Filed under: Fishing Report
Water flow: 3,960cfs
Visibility: 60 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 60 Degrees F
Water condition: Clear
Best time of day to fish: 9:00am till dark
Best stretch: 3 mile to Mallards, After Bay to 3 mile, then 3 mile to Bighorn, Bighorn to Mallards(lots of jet boats this weekend on this stretch)
Best access point: 1st – After Bay 2nd – 3 mile 3rd – Bighorn
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:
Peak hatch times late afternoon till dark
Few PMD mid day 2:00-5:00
HOPPERS ALL DAY!
Caddis in the evenings.
“Must-have” fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
| Fly Name: | Fly Color: | Fly Size(s): |
| Pale Sulpher Thorax | Tan | 16-14 |
| Cdc Comparadun Dry Fly | Tan | 20 |
| San Juan Worm | Red or red and tan | 8-10 |
| Blue Wing Olive Parachute | Bluewing Olive | 18-20 |
| Ant Selection | back and red | 14-16 |
| Foam Park Hopper | 10 | |
| Tan wonder nymph | Red | 14-20 |
| Soft Hackle Ray Charles | Pink | 16-18 |
| Soft Hackle Ray Charles | grey |
Fish species: Wild Rainbow & Brown Trout
Fishing season: Year Round (Prime: May 1 – September 31)
Nearest airport: Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader
Recommended fly fishing tippet: 3X Tippet Size
Best fly fishing rod: 9′ 6 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: Trout WF
Filed under: Fishing Report
The hot weather has broken and it is going to be cooler (80 degrees) perfect wet wading still. The hoppers will continue into the fall now. With the lake still full, the flows will stabilize to this flow 3500-3900cfs for the rest of the year. Water temps are near perfect. The Caddis in the evenings will continue to get better.
The fish are moving into the more oxygenated heavy water now with the water temps being near perfect for browns and rainbows Sight fishing is great. Fishing the banks with hoppers is very exciting, productive and fun! Dry fly fishing is best done from down stream from the fish, presenting the fly as a dead drift. Nymph fishing below indicators with 9′-3X leaders (Orvis Superstrong # KM0714-61) 2 BB’s shot seem to be the right weight. Orvis’ Helios Rod with it’s strong backbone, is really handling extra weight and bigger fish very well. I prefer the Helios 6 weight. (ZG Helios 906-4 Tip 9.5)
The flows are at 3,960cfs. Great sight nymphing for Big Fish! Check out the techniques section. Both floating and wading productive while nymphing. Wading only option for rising fish except fishing hopper’s, then you want to drift and fish the banks. Streamer fishing is spottier but some cloudy days can be good, banks and deep pools. River Sections- Although we have been floating the entire 13 mile stretch from Afterbay to Bighorn this is how it breaks down. HOPPERS ALL THE WAY DOWN! 0 to 3 mile Access – Great Nymphing a few drys 3 to Bighorn Access – Better dry fly activity, great nymphing, best bet for streamers. Bighorn Access to Mallards Landing – Water clarity fair. The warm week created allot of run off. Fishing very slow. River Flows —- 3,960 cfs
Water flow: 3,960cfs
Visibility: 60 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 60 Degrees F
Water condition: Clear
Best time of day to fish: 9:00am till 7:00pm
Best stretch: After Bay to 3 mile, then 3 mile to Bighorn, Bighorn to Mallards(lots of jet boats this weekend on this stretch)
Best access point: 1st – After Bay 2nd – 3 mile
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:
Peak hatch times late afternoon till 7:00
Few PMD mid day 2:00-5:00
HOPPERS ALL DAY!
Caddis in the evenings.
“Must-have” fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
| Fly Name: | Fly Color: | Fly Size(s): |
| Pale Sulpher Thorax | Tan | 16-14 |
| Cdc Comparadun Dry Fly | Tan | 20 |
| San Juan Worm | Red or red and tan | 8-10 |
| Blue Wing Olive Parachute | Bluewing Olive | 18-20 |
| Ant Selection | back and red | 14-16 |
| Wd-40 | 10 | |
| Tan wonder nymph | Red | 14-20 |
| Soft Hackle Ray Charles | Pink | 16-18 |
Filed under: Fishing Report
Water flow: 3,960cfs
Visibility: 60 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 60 Degrees F
Water condition: Clear
Best time of day to fish: 9:00am till 7:00pm
Best stretch: After Bay to 3 mile, then 3 mile to Bighorn, Bighorn to Mallards(lots of jet boats this weekend on this stretch)
Best access point: 1st – After Bay 2nd – 3 mile
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:
Peak hatch times late afternoon till 7:00
Few PMD mid day 2:00-5:00
HOPPERS ALL DAY!
Caddis in the evenings.
