Bighorn River Fishing Report by Forrester’s Fly Bench Fishing 3.15.21
By angelamontana

Posted: March 17, 2021
Water flow: 2200 CFS
Visibility: 48 Inches
Water condition: Clear and mossy
Best time of day to fish: 10:00-4:00
Best stretch: Afterbay to Bighorn
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance: Few midges hatching
Fish species: Trout – Brown, Rainbow
Fishing season: Year Around
Nearest airport: Logan International (Billings),
Recommended fly-fishing leader: 6 Foot Leader
Recommended fly-fishing tippet: 3X Tippet
Best fly-fishing rod: 9′ 6 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line
Fly Recommendations: Orange or Pink SH Sowbugs / Scuds / Ray Charles, San Juan Worms, Midge Pupa, Small Mayfly Imitations

We have been getting a little taste of Spring along the Bighorn! Days have been clear, with above average daytime temperatures (highs in low to upper 60s) and clear, cool nights. The water is very clear and low right now, with a visibility of 48” and little vegetation. Current water temperature remains around 40, which is slightly low for this time of year, and 25% below last year this time. The snowpack has remained very low, which we expect to provide us an even better fishing season than last year. Some midges are hatching right now, and there are reports of some baetis hatches. Nymphing is still the best option right now, although the fish are mostly remaining in their winter spots. Fish pink and orange sowbugs, scuds, & Ray Charles, San Juan worms, and midge pupa.

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