Fishing in Big Horn River

Wednesday, 04 April 2007

Recognized as one of the best trout streams in the whole of the United States, the Big Horn River provides excellent angling action. The months of April through June are considered the best months to go fishing in the Big Horn River. This river enters the state of Montana over 150 miles downstream and flows into Big Horn Lake. Its cool temperatures and its abundant insect life allow the trout to thrive in the area. The trout in the river are mostly the brown trout, although some rainbow trout are present as well. Aside from the trout, there are carp, walleye and northern pike available.

When fishing in the best trout trophy fishery in the lower 48 states, anglers use mostly scuds, CDCs, Midge Clusters, Pale Morning Duns, Adams, Midge Pupa, Yellow Bighorn Special Lures-Mepps, bait words and gold brass. Still, successful fishing in this river may mean trying different methods, strategies and offerings. If the first day doesn’t produce any catch, anglers should try changing their baits. For example, it may be more effective to use a nymph down deep than using dry flies. If a brass spoon is not proving to be effective, it may be better to put on a lure with a different color. If there are still no catches, anglers should just pack up and try the deep pools or the banks.

Anglers shouldn’t lose heart though. The river is productive and ice-free all year round, although January and February are considered the slowest months. The spring run off also doesn’t produce much of a problem because of the river’s tailwater nature. It also doesn’t become excessively low and warm in summer. An average fisherman catches one rainbow trout per four brown trout, although some areas produce more brown than rainbow trout. Some areas even outnumber rainbow trout a whopping nine to one. In the months of November and December, browns spawn in the regulated temperature of water flows in the Big Horn River.

The Big Horn River runs at an approximate speed of 3,000 cubic feed per second which makes it difficult to wade across it so they are advised to be careful around rapid current shifts or fluctuations in water levels. Where do the experts fish in Ontario? Some experts like deeper banks, while some go for tailouts. Deep flowing waters along weeds are perfect spots for dry fly. Some choose to follow the hatches in different waters. Yet others target spots with gravel because fish are also abundant in those areas.

Related Stories

• Big Horn Fly Fishing
• The Beauty of Yellowstone River
• Rafting and Fishing in Arkansas River
• Fishing Trips along Alaska's Kenai River
• Bass Fishing in the Potomac River
• Bass Fishing at Sandy River, Virginia
• John Day River Fishing
• Nantahala River Fishing