The Bighorn is settling into its classic mid-summer rhythm, holding steady at 1,600 cfs. If the past few weeks felt a little tight, river is beginning to change into steady fishing. The fishing continues to get better, so get out there and enjoy the river you love.
There are lots of bugs on the water, especially as you head below the 3-mile marker. We are starting to see consistent black caddis activity, and it’s a welcome sight to watch the river come alive in the afternoons. The trout are responding, and the bite has become much more active and reliable, making the fishing very high-quality and fun all day long.
What’s Working
As the hatches build in the afternoons, the fish are shifting their attention to match the bugs. It’s a great time to be cycling through your favorite summer patterns. We’re finding great success with Frenchies, Torches, Pheasant Tails, and a variety of go-to small mayfly patterns. Keep your standard Sowbugs and Midges handy for the morning, but don’t be afraid to switch over to those summer staples around noon or so.
Streamer fishing has also been good
Dries:
Beatis/BWO's Patterns, midge clusters, brooks sprout, cdc emerger rs2, Small black caddis, Scuds and Sowbugs
Nymphs:
worm, perdigons, scuds, sowbugs, ray charles, Hot Heads, split cases, frenchies, and zebra midges
Streamers:
Rusty trombone, thin mint, wooly buggers
