brings.

Ask about our custom riverside lunch options and dietary accommodations.

Day 3: Morning Session + Reflection

Your final morning is usually reserved for a half-day wade or short float, depending on how you want to close it out. Some guests chase a few more trout before their flight. Others grab coffee and a journal, and sit quietly by the river one last time.

Want a half-day float on your last morning? Just let us know during booking.

Before you go, you will notice something. The noise is gone. The pace has shifted. And even if you do not land a trophy brown, you will leave with something far better – peace.

What’s Included in Your Stay

  • Private lodging and meals
  • Full-day guided floats
  • All flies, gear, and river access
  • Logistics support from start to finish
  • Access to one of Montana’s finest tailwater trout fisheries

We handle every detail so you can focus on fishing. Book your 3-day stay now.

Let’s Build Your Escape

This is not a corporate retreat. It is not a crowded lodge experience. This is real Montana—personal, peaceful, and expertly guided by people who care.

If you are looking for a fly fishing trip that actually resets your soul, you have found it. Click here to request your preferred dates.
Or call us directly at 406-666-2550 to plan your trip.

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A River Runs Through It: Why the Bighorn River Still Feels Like Montana Used To

Long before social media, smartphones, and packed boat ramps, fly fishing in Montana was about something deeper: stillness, family, and a sense of place. That spirit-etched into American consciousness by A River Runs Through It-still lives on in one very real corner of Montana: the Bighorn River.

Located on the Crow Indian Reservation in southeastern Montana, the Bighorn is as close as you can get to the movie’s timeless setting. Quiet mornings. Wide skies. Cold, clear water drifting under cottonwoods. This is not just a river-it is a retreat.

Fly Fishing That Slows You Down

There is no rush here. Whether you are casting tricos at sipping trout in the morning or drifting soft hackles through a quiet seam in the afternoon, the Bighorn forces you to move slower, think quieter, and fish with intent.

The river is cold, stable tailwater and prolific bug life make it one of the best trout fisheries in the U.S.-but you do not have to be a world-class angler to enjoy it. That is the beauty of this place: it meets you where you are.

A Landscape That Calms the Mind

This part of Montana remains largely untouched. You will not find chain hotels, trendy restaurants, or traffic. What you will find are rolling hills, old barns, herds of deer, and sky so wide it feels like freedom. The river is bordered by tribal lands rich in heritage and cultural depth-reminders that this is a sacred place.

It’s not unusual for guests to say they feel like they have stepped into a different time. Some bring books, some bring journals, and some just bring an open mind. Many end up writing their own stories here.

Not Just a Fishing Trip-A Reset

Guided by Cary and David Hornan, a trip to Bighorn River View Lodge & Cabins is tailored to help guests do more than catch fish. Every detail is handled-from gear to meals to daily floats-so you can truly unplug.

This is not a high-volume operation. It is a personal, quiet, intentional experience built around the river and your pace. Whether you are escaping work, burnout, or the noise of modern life, the Bighorn has a way of putting things back into perspective.

Come See What Montana Still Feels Like

If A River Runs Through It stirred something in you, Montana is where you go to feel it for yourself. The fish are real. The stillness is real. And for a few days, so is the freedom to simply drift.

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A Guide to Trico Hatches on the Bighorn River

Fishing the Trico Hatch on the Bighorn River: Timing, Tactics, and Tips

Trico hatch season on the Bighorn River is a favorite for serious dry fly anglers. These tiny mayflies may look insignificant, but when they blanket the surface in late summer, they create some of the most technical and rewarding fly fishing of the year.

What Are Tricos?

Tricorythodes, or “tricos,” are small mayflies (size 20–24) that hatch in late summer. The females lay their eggs in the morning, followed by huge spinner falls that draw trout to the surface in a feeding frenzy—if you are ready.

When to Fish the Trico Hatch

  • Peak Season: Late July through September
  • Best Time: 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Weather Factors: Calm, cool mornings produce the best spinner falls

Where to Fish on the Bighorn

Look for slow-moving slicks, foam lines, and side channels where trout can rise with minimal effort. Productive water includes long flats below riffles and seams near islands—especially between Afterbay and 3-Mile Access.

What Flies to Use

  • Trico Spinner (Size 20–24)
  • CDC Comparadun Trico
  • Parachute Adams (for visibility)
  • Griffith’s Gnat (as an emerger or cluster)

Pro tip: Keep your tippet fine (6X or 7X) and your presentation dead-drift perfect. These fish have seen it all.

