The Bighorn is settling into a pretty sweet September groove, according to Bighorn Angler on September 17, 2026, with flows holding steady around 1,400–1,500 cfs and the river looking downright fishy. Black caddis are still putting in reliable appearances, while a few PMDs and pseudos are joining the afternoon shift and giving trout a reason to keep an eye on the surface. In the morning, keep things subsurface with Tailwater Sowbugs, Orange Scuds, Carpet Bugs, and Red Bead Ray Charles in sizes 14–16; once afternoon rolls around, mix in Hare’s Ears, CDC Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, Nightmare Jigs, or Duracells as trailers. Water conditions are excellent, the fish are playing along, and September is doing what September does best on the Bighorn.
Swing into Bighorn Angler, 73 1st St E, Fort Smith, MT 59035, open Monday–Sunday from 8am–12pm, or give the shop a call at 866-979-3231 and get your fly box properly armed for the day in the area.
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