“Must-have” fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
| Fly Name: | Fly Color: | Fly Size(s): |
| Pale Sulpher Thorax | Tan | 16-14 |
| Cdc Comparadun Dry Fly | Tan | 20 |
| San Juan Worm | Red or red and tan | 8-10 |
| Blue Wing Olive Parachute | Bluewing Olive | 18-20 |
| Ant Selection | back and red | 14-16 |
| Wd-40 | 10 | |
| Tan wonder nymph | Red | 14-20 |
| Soft Hackle Ray Charles | Pink | 16-18 |
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby: Forrester’s Bighorn River
Eagle Nest Lodge
Fish species: Wild Rainbow & Brown Trout
Fishing season: Year Round (Prime: May 1 – September 31)
Nearest airport: Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader
Recommended fly fishing tippet: 3X Tippet Size
Best fly fishing rod: 9′ 6 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: Trout WF
The major runoff for the Bighorn Basin Drainage has passed. There are 3 major reservoirs that release flows ending up in the Bighorn Lake and directly affect the flows in the Bighorn River. Here are their flows and capacity. First there is Buffalo Bill on the Shoshone River near Cody Wyoming – 4,346cfs at 93% full. Next there is Bull Lake on the North Fork of the Wind near Dubois Wyoming – 1,220cfs at 94% full. It releases into Boysen Reservoir near Shoshoni Wyoming – 6,600cfs and is 100% full with 23% Flood Pool full. Then there is the Bighorn Reservoir at Fort Smith – 7,887 at Afterbay and 100% full with 20% Flood Pool full. Although we are not affected by run off to the same degree as other non tailwater fisheries, the flows are higher and very clear. With the higher flows, the temps come up a bit which makes for very active feeding fish. Higher flows make for great fishing. Increase the weight of your fly to get it down. The emergence of aquatic earth worms (San Juan Worms) in huge numbers creates the opportunity for some big fish! I suggest Red or two tone red and tan chenille in size 8. Hoppers are starting to appear. The fish are starting to look at some of the ants that are being washed down, and they will appear as random splashy rises. This week PMD’s and a few Black Caddis are also starting to appear. Lastly, the water is at a perfect flow rate for some side stream dry fly action.
Filed under: Fishing Report
Water flow: 4665cfs
Visibility: 60 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 60 Degrees F
Water condition: Clear
Best time of day to fish: 9:00am till 7:00pm
Best stretch: After Bay to 3 mile, then 3 mile to Bighorn, Bighorn to Mallards(lots of jet boats this weekend on this stretch)
Best access point: 1st – After Bay 2nd – 3 mile
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:
Peak hatch times late afternoon till 7:00
Few PMD mid day 2:00-5:00
A few Hoppers starting to appear
“Must-have” fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
| Fly Name: | Fly Color: | Fly Size(s): |
| Pale Sulpher Thorax | Tan | 16-14 |
| Cdc Comparadun Dry Fly | Tan | 20 |
| San Juan Worm | Red or red and tan | 8-10 |
| Blue Wing Olive Parachute | Bluewing Olive | 18-20 |
| Ant Selection | back and red | 14-16 |
| Wd-40 | 10 | |
| Tan wonder nymph | Red | 14-20 |
| Soft Hackle Ray Charles | Pink | 16-18 |
Fish species: Wild Rainbow & Brown Trout
Fishing season: Year Round (Prime: May 1 – September 31)
Nearest airport: Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader
Recommended fly fishing tippet: 3X Tippet Size
Best fly fishing rod: 9′ 6 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: Trout WF
Filed under: Fishing Report
Water flow: 12,270
Visibility: 60 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 52 Degrees F
Water condition: Clear
Best time of day to fish: 9:00am till 7:00pm
Best stretch: After Bay to 3 mile, then 3 mile to Bighorn
Best access point: 1st – After Bay 2nd – 3 mile
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:
Peak hatch times late afternoon till 7:00
Few Tan Caddis
“Must-have” fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
| Fly Name: | Fly Color: | Fly Size(s): |
| Cdc Elk Caddis Dun | Black | 16-14 |
| Cdc Comparadun Dry Fly | Olive | 20 |
| San Juan Worm | Red or red and tan | 8-10 |
| Blue Wing Olive Parachute | Bluewing Olive | 18-20 |
| Ant Selection | back and red | 14-16 |
| Wd-40 | 10 | |
| Red Midge Larva | Red | 14-20 |
| Soft Hackle Ray Charles | Pink | 16-18 |
Fish species: Wild Rainbow & Brown Trout
Fishing season: Year Round (Prime: May 1 – September 31)
Nearest airport: Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader
Recommended fly fishing tippet: 3X Tippet Size
Best fly fishing rod: 9′ 6 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: Trout WF
Filed under: Fishing Report
Fishing today is great on nymphs. Water clarity is fantastic and the water flow is up 1,000 cfs since last night to 7,005 cfs. Tim Carry caught a 21″ rainbow for the catch of the day.
