Legendary Waters · The Horn
Bighorn River Fly Fishing
A giant spring creek below Yellowtail Dam, and maybe the finest tailwater trout fishery in the country.
The Horn
A giant spring creek
Flowing out of Yellowtail Dam, the Bighorn may be the finest tailwater fishery in the United States.
Anglers notice the clarity first, then the thick aquatic weed beds that feed huge numbers of brown and rainbow trout. A gentle current and gravel bottom make it easy to wade. Like a spring creek, dry fly fishing can be technical, but the nymphing is consistent and can net a lot of big fish when it’s done right. It can spoil a beginner and challenge an expert on the same day.
Through the season
When to fish the Bighorn
The Bighorn fishes year-round. Water temperatures stay steady below the dam, so there’s a good day to be had in every month.
Winter
Midges on calm afternoons and steady nymphing for anglers who don’t mind the cold. Few boats on the water.
Spring
Blue-winged olives and some of the best nymphing of the year as fish feed hard after winter.
Summer
PMDs, caddis and black caddis, with hoppers along the banks by late July.
Fall
Tricos, a second round of baetis and aggressive pre-spawn browns. Cool mornings and quiet water.
Guided floats
Full-day trips on the Bighorn River
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More legendary water
Explore the other rivers
Yellowstone River
The longest free-flowing river in the lower 48. Caddis, salmonflies, hoppers and ugly streamers.
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Madison River
The hundred mile riffle. Big dry flies in summer and sculpins in the fall.
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Missouri River
A big, flat tailwater with July dries, October caddis and more than its share of big fish.
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