What usually hatches
- Midges
- Blue-winged olives
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MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE
March fishing on the Bighorn.
Look for midges and the first spring blue-winged olives.
Before your trip, compare this seasonal advice with the latest flow and water temperature.
SEASONAL GUIDE
What to expect in March
March brings a gradual shift toward spring. Winter nymphing is still a useful starting point, while longer days and warming weather can bring blue-winged olives and more chances to fish streamers.
Dam releases may change more often as spring approaches. Check whether the river is rising, dropping or holding steady before choosing your depth and where to fish.
How to fish it
- Start with a winter nymph rig, then shorten it if fish move toward shallower riffle edges
- Watch slower edges for rising fish on cloudy afternoons
- Retrieve streamers with slow strips and pauses
How to rig
Start 7–9 feet deep. Add or remove a little weight as flows change; you usually do not need to rebuild the whole rig.
STARTING FLY BOX
Carry these patterns.
Sizes are starting points. Match the insects and water in front of you.
Sowbug #16–20Ray Charles #16–20Scud #16–18Zebra midge #18–22Juju Baetis #18–20Pheasant tail #18–20Woolly bugger #6–10
PACKING LIST
What to bring
- Windproof shell
- Fingerless gloves
- Midge and Baetis boxes
- Polarized glasses
- Warm layers
KEEP IN MIND
Before you head out
A rise or drop in releases can move fish before you notice any change in the hatches.
Let the wind help you choose when to fish. Keep a dry-fly rod ready, but do not count on a hatch.
HELP US IMPROVE
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