Filed under: Fishing Report | Tags: Bighorn River, Fly Fishing, forresters, Montana
*Current Report*
Fair to Good Dry Fly Fishing and Great Nymph Fishing
*River Flow & Water Temperature*
6,040 CFS - 42 degrees at the after bay 43 degrees at 3 mile.
*View of the Aquarium* – from my office
Cooler weather, rain and increase flows have lessen pressure on the river. Fewer boats and walk down wade fisherman.
*Best Techniques*
With increasing flows and cooler weather dry fly fishing is a little more sporadic, however with as a slightly overcast days BWO’s still 1pm till 7pm midges off and on all day till dark. Look closely for risers can be hard to see with higher flows. Patience will pay off as you may see only sporadic rises for BWO’s but fish will continue to look for them all day. It is best to approach from below, but adjust your position for current and lighting. Nymphing with indicator in slightly deeper water, below drop offs. Look for shelves with slow to moderate current and soft edges of riffles. Also seams along heavy water for biggest fish. Use enough weight to touch bottom occasionally. Any unexplained movement might be a strike. From 7:30 pm till Dark (8:50) Midges may attract pods of feeding fish.
*One-Week Fishing Forecast*
Well we had SNOW Sunday the 7th in the morning, then cooler and rain all day. The forecast is for cooler days with thunderstorms in the p.m. Still some overcast each day which should be good for the hatches. Wind is forecasted to be light all week. Dry fly fishing is sporadic because of the increase flow and weather but should settle in to be more constant latter in the week with increase temperatures and Nymphing is excellent good.
*River Sections*
0 to 3 mile Access – Fair to Good Dry Fly Fishing – Great Nymphing
3 to Bighorn Access – Fair to Good Dry Fly activity, great nymphing, best bet for streamers. Soap Creek is still affecting the water clarity but not as much with the cooler temperatures. With the rain we have and an a lot of snow on the mountains, we should start seeing more runoff and increase flows. Taking into consideration the higher temperatures the 5 creeks that enter the Bighorn will start to decrease clarity the farther you go down.
Bighorn Access to Mallards Landing – Cooler increase flows have caused a lot of moss and water clarity to really affect the fishing. Some guides have even been skunked.
*Hatch Info*
Peak hatch times 1pm-5pm for BWO’s and 7:30pm till dark for midges. BWO patterns still effective over some midging fish. BWO’s 1pm till 5pm.
*Hot Fly Patterns*
Olive Comparadun size 20, Griffiths Gnat size 20-22, Black Midge 22-24,
Black and red Midges in both warped and bead head size 18-20. Brassies
Red In 18-20. Black Quills in 18-20, Ray Charles in orange, pink, gray or
tan (16-18), Soft Hackle Sowbugs in tan, gray, or pink (14 16 and 18)
Scuds in brown (16-18), Baetis Wonder Nymph in 18-20, Red Midge Larva in 16-20, Black Zebra Midge in 18-20, Pheasant Tail in 18-20, Worm wax or wire wrap in red, orange, and 2 tone in
*River Flow*
*Water Temperature*
40 degrees at the after bay 41 degrees at 3 mile.
Filed under: Fishing Report
*Current Report*
Good Dry Fly Fishing and Great Nymph Fishing
*View of the Aquarium* – from my office
Memorial Day Weekend lots of boats going to the river and lake. Very busy on the river. Monday will be the worst with 20 boats from a school in Billings all going down the same time.
*Best Techniques*
Dry fly fishing has been more consistant with the stable flows this past week. Sunday we had fish on BWO dries from noon til 7:30, whether or not the bugs were present! Midges have still been off and on all day. The best news this week has been great sight nymphing for Big Fish! Sunny days with fewer rising fish have the best potential. Look carefully in softer riffle water and edges of heavier flow from ankle to waist deep. Use enough weight to get down quickly and cast 6 to 10 feet above the fish. Watch the fish (not the indicator) for a swiping motion or a wink of white when he opens his mouth as your fly passes. Fish have finally spread out and can be found in all types of water. Use enough weight to touch bottom occasionally. Any unexplained movement might be a strike. From 7:30 pm till Dark (9:15) Midges may attract pods of feeding fish.
*One-Week Fishing Forecast*
The forecast is for warmer days with slight chance of rain Sunday and Monday. Still some overcast each day which should be good for the hatches. Wind is forecasted to be light all week. Dry fly fishing improving and Nymphing is very good.
