Bighorn River Facts

Location:

The Bighorn River enters Montana from Wyoming at Bighorn Reservoir.  Ninety-one miles later, the Bighorn joins the Yellowstone River near Custer.  It flows north/northeast, and is located southeast of Billings.  The first 14 miles of the Bighorn are the most heavily fished, and the best trout water.

Features:

The section of the Bighorn River from Yellowtail Dam on Bighorn Reservoir to St. Xavier is the best water for trout.  This tailwater fishery contains ideal habit for trout and insects.  Rainbows and browns average 16-18 inches in this section of the Bighorn River. 

Because it is a tailwater fishery, the upper Bighorn River fishes well all year.  Indeed, it is possible to have almost as good a day in January was you would in July.  The lower river, below St. Xavier, is slow and sluggish.  It holds some brown trout, but carp, smallmouth bass, and channel carp dominate this stretch. 

Seasonal Strategies:

Midges come off on warm winter afternoons, making for good surface action.  Spring fishing on the Bighorn consists of Baetis and midge hatches.  Try trailing an emerger a few inches below your dry fly to increase your chances. 

During the summer, there are hatches of midges, caddis, Little Yellow Stoneflies, PMDs and Tricos.  The summer on the upper river can be insanely crowded.  To beat the crowds, either fish early or don’t fish in the summer, come in the off-season. 

Fall sees an impressive Baetis hatch.  Various midge emergers and nymphs work well all year.  While floating the Bighorn is by far the most popular choice, wade fishermen can reach some good water.  Winter, early spring and late fall are the best times to fish the Bighorn if you want to catch some good fish and not be so crowded.

Special Regulations:

The Bighorn River is open all year, and is under standard eastern Montana regulations.  Check with a local fly shop for those and any special restrictions. 

The Bighorn River flows through the Crow Indian Reservation, but a special permit is not required.

Access and River Mileage:

The Bighorn River spends 91 miles in Montana.  The first 14 are the best.  There are boat launches at miles 3, 10 and 14, making access and trip planning very easy. 

Special 
Cautions:

Be careful when the Bighorn River is very crowded.  It is easy to not be paying attention and hit other boats or people.