Bighorn River Fly Fishing Report: Low Flows and Productive Nymphing
The latest Bighorn River fly fishing report shows flows holding around 1,500 CFS, which is low for late June. Water temperatures are ranging from the upper 40s to low 50s depending on your location on the river. While dry fly activity is beginning to improve, nymphing continues to be the most productive approach for anglers targeting the Bighorn’s healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout.
Current Bighorn River Conditions
Flows remain steady around 1,500 CFS and water clarity is excellent. Water temperatures are generally holding in the upper 40s to low 50s, creating favorable conditions for trout throughout much of the river system.
Many rainbow trout are finishing their annual spawn, although some fish remain on redds. Anglers are encouraged to avoid walking on light-colored gravel and to give spawning fish plenty of space. Protecting these fish helps maintain the quality of the Bighorn River fishery for future generations.
Best Flies and Techniques
Nymphing remains the most consistent tactic according to our latest Bighorn River fly fishing reports. Productive patterns include:
- Large orange scuds
- Small sow bugs
- San Juan worms
- PMD nymphs
- Tiny black midges
- Tiny red midges
Streamer fishing has also produced fish on overcast days. Leech patterns in black, olive, and brown have been particularly effective when cloud cover moves into the area.
Hatch Activity
A few Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are beginning to show throughout the river. While anglers are seeing some surface activity, dry fly fishing has not yet become consistently productive. As PMD activity increases and water temperatures continue to stabilize, we expect dry fly opportunities to improve in the coming weeks.
Overall, fishing remains productive despite lower-than-normal flows for this time of year. Anglers willing to focus on nymphing techniques continue to find success throughout the river. We’ll continue monitoring conditions and hatch activity as summer progresses and provide updated Bighorn River fly fishing reports throughout the season.
Good luck, and we’ll see you on the river.
— River Rock Outfitters