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REPORT ARCHIVE

Bighorn River Fishing Report — January 22, 2026

Look back at the reported conditions and flies, alongside general advice for fishing this time of year.

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

  • Sowbug
  • Zebra Midge
  • Black Zebra Midge
  • Perdigon
  • Tailwater 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
RIVER-AWARE ANSWERSHave a question about fishing the Bighorn?

Ask the Bighorn about today's flows, weather, flies, rigging, access, or a plan for your day. It combines current river readings with Bighorn Fishing Data to give you a practical starting point.

What should I fish today?Where can I wade at this flow?How windy is tomorrow?
Ask the Bighorn assistant

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