Cold snap coming, but the Bighorn is still on fire…deadly nymph rigs, winter-proof sowbugs, and just enough streamer action to keep things interesting if you know what to throw.
Check out the full report by Yellow Dog Flyfishing:
Flow Data: Bighorn River near St. Xaiver, MT
Fishing has been pretty darn good. A little cooler than around Bozeman. Good fishing conditions until a cold stint through the weekend. Nymphing has been the most consistent method for catching fish. Sowbugs and scuds have been very effective subsurface. They should continue to work all winter. A BWO nymph paired with your sowbug has been a deadly nymph rig. An Olive Micro Mayfly, Pearl/ Olive Jiggy Perdigon, and Pheasant Tail have all been nymphs to fish your scud or sowbug. An angler may still find some fish willing to eat a streamer but it won’t be very consistent. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Swim Coaches have all been productive. Natural flies like Wooly Buggers or Thin Mints have also been great.
