(Serving up the latest fishing report for the Bighorn River via Fly Fish Food)
The Bighorn River is in its absolute prime right now, giving you the perfect excuse to call in “sick” to work.
- The Flow: A super manageable 1,540 CFS. Translation: Waders and floaters can both get a piece of the action without fighting a raging torrent.
- The View: Crystal clear water below Yellowtail Afterbay Dam. (Just double-check the water after Tuesday’s potential storms).
- The Vibe: Weather is bouncing between 44°F and 77°F with some partly cloudy skies.
The Menu (What the Fish are Ordering)
While the bugs are throwing an all-day buffet, the fish are being a bit strategic about when they eat. Fly Fish Food has the underwater tracking dialed in:
- Subsurface Staples: If you want guaranteed action all day long, go deep. The underwater Sowbug and Scud party is raging 24/7.
- The Midday Rush: Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are starting to show face around lunchtime, especially when the sun hits.
- The Happy Hour: Caddis are gearing up for their late-June peak. Look for splashy rises in the fast water as the sun starts to dip.
Hot Flies to Tie On:
- Under the water: Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug (#10), Blowtorch (#12), or an Egan’s Thread Frenchie (#12).
- On the surface: Parachute BWO (#22), Stealth Link Mercer (#20), or a Corn-fed Caddis (#20).
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Midge Madness. Fish the slow pools with tiny pupae (Zebra Midges) while the world wakes up.
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Prime Time. Look for PMD and BWO hatches. If you see fins breaking the surface, swap to dries.
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | The Caddis Evening Show. Watch the lower riffles for explosive, splashy bites.
Run a two-fly rig about 4 to 5 feet under your indicator. Put a heavy lead fly up front (like a Blowtorch or Sowbug) and trail a tiny PMD or Baetis behind it.
Weather Hack: Keep an eye on Tuesday’s forecast. If those afternoon thunderstorms roll in, the cloud cover is going to absolutely trigger the Blue-Winged Olives. Don’t pack up early—that’s when the big Browns and Rainbows lose their minds.