Bighorn River
Bighorn River - Ft. Smith, Montana
Flowing through the city of Cody is the famed Shoshone River, whose South and North Forks combine from the Wyoming high country into the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. As the Shoshone flows north and east, it combines with the flows of the mighty Bighorn River into the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area thus forming one of the most prolific trout fishing rivers in the U.S.The Bighorn River in southern Montana is arguably one of the top tailwater trout fisheries in the lower 48 states. With the average size of both rainbow and brown trout coming in around 16"-18" - and many over the proverbial 20" level caught on a daily basis - it is a perennial favorite of locals and destination fishermen the world over. more info
Bighorn River Listings: (add your listing)
Madison River Guides - 2008 filling fast!
Who knows how to fish the Madison River best? Those who live & operate along the river everyday. Based near Ennis, we offer exceptional experiences for experts and beginners.
(406) 682-5654
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Missouri River Lodge - north of Helena, MT
You know the Bighorn is a true Montana legend. Now, come fish its EQUAL - the Missouri River near Great Falls and Helena. The "other" best river in Montana.
(406) 468-2224
Mike Banville, Vertical Media Account Executive on the Bighorn River
© Vertical Media
Accessing this tailwater fishery below Yellowtail Dam on the Crow Indian Reservation is only a 2-hour trip from Cody, making it a very viable option for fly fishermen seeking a world-class daytrip experience. Anglers fishing this famed section need a Montana fishing license, easily obtained from any number of fly shops there in Fort Smith.
The 'Horn - as it is locally known - produces some of the most consistent and prolific insect hatches of any western American river, which in turn fuels the tremendous growth of Rainbow and Brown Trout whose average size range is 15-19" (no kidding). Though fly fishing is not required on the river, it is the most preferred method by anglers seeking a true challenge for these sometimes wary brutes. As a general rule, flies that consistently catch fish year-round are relatively tiny (averaging size 16-20), and are fished sub-surface (soft hackle wets, nymphs, midges and scud patterns). However, some of the most memorable fish you will likely take will be on small dry flies fished over pods of large sippers who, once hooked, often get aerial in nature, and make frantic runs taking anglers to their line/backing knots and beyond. Exhilarating - as a word - hardly describes the excitement one will experience when hooking an average 19" brown or rainbow.
There is plenty of public access to the river from the dam afterbay downstream all the way to the town of St. Xavier. Walk-in trails line the banks of state-provided fishing access points, though the best angling opportunities are afforded to anglers who utilize a watercraft to drift the various sections. Hiring a local guide is the best way to learn the Bighorn's secrets. After a day or two with one of these qualified professionals, you should be able to go out on your own and locate suitable runs, riffles and pools ready to test your skills.
For details on fishing access, license requirements, seasons, special restrictions and more, visit this link at the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks website. http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing
Mike Banville, Avid fly fisherman
Account Executive for Vertical Media, publishers of this site
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