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River guide · Montana

Fly Fishing the Bighorn River

The Bighorn flows out of Yellowtail Dam on the Crow Reservation in south-central Montana, with the legendary first 13 miles below the Afterbay Dam (from Three Mile down to Bighorn Access) holding some of the densest trout populations in the country. Cold, nutrient-rich tailwater flows grow heavy brown and rainbow trout that feed steadily through prolific aquatic insect emergences. Most anglers fish from drift boats with frequent wade-out spots on the long gravel flats. It is best known for its blanket Trico and Baetis hatches and reliable year-round midge fishing.

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The best time to fly fish the Bighorn River is Year-round. Key hatches include Baetis / Blue, Midges, Pale Morning Dun, Trico. 21 fly shops near the Bighorn River can outfit your trip.

Fly shops near the Bighorn River

Shops and guides that fish the Bighorn River. See all 93 Montana shops →

Montana Tailwater AnglersNorth Fork AnglersHigh Country Fly GuidesLEFTY ANGLER & FLIES - Fly-Fishing Guide Service & Custom Flies Livingston, MTYellowstone River OutfittersWet Net Outfitters LLCMontana TroutfittersMontana Fishing Guide SchoolGallatin River Guides
9 fly shops shown

Species on this water

BassBonefishCarpMuskyPanfishPikeSalmonSaltwaterSteelheadTarponTrout

Nearby towns

Fort SmithCodyThermopolis

Rivers nearby

Rock CreekStillwater RiverBoulder RiverYellowstone River
Hatches & seasons

When & what to fish on the Bighorn River

River typetailwater
Best seasonYear-round; best April–October
AccessThe famous first 13 miles below Yellowtail Dam are reached via the Afterbay, Three Mile, and Bighorn access points; most fishing is done by drift boat with wade-out spots.
Key hatches & timing
  • Midgeyear-round, prime Dec–Mar
  • Blue-winged Olive / BaetisMar–May, Sep–Oct
  • Black CaddisMay–early Jun
  • Pale Morning DunJun–Jul
  • Yellow SallyJun–Jul
  • TricoAug–Sep, mornings
From The Fly Bench

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Gear up on the Bighorn River

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The flies that work on the Bighorn River

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Updated June 2026