Bighorn River
Montana · Eastern Montana
Brown TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Bighorn River
Afterbay Dam Tailwater
The stretch immediately below Afterbay Dam is the most productive section of the Bighorn with enormous populations of brown and rainbow trout in super-rich tailwater. Midges year-round PMDs in summer and baetis in fall create constant feeding opportunities. Fish counts in this section have historically been among the highest in the nation.
💧 Ideal flow: 2,500–5,000 CFS.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Three Mile Access
Three miles below the dam this access point gives anglers entry to prime tailwater with slightly more walking room. Drift boats and wading anglers share this productive stretch. Scud and midge patterns are the bread-and-butter flies here.
💧 Ideal flow: 2,000–4,500 CFS. Three Mile Access is where most guided float trips launch , moderate consistent flows are ideal for drifting.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Thirteen Mile Access
The Bighorn at thirteen miles is a transition zone where tailwater character begins blending with a more natural river. Large brown trout dominate here with fish up to 24 inches taking streamers in fall. This section sees less pressure than the upper tailwater.
💧 Ideal flow: 2,500–5,000 CFS. The 13-mile section is best floated at moderate flows , wading is possible at lower releases from Yellowtail Dam.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Fort Smith Area
The Bighorn Access near Fort Smith provides a launch point for drift trips through the best water. This is the classic Bighorn experience with endless miles of productive brown trout water. Guide services based here offer the easiest way to access all sections.
💧 Ideal flow: 2,000–4,000 CFS.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Mallard's Landing
Mallard's Landing is a popular access point in the middle section of the prime tailwater. The surrounding water holds exceptional populations of 16-22 inch browns and rainbows. Evening trico hatches from July through September can trigger outstanding dry fly action.
💧 Ideal flow: 2,500–5,000 CFS.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Anson's Gear Picks
Gear Anson has tested and trusts. TroutBible is not paid or sponsored by any gear company.
Rod — Budget · 9ft 4-5wt
Echo Carbon XL
Versatile medium-fast action
Rod — Premium · 9ft 4-5wt
G. Loomis IMX-Pro V2
Guide favorite
Reel — Budget
Hardy Marquis LWT
Trusted click pawl workhorse
Reel — Premium
Ross Animas
Colorado made guide reel
Waders — Budget
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Ultralight
Lightweight packable wader
Waders — Premium
Simms Freestone Waders
Toray QuadraLam proven performer
Boots — Budget
Patagonia Forra
Sticky rubber wading boot
Boots — Premium
Simms Freestone Boot
Rubber sole — stud compatible
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About Bighorn River Fishing
The Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam near Fort Smith is a world-class tailwater that consistently ranks among the most productive trout fisheries in North America by fish-per-mile, offering anglers exceptional opportunities for both numbers and size. The dam's cold, stable discharge creates ideal conditions year-round, making the Bighorn a premier float-fishing destination where scuds and sowbugs are the primary food sources that drive fish behavior.
Best Time to Fish Bighorn River
Winter through early spring is peak season on the Bighorn, when sowbug and scud patterns produce relentlessly in slower pocket water and along the banks. Summer sees decreased fishing pressure and consistent hatches including small mayflies and midges, though water temperatures remain cold enough to support active feeding throughout the season.
Species
Brown trout dominate the Bighorn's upper reaches and are notoriously selective to small nymphs and crustacean patterns, often requiring precise dead-drifting of size 16-20 scud imitations. Rainbow trout populate the entire system and exhibit more aggressive feeding behavior, particularly in faster water, making them excellent targets for anglers employing float rigs with sowbug patterns and small nymphs.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Montana fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Bighorn River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Montana fishing license is required.
Live River Data
This page pulls real-time CFS and gauge height data from the USGS National Water Information System, refreshed every 15–60 minutes. You're seeing the same streamflow information that local guides and outfitters check before heading to the water.