*River Sections*
0 to 3 mile Access - Good Dry Fly Fishing – Great Nymphing
3 to Bighorn Access – Good Dry Fly activity, great nymphing, best bet for streamers. Soap Creek affecting the water clarity where it enters the river the farther you go down to 13 mile (Bighorn Access) the more it is affected. With the high temperatures the 5 creeks that enter the Bighorn will start to decrease clarity.
Bighorn Access to Mallards Landing – Water clarity good to great some days fair to good nymphing, good streamer and some dry fly.
*Hatch Info*
Peak hatch times 12pm to 7pm for BWO’s and 7:30pm till dark for midges. BWO patterns still effective over some midging fish.
*Hot Fly Patterns*
Olive Comparadun size 20, Griffiths Gnat size 20-22, Black Midge 22-24,
Black and red Midges in both wrapped and bead head size 18-20. Brassies Red In 18-20. Black Quills in 18-20, Ray Charles in orange, pink, gray or tan (16-18), Soft Hackle Sowbugs in tan, gray, or pink (14 16 and 18) Scuds in brown (16-18), Baetis Wonder Nymph in 18-20, Red Midge Larva in 16-20, Black Zebra Midge in 18-20, Pheasant Tail in 18-20, Worm wax or wire wrap in red, orange, and 2 tone in
*River Flows*
Current Flow Below Afterbay is 4,085 CFS
*Water Temperature*
41 degrees at the after bay 42 degrees at 3 mile.
Filed under: Fishing Report
*Current Report*
Good Dry Fly Fishing and Great Nymph Fishing
*View of the Aquarium* – from my office
Lots of people out this weekend on the river. Must be the good weather
*Best Techniques*
With increasing flows dry fly fishing is a little more sporadic, BWO’s 1pm till 5pm midges off and on all day. Look closely for risers can be hard to see with higher flows. Patience will pay off as you may see only sporadic rises for BWO’s but fish will continue to look for them all day. It is best to approach from below, but adjust your position for current and lighting. Nymphing with indicator in slightly deeper water, below drop offs. Look for shelves with slow to moderate current and soft edges of riffles. Also seams along heavy water for biggest fish. Use enough weight to touch bottom occasionally. Any unexplained movement might be a strike. From 7:30 pm till Dark (8:50) Midges may attract pods of feeding fish.
*One-Week Fishing Forecast*
The forecast is for warmer days with slight chance of rain toward the end of the week. Some overcast each day which should be good for the hatches. Wind is forecasted to be light all week, but that is what they said last week. When we had guests the latter part of the week up to 45 mph. It does diminish toward dark. Thus dry fly fishing should improve some and Nymphing is always good.
*River Sections*
0 to 3 mile Access - Good Dry Fly Fishing – Great Nymphing
3 to Bighorn Access – Good Dry Fly activity, great nymphing, best bet for streamers. Soap Creek affecting the water clarity where it enters the river the farther you go down to 13 mile (Bighorn Access) the more it is affected. With the high temperatures the 5 creeks that enter the Bighorn will start to decrease clarity.
Bighorn Access to Mallards Landing – Water clarity drops off, some days fair to good nymphing, good streamer.
*Hatch Info*
Peak hatch times 1pm-3pm for BWO’s and 7:30pm till dark for midges. BWO patterns still effective over some midging fish. BWO’s 1pm till 5pm.
*Hot Fly Patterns*
Olive Comparadun size 20, Griffiths Gnat size 20-22, Black Midge 22-24,
Black and red Midges in both warped and bead head size 18-20. Brassies
Red In 18-20. Black Quills in 18-20, Ray Charles in orange, pink, gray or
tan (16-18), Soft Hackle Sowbugs in tan, gray, or pink (14 16 and 18)
Scuds in brown (16-18), Baetis Wonder Nymph in 18-20, Red Midge Larva in 16-20, Black Zebra Midge in 18-20, Pheasant Tail in 18-20, Worm wax or wire wrap in red, orange, and 2 tone in
*River Flows*
Pool Elevation is 3620.6 Feet
Pool Elevation to Fill 19.4 Feet
Reservoir Storage is 878393. Acre-Feet
Reservoir Storage to Fill 191636.0 Acre-Feet
Reservoir Inflow is 3477.7 CFS
Reservoir Outflow is 4345.4 CFS
Reservoir Active Conservation Pool is 82.1 % Full
Reservoir Flood/Surcharge Control Pool is 0.0 % Full
Mean Daily Flow Below Afterbay Flow is 4020.1 CFS
Mean Daily Canal Diversion is 174.0 CFS
Mean Daily Total Flow at Afterbay is 4194.0 CFS
Current Flow Below Afterbay is 3925.2 CFS
Current Canal Diversion is 171.2 CFS
Current total Flow at Afterbay is 4096.4 CFS
*Water Temperature*
40 degrees at the after bay 41 degrees at 3 mile.
