Overview 2011
In my experiences on the Bighorn, I would call 2011 one of the greatest dry fly years in recent times. We did have unusually high water in June and the beginning of July and that seemed to bring about prolific hatches starting around July 4th.
We had hatches of yellow sallies (little yellow stone flies), pale morning duns, black caddis, grasshoppers, and tricos. There was a long spell when the pmd’s were hatching from 10 am to 7 pm every day. When the tricos came, it was the most profuse hatch I have witnessed in 10 years.
From the second week in July into October, all we really fished were dry flies, all day long. In the Spring, we also had good baetis and midge hatches.
I am hoping for another year like that.
This Spring we will be holding our 3rd annual guide/flyfishing school. The school will be conducted by Michael Mastrangelo and Chad Becker. It has been very successful for the attendees. Some of the people want to become guides while others just want to take a quantum leap in their own fishing ability.
In this disturbing economy, many people are looking for a career change. Many are sick of their boring jobs and want to flee the rat race. If I can do it, anybody can.
Many of the attendees do not want to be a guide. They want to become better anglers and broaden their enjoyment and knowledge of flyfishing. This intensive week is just the ticket.
Travel to any trout stream in the world and be accomplished enough to catch even the toughest trout.
GUIDE SCHOOL DATES
March 25-March 31
April 1-6
SPECIAL ALL NEW WOMENS SESSION
April 12-15
Complete details on our web pages atwww.flyfishingthebighorn.com andwww.bighornriverguides.com
Present Condition for the Bighorn Watershed
The reservoir is 85% full.
Current flow is 3100 cfs.
The snow pack is a little bit under normal, 95%.
Present Fishing Conditions
Water temperature is around 42 degrees. We are still catching fish on dry flies, mostly midges and some baetis on cloudier days.
Nymphing and streamers are also working in the deeper slower water. Fishing should continue like that for the next couple of months.
We are still providing guide service all winter.
Please call us to check availability for this season. Some prime times are already totally booked. Call early to get your favorite guides.
We will be opening mid March, weather permitting.
Happy New Year to you all.
Ellyn and Michael
Ft Smith Fly Shop and Cabins
Bighorn River Guides
406-666-2550
