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Monthly Archives: April 2011

Bighorn Brown eating a whitefish!

Bighorn Brown eating a whitefish

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Bighorn River Report

Current Report
Flows were increased to 4,250cfs today and will increase another 500cfs tomorrow. Snowpack in the Bighorn Basin is now a whopping 121% of average and more high mountain snow is still in the forecast. Don’t let the prospect of higher flows keep you away; some of the best fishing of the year comes during high water!

Special Report
Fishing is excellent and spring nymphing is back in full swing. The river is full of hungry fish of all sizes, and most decent presentations result in hookups. Streamer fishing remains excellent in all parts of the river.

One-Week Fishing Forecast
Temperatures will be staying on the cool side this week. Temps are expected to reach the low to mid 50’s for the weekend with overcast skies.

Hatch Info
Baetis are starting to appear, but don’t count on those hatches just yet. Midges continue to come off in earnst.

Hot Fly Patterns
Streamer fishing is great using Butt Monekys, Bighorn Buggers, Bighorn Specials, Autumn Splendors, Double Bunnies and White Zonkers. A close second has been nymph fishing, we have been having solid luck on Firebead Pink Soft Hackle Sowbugs (size 14-16) trailing a Downey Wonder Nymph, Rootbeer, Black or Red Midge Larvae(sizes 18-20). (Black Zebra Midges as well) Grey Ray Charles will get some fish too (sizes 16-18). For top water action on cloudy days use either Griffiths Gnats or Cluster Midges sizes 18-20. Also up to bat are black or red SmokeJumpers in 18-20. The same goes for the Palomino Midges.

River Flows
4,250cfs at Ft. Smith. 4,750cfs on Thursday.

Water Temperature
Just reaching 50 degrees now.

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