Bighorn River Fishing Report

HISTORICAL REPORT

This is a look back at a past period. The readings and reported flies below are historical; the fishing suggestions describe the usual seasonal approach.

VARIABLE

Seasonal fishing advice

January usually means slowing down and choosing your water carefully. Focus on steady, slower water and make the most of the warmest part of the day.

Readings from this period

The dated reports do not give us a reliable flow reading for this period. We do not have a reliable water-temperature reading for this period.

HATCHES

Listed for this period

midge
Baetis or BWO
PMD
Trico
hopper
ant

FLIES

Reported patterns

Zebra Midge
Black Zebra Midge
Perdigon
Tailwater Sowbug
Sowbug
Scud
Sparkle Minnow

TACTICS

Seasonal suggestions

Nymph the slower seams and deeper water on the inside of bends
Try a shorter cast for better control before adding weight
On a warming afternoon, swing a small leech through a slow tailout

RIGGING START

A seasonal rig to start with

Start around 7–9 feet from indicator to weight with light-to-moderate shot and 4X–5X tippet. Work on a slower, natural drift before adding more weight.

Use this dated report to compare past fishing with your trip. Before heading out, check the current flow, water temperature and hatch activity.

Compare with live conditions

Bighorn River Fishing Report — January 8, 2026