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

May can bring excellent Baetis, midge and nymph fishing. Releases may also rise, so be ready to change where you fish and how much weight you use before changing your flies.

Readings from this period

The median flow in reports from around this date was 1,500 cfs, with reported readings from 1,500 to 1,500 cfs. We do not have a reliable water-temperature reading for this period.

HATCHES

Listed for this period

midge
Baetis or BWO
mayfly

FLIES

Reported patterns

Scud
Perdigon
Sowbug

TACTICS

Seasonal suggestions

As flows rise, look for fish along banks and slower inside edges
Try worms and larger food patterns when the water is changing
Go back to smaller mayfly nymphs when flows settle

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 — May 28, 2026