All waters · Montana · Bighorn River
Bighorn River, MT
River in Big Horn County, Montana. A blue-ribbon tailwater below Yellowtail Dam near Fort Smith in south-central Montana, regarded as one of the finest trout rivers in the country. The cold, nutrient-rich water released from Bighorn Lake supports dense populations of large rainbow and brown trout in the upper thirteen miles. Consistent flows and prolific hatches (Baetis, PMD, Trico, midges) make it a year-round dry-fly and nymphing destination. Lower reaches add smallmouth bass, sauger, and channel catfish. Elevation roughly 3,150 ft.
Overall bite score
Scored 9 min ago · recomputed every 30 minutes
Each instrument reads 0 to 100. The score is their weighted blend, tuned for rivers and streams. No black box: every reading names its source.
What swims here
6 tracked species in Bighorn River, with the months each fishes best.
Water facts
Primary float access at the Afterbay (Yellowtail Dam), Three Mile, Bighorn, and Mallard's Landing. The USGS gauge below Yellowtail Afterbay Dam reports streamflow (no water-temperature sensor), so temperature uses a baseline tuned to the cold dam release. The river flows through the Crow Reservation; respect access rules and a Montana license is required.
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