How to Approach Trico Eaters

  • Watch the rise forms carefully—sippers vs. splashy takes tell you everything
  • Kneel or stay low to avoid skyline pressure
  • Deliver short, clean casts with minimal false motion
  • Be patient. These are chess matches, not shootouts.

Don’t Let the Size Fool You

Some of the biggest trout on the Bighorn will sip the smallest trico spinner with barely a ripple. If you land one, you’ll understand the obsession.

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Fly Fishing the Bighorn River: 5 Reasons to Visit Montana in Late Summer

 Why Late Summer is the Best Time to Fly Fish the Bighorn River

While many anglers rush to the river in early June, those who know the Bighorn well will tell you the magic often happens after the crowds leave. Late summer-think mid-August through early September-offers a quieter, more soulful version of the Montana fly fishing experience.

Here are five reasons why late summer might just be the best time for fly fishing on the Bighorn River:

1. Less Pressure, More Space

By August, the early-season crowd has thinned out. You will often find more solitude on the water, fewer boats at the put-ins, and more room to fish your favorite riffles without competition.

2. Cooler Mornings and Active Trout

As temperatures drop slightly, water conditions stabilize and trout stay active longer into the day. Early mornings and twilight become prime windows, with trout rising confidently to well-presented dries.

3. Consistent Hatches

Late summer brings reliable trico and caddis hatches. If you enjoy fishing small flies to picky trout in slick water, this is your time. Spinner falls can be intense-and if you are dialed in, the results are unforgettable.

4. Clear, Calm Weather

Montana in late summer is a postcard-blue skies, cottonwood shade, and golden light on the river. It is a perfect window for fishing, photography, and simply unwinding away from screens and schedules.

5. Perfect for Repeat Guests or First-Timers

Whether you have been here before or are planning your first trip, late summer is forgiving and generous. With fewer people, steady weather, and trout still feeding hard, it is ideal for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Plan Your Trip Now
 If you are ready to escape the grind and experience the Bighorn River at its most peaceful, late summer fly fishing in Montana is your shot. Book a guided trip, pack your small flies, and let the river do the rest.

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Fly Fishing the Bighorn River: A Remote Montana Experience

A Fly Fishing Destination Like No Other

Hidden within the Crow Indian Reservation in southeastern Montana, the Bighorn River is one of the best-kept secrets in American fly fishing. With crystal-clear tailwater flowing year-round from Yellowtail Dam, it creates the perfect environment for wild brown and rainbow trout to thrive.

Unlike busier rivers out West, the Bighorn remains peaceful, wild, and richly authentic. Here, you are more likely to hear the call of a bald eagle than the hum of traffic. It is a place where anglers come not just to catch fish-but to disconnect, reset, and remember why they picked up a fly rod in the first place.

Why Fish the Bighorn River in Summer?

Summer is the peak season for fly fishing on the Bighorn, and for good reason:

  • Consistent hatches of PMDs, caddisflies, tricos, and midges
  • Long days and cool nights ideal for dry fly action
  • High oxygen levels and stable flows perfect for trout feeding behavior

The river’s tailwater section offers both excellent wading access and long, driftable runs. Popular floats include Afterbay to 3-Mile and 3-Mile to Bighorn Access. Whether you are casting size 20 spinners or swinging soft hackles, the fishing here is precise and rewarding.

An Authentic Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Experience

What sets this experience apart is not just the trout or the scenery-it’s the care taken by Cary and David Hornan, your on-the-ground hosts. They have created more than just a lodge-they have curated a full-service fly fishing experience in Montana where every detail is handled.

From gear prep and gourmet meals to shuttle logistics and hatch matching, you are free to focus on the rhythm of the river. For many guests, this is where the pressure of modern life fades-and a deeper connection to nature begins.

A Place to Escape, Reflect, and Reconnect

This stretch of the Bighorn River feels like it was made for solitude seekers, artists, and anglers. It is not uncommon for guests to say it reminds them of scenes from A River Runs Through It. Some visitors even use the time to write, reflect, and completely unplug. The result? An experience that nourishes more than just your fly fishing skills-it nourishes the soul.

Plan Your Trip to the Bighorn River

Whether you are new to fly fishing or returning for another season, Fly Fishing the Bighorn offers one of the most authentic trout fishing getaways in Montana. With world-class water, incredible hospitality, and a remote location that truly feels off-grid-this is the Montana you have been looking for.


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Seasonal Fly Fishing on the Bighorn River: What to Expect Year-Round

The Bighorn River is one of the most renowned fly fishing destinations in the world, offering steady water flows, prolific insect hatches, and breathtaking scenery. No matter the time of year, the river provides exciting opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. However, each season presents unique challenges.

