The River

t the Bighorn Trout Shop, we know all great fishing adventures begin with the most important ingredient of all—a great river. So, why not choose to enjoy what many say is the finest trout stream in the continental United States. Numerous articles have appeared in fishing magazines across the country and around the world lauding the Bighorn’s outstanding trout fishing.

The Bighorn River flows through the prairie of eastern Montana, and in its cool, clear depths reside an astounding number of wild brown and rainbow trout. No stocked fish here—these fish are born and bred in the river’s cool depths.

The Bighorn River is diverse in character. Some of the river resembles a giant spring creek. The water is alkaline and aquatic vegetation is plentiful. Other sections of the river mirror a typical freestone river, with faster water and a classic riffle-and-pool environment.

Overall, the river’s varied habitat, easy wading, and friendly character, provides opportunities for the novice and advanced angler alike. Whether it’s that big brown sipping Baetis spinners on the flats, or a rainbow working nymphs in a riffle, the Bighorn River is the place for you. Anglers are amazed at the size and willingness of our trout, and the fertility of the river is known far and wide. Aquatic insects and crustaceans are abundant. The Bighorn is literally a food factory.

We float the section of river below Yellowtail Dam—over 30 miles of world-class trout water. Since the river flows through the Crow Indian Reservation, wade fishing is limited and float fishing is the best way to access the most productive water.

The Hatches

The Bighorn resembles a huge spring creek in character and insect life. Midge, mayfly and caddis hatches can be intense, with multiple hatch situations being quite common. In March and April midges start off the dry fly season, followed in May and early June by Baetis (Blue Wing Olive) mayflies. During mid-July and through August, Pale Morning Duns (E. Infrequons) bring up pods of rising trout. August and September brings the emergence of black caddis and Tricorythodes mayflies. Throughout early autumn a small pale-olive Baetis mayfly (formerly Pseudocloen) and a species of tan caddis provide topwater action.

The River’s gentle character and abundant insect hatches provide anglers with outstanding opportunities to test their skills against wild, trophy trout. It is truly Montana fly fishing at its best!

Guides

Now that you’ve chosen a trophy class river, you need an outstanding guide service. The Bighorn Trout Shop’s guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Our years of experience are at your service. We are here to teach you how to catch our wild trout, and whether you are a beginner or an expert, our stream-savvy guides can get the job done.

The Bighorn River flows through the Crow Indian Reservation and wade-fishing is legal only up to the high-water mark. As a result, drift boats provide the most convenient access to the greatest variety of productive water. Experienced guides are invaluable in putting you within casting distance of trophy trout.