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.

LOWER FLOW

Seasonal fishing advice

April often offers good blue-winged-olive fishing, along with nymphing and improving streamer opportunities. Cloudy, calm weather can bring some of the more consistent dry-fly fishing of spring.

Readings from this period

The median flow in reports from around this date was 1,500 cfs, with reported readings from 1,500 to 1,750 cfs. 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
Scud
Zebra Midge
Tailwater Sowbug
Pheasant Tail
CDC Baetis
Sow Bug
Carpet Bug
Midge
Pete’s Bugger

TACTICS

Seasonal suggestions

Before the hatch, nymph where riffles deepen into runs
Try emergers once fish are rising steadily
On cloudy days, work streamers along banks and channel edges

RIGGING START

A seasonal rig to start with

Start with roughly 6–8 feet from indicator to weight, a smaller indicator and light shot. Keep the cast quiet and try less weight before making a large change to leader length.

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 — April 16, 2026