To maximize success on the Bighorn, understanding seasonal changes in fish behavior, water conditions, and hatch cycles is essential. Whether you are planning a trip during the bloom of spring, the warmth of summer, the solitude of fall, or the crisp chill of winter, adapting to seasonal conditions will elevate your fishing experience.

Spring (March – May): The Start of Prime Season

Why Spring Fly Fishing is Special

As winter loosens its grip, the Bighorn River comes alive with activity. Trout, responding to warming temperatures, become more active, and early-season hatches provide excellent dry fly opportunities. Since the water is often clearer before spring runoff, this season is ideal for sight-fishing.

What to Expect

  • Hatches: Midges, Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), and early Baetis mayflies.
  • Water Conditions: Variable flows, but early spring offers clearer water before runoff.
  • Trout Behavior: Fish begin feeding more aggressively, especially on emerging insects.

Recommended Gear

  • Rod Weight: 4-5 weight rods for delicate presentations.
  • Flies: Small nymphs and dry flies to match midges and BWOs.
  • Techniques: Nymphing is highly effective, but dry fly fishing improves as temperatures rise.

Summer (June – August): Peak Fishing & Big Hatches

Why Summer is Prime Time

Summer is the busiest and most productive time for fly fishing on the Bighorn River. With abundant hatches and consistent flows, anglers can enjoy topwater action and long days on the water. This season is particularly great for dry fly enthusiasts, as trout aggressively feed on surface insects.

What to Expect

  • Hatches: Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), Yellow Sallies, Caddis, and Tricos.
  • Water Conditions: Stable flows due to dam-controlled releases, making it ideal for wading and drifting.
  • Trout Behavior: Fish rise consistently, making it a perfect time for dry fly fishing.

Recommended Gear

  • Rod Weight: 5-6 weight rods for handling bigger fish and stronger currents.
  • Flies: Dry flies such as PMDs, Tricos, and Caddis patterns.
  • Techniques: Focus on matching the hatch and long, natural drifts for the best results.

Fall (September – November): Solitude & Strong Hatches

Why Fall Fly Fishing is Unique

For those who enjoy less crowded waters and aggressive trout, fall is an ideal season. As temperatures cool down, fish start preparing for winter by feeding heavily, and streamer fishing becomes more productive.

What to Expect

  • Hatches: Tricos, BWOs, and the beginning of streamer season.
  • Water Conditions: Clear and stable, providing excellent sight-fishing opportunities.
  • Trout Behavior: Fish bulk up for winter, becoming more aggressive toward streamers.

Recommended Gear

  • Rod Weight: 5-6 weight rods for versatility.
  • Flies: BWOs for surface action and streamers for larger trout.
  • Techniques: Mix nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamer retrievals based on conditions.

Winter (December – February): A Hidden Gem for Die-Hard Anglers

Why Winter Fly Fishing is Worth It

Many anglers overlook winter, but those willing to brave the cold can experience some of the best fishing of the year. With minimal angling pressure, trout remain undisturbed and willing to take well-presented flies.

What to Expect

  • Hatches: Midges dominate, with occasional BWOs.
  • Water Conditions: Low flows and steady conditions make for easier presentations.
  • Trout Behavior: Fish conserve energy, feeding in slower water and deeper pools.

Recommended Gear

  • Rod Weight: 4-5 weight rods for precise presentations.
  • Flies: Midge patterns, small BWOs, and slow-moving nymphs.
  • Techniques: Fish low and slow, focusing on deep runs and tailwaters.

Fly fishing on the Bighorn River is a year-round adventure, with each season offering a unique experience. Whether you are casting to hungry post-winter trout in spring, rising fish during summer hatches, aggressive browns in the fall, or undisturbed winter trout, understanding seasonal patterns will greatly enhance your success.

Being prepared with the right flies, techniques, and strategies will allow you to adapt to changing conditions and maximize every trip. If you are ready to experience the best fly fishing Montana has to offer, contact Bighorn Lodge today to book your perfect fishing getaway.

Top 10 Fly Patterns
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Top 10 Fly Patterns for Success on the Bighorn River

The Bighorn River is widely regarded as one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the United States. Known for its steady water flows, rich aquatic life, and thriving trout populations, it offers anglers an opportunity to experience world-class fishing. However, success on this river depends on one critical factor—choosing the right fly pattern. Since the Bighorn River supports a diverse range of insect hatches, trout feed selectively depending on the season, water conditions, and available food sources. For this reason, understanding which fly patterns work best throughout the year can significantly improve your catch rate. Whether you are an experienced angler or just starting out, having the right flies in your box will make a huge difference. Learn the top 10 fly patterns that consistently catch fish on the Bighorn River, with tips on when and how to use them.

