Some may argue that the Bighorn is the best trout water in the lower 48. Crystal clear water, steady flows and proficient insect populations produce big healthy brown & rainbow trout. Biologist fish counts vary from 5,000-10,000 trout per mile depending on the stretch of water. Good fishing can be found up to 35 miles down from the Afterbay Dam, with the most consistent fishing being on the upper 13 miles. Keep in mind that the Bighorn flows through the Crow Indian Reservation and shore access may be off limits depending on location. The town of Fort Smith lies at the beginning of the river where gas, food, flies and lodging can be found.
Best Fly: Peach Idleywilde Chubby #8
Water Conditions: 2500 cfs
Weather Conditions: Perfect Hopper Day
Floated or Waded: floated
Section of Water Fished: Mallards-Two Leggins
Peter, yes, I have been fishing by Mallards and Two Leggins all summer and last summer as well. The fishing can be slow down there but I find the fish we do catch are much bigger. I actually just got off the river and we floated Mallards-Two Leggins today and got two fish over 22″ that ate the Chubby. I switched from the gold chubby to the peach chubby and it was on fire.
Shuttles are tough down there and I am also paying $40. I heard that some people are cheaper but I haven’t found them yet. If you find them Peter please let me know.
Best Fly:
Water Conditions:
Weather Conditions:
Floated or Waded: floated
Section of Water Fished:
Chris, have you been floating down to Mallard’s or Two Leggins? I heard the fishing is really good down there this year. If so, who does your shuttle down there, the fly shop tried to charge me $40 bucks the last time I asked about going to Two Leggins.
Best Fly: #8 Yellow Raineys
Water Conditions: 2500 CFS
Weather Conditions: Hot & Windy
Floated or Waded: floated
Section of Water Fished: Bighorn-Two Leggins
Dustin, I agree the Hopper fishing has been good from 12-4pm. You should try a #8 Yellow Rainey’s. We crushed them on it the other day. Also, make sure you are fishing the shallow ripples. Lots of big fish are coming out of water that is only a few inches deep.
Best Fly: Purple PT
Water Conditions: Grass isn't that bad
Weather Conditions: Hot
Floated or Waded: floated
Section of Water Fished: A-Mallards
The hopper fishing is day to day. Friday was incredible, Saturday and Sunday were decent. The upper 3 miles has good hopper fishing from 12-4pm. My best hopper was the gold chubby chernobyl. Nymphing has been good on Purple PT’s and Purple Lightning Bugs. Also fish are eating tan sowbugs pretty good.