Bighorn River Fly Fishing Report
Fort Smith, Big Horn County, Montana · Last Updated: May 30, 2026
One of the world's premier tailwater fisheries, the Bighorn below Yellowtail Dam consistently produces trophy brown and rainbow trout. Its crystal-clear, year-round flows and prolific midge and baetis hatches make it exceptional for technical nymphing and dry fly fishing.
Today's Fishability
Conditions at a Glance
Flow on the Bighorn near Fort Smith is running 10-11% below average at 1530-1630 cfs.
- Heavy rain likely
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USGS Water Monitoring
Real-time data from 6 monitoring stations
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Bighorn River Fly Fishing — FAQ
Is the Bighorn River fishing well right now?
DriftWise scores the Bighorn River every morning on a 0–10 fishability scale that weighs real-time USGS flow and water temperature, National Weather Service forecasts, and lunar data. Check the live fishability score and condition summary above for today's rating before you head out.
What is the current water flow on the Bighorn River?
The Bighorn River's flow is tracked by USGS streamflow gauges near Fort Smith, Big Horn County, Montana and refreshed daily in the condition summary above. Flow is reported in cubic feet per second (cfs) and compared against the seasonal average so you can see whether the river is running high, low, or normal.
What is a good water temperature for trout on the Bighorn River?
Trout feed most actively when water temperatures sit roughly between 48°F and 62°F. DriftWise reads live Bighorn River water temperature from USGS sensors near Fort Smith, Big Horn County, Montana — see the summary above for the current value.
When is the best time of day to fish the Bighorn River?
The most productive windows shift with the season: cold months fish best around midday (10 AM–2 PM) once the water warms, while summer rewards early mornings and evenings. Each Bighorn River report factors in the current season.
Do I need a fishing license to fly fish the Bighorn River?
Yes. A valid Montana fishing license is required to fish the Bighorn River. Check current Montana regulations for seasons, limits, and any special catch-and-release or fly-fishing-only sections before you go.
Is the DriftWise Bighorn River fishing report free?
Yes. The daily Bighorn River condition summary — flow, water temperature, weather, and fishability score — is free. A free account (3 reports per month) unlocks the full AI analysis with fly-pattern recommendations and a detailed hatch forecast.
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