Top 10 Fly Patterns

1. Zebra Midge

Best Season: Year-round

Best Use: Nymphing in slow-moving pools and tailouts

Why It Works:

Midges make up a significant portion of a trout’s diet, especially in colder months when other insects are scarce. The Zebra Midge is an effective subsurface pattern that imitates midge larvae and works exceptionally well in deep pools and slow-moving currents.

How to Fish It:

  • Use a light indicator rig with a small weight to drift the fly naturally.
  • Fish size 18-22 Zebra Midges in red, black, or olive.

2. Ray Charles Sowbug

Best Season: Fall, winter, and early spring

Best Use: Drifted along the river bottom where trout feed

Why It Works:

The Ray Charles Sowbug has become legendary on the Bighorn River because sowbugs are a dominant food source. Since the river is home to thousands of sowbugs, trout feed on them consistently, making this pattern a must-have.

How to Fish It:

  • Fish it deep as a nymph with split shot to get it to the bottom.
  • Use size 14-18 in tan, grey, or pink for the best results.

3. Pheasant Tail Nymph (PTN)

Best Season: Spring and summer

Best Use: Excellent BWO imitation for nymphing rigs

Why It Works:

This classic nymph mimics Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) nymphs, which are a staple in the trout diet. It is an essential fly pattern for spring and summer when BWOs are most active.

How to Fish It:

  • Drift under an indicator or use as a dropper under a dry fly.
  • Size 14-18 works best on the Bighorn.

4. RS2 Emerger

Best Season: Spring and fall

Best Use: Drifted just below the surface during BWO hatches

Why It Works:

The RS2 Emerger is perfect for imitating mayflies struggling to emerge from the water’s surface, making it an excellent choice for when BWOs are hatching.

How to Fish It:

  • Dead-drift in the surface film or swing slightly.
  • Fish size 16-20 in grey, olive, or black.

5. Parachute Adams

Best Season: Summer and fall

Best Use: A go-to dry fly for rising trout

Why It Works:

The Parachute Adams is one of the most versatile dry flies available. Since it mimics mayflies and midges, it is an essential pattern for surface-feeding trout.

How to Fish It:

  • Cast upstream to rising trout and let it drift naturally.
  • Size 14-18 works best on the Bighorn.

6. CDC Caddis

Best Season: Late spring and summer

Best Use: Best fished dry during an evening caddis hatch

Why It Works:

Caddisflies are prolific on the Bighorn, and trout feed aggressively on them during the evening. The CDC Caddis is a high-floating dry fly that perfectly mimics the natural insect.

How to Fish It:

  • Drift on the surface during an active hatch.
  • Use size 14-18 in tan or olive.

7. Trico Spinner

Best Season: Summer

Best Use: For late-morning fishing when Trico hatches are abundant

Why It Works:

The Trico hatch happens in the mornings, and trout focus heavily on spent spinners. The Trico Spinner pattern perfectly matches these conditions.

How to Fish It:

  • Use long, fine leaders for a natural presentation.
  • Best in size 20-24.

8. Woolly Bugger

Best Season: Year-round

Best Use: Strip near banks or drift in deep runs

Why It Works:

The Woolly Bugger is a versatile streamer that imitates baitfish, leeches, and large nymphs. Because it triggers aggressive strikes, it is a go-to fly for catching larger trout.

How to Fish It:

  • Strip in quick bursts near structure.
  • Size 6-10 in black, olive, or brown works best.

9. Mysis Shrimp

Best Season: Year-round

Best Use: Best used below the dam where shrimp are abundant

Why It Works:

Mysis shrimp are a primary food source for trout below the dam. This fly pattern mimics drifting shrimp, making it a top-producing option in these areas.

How to Fish It:

  • Fish deep using a nymph rig.
  • Use size 14-18.

10. Bunny Leech

Best Season: Fall and winter

Best Use: Large, hungry trout will take this during cooler months

Why It Works:

The Bunny Leech is a large, meaty streamer that attracts aggressive brown trout in cold water conditions. This fly is perfect for anglers looking to target trophy fish.

How to Fish It:

  • Strip slow and deep during cold months.
  • Size 4-8 in black, olive, or purple.

Having the right flies is half the battle when fishing the Bighorn River. By selecting the best patterns for the season, you can match the hatch and increase your chances of landing more trout. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned angler, these proven fly patterns will help you succeed.

For those looking to stock up on the best flies for the Bighorn River, visit the Bighorn Fly Shop for high-quality gear, expert recommendations, and everything you need for your next fishing adventure.