Conditions on the Bighorn River are trending in the right direction, according to Bighorn Troutpost’s October 19, 2026 report. The lake turnover is settling down, the floating grass is thinning, and clarity is improving enough that nymphing has become noticeably more consistent. Flows are steady at about 1,600 cfs below Afterbay (1,700 at St. Xavier), and water temperatures have dropped to around 54°F — cool enough to sharpen the streamer bite, with brown trout growing more aggressive.
The recommended approach is a sow bug paired with a small midge or BWO nymph, fished through clean seams and deeper runs, with indicator depth and weight tuned so the flies drift near the bottom without constantly hanging up. In low light, streamers worked along deeper edges, transitions, and shaded banks are the better call, and on cool, overcast afternoons it’s worth watching for BWO rises.
Overall, late October looks promising — just check live flows, temperatures, and weather before heading out, then adjust to the water you actually find.
Bighorn Troutpost is at 100 W Main St in Fort Smith, MT 59035 — reachable by phone at (406) 412-8870, by email at bighorntroutpost@gmail.com, or online at bighorntroutpost.com.
If you’re fishing the Bighorn and passing through, stop in for a meal, stock up on gear, or arrange a boat lunch to take on the water — calling is fastest for same-day boat lunches, while email works well for group orders, guide lunches, or general questions. Their fishing report is also worth checking for current conditions before you launch!
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