How to go fish the Bighorn River

The months we list for the Bighorn River are June, July, August, September, October. You are inside that window now, so this brief is written for August.

August

Reading the gauge…

Flies to tie — August

Caddis#14-16
Elk Hair Caddis
Pale Morning Dun#16-18
PMD Sparkle Dun
Grasshopper#8-12
Dave Hopper

Access

Afterbay Dam Launch
45.318, -107.924parking
3-Mile Island (Lind) FAS
45.258, -107.510parking
Bighorn FAS (13-Mile)
45.415, -107.786parking

Regs — check current rules before you go

Montana fishing license required. Crow Tribal land restrictions apply — remain within high water mark. Afterbay Dam to Bighorn FAS: artificial lures and flies only in some sections; check current Montana FWP regulations. 5 trout daily, with 2 over 18 inches. No fishing within 200 yards of Afterbay Dam spillway.

Pack list

A current state fishing licence
Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
Net, nippers, forceps
Floatant and desiccant
Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
Water, sun cover, polarised glasses

Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.

Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Bighorn River page →