Our snow pack is a little above normal and hopefully we will have a great water year.

The fishing conditions are typical for this time of year.

With nymphing and pulling streamers being the best way to catch fish. There are some midges happening at the warmest part of the day usually anywhere from 12:30 to 3:00. Most of the fish are in the deeper slower water but there are some fish that will move up into the shallower riffles for an hour or two each day. But once again I reiterate that the fish do not move far for the nymph. You have to hit them right on the nose. Set the hook on anything.

The takes are extremely subtle.

The brown trout spawn went well which is always a good sign for the river.

I was out fishing with a friend the other day. I had not been out for awhile and we finally had a beautiful day that was sunny and in the 40's.

The temperature of the water was the usual winter cold, 39 or 40 degrees. We anchored the boat at a spot that always held fish. This time of year when the water is this cold, the trout usually hang in slower, deeper water as well as slow edges off the fast water.

The exception is at the warmest part of the winter day there will be some fish in the riffles.

We started searching the water, working our way upstream for about 30 minutes, resulting in no strikes. We then decided to get in the boat and move to another spot. At our next destination, "historically famous hole on the Bighorn", my brain started to click on and I realized that there should have been fish eating at the first spot so I started setting the hook instinctively and then hooked fish.

What I had then realized was the fish were barely touching the fly. So you have to set the hook by feel and where you think there should be a fish.

I have said this before in this winter fishing report, when the water temperature is very low, the trout's metabolism slows way down. They do not have to eat as much and will not move for the fly.

The fly must hit them right on the nose.

Anyway, we had a pretty good day, caught some very nice fish and got off the river before the sun went down.

Because of the increasing number of boats and wading fishermen, observation of the unwritten, local customs will help you and other fishermen have an enjoyable day.

• Always respect the area around wading fishermen, give them a wide berth.  They have the right of way.
• When approaching bank fishermen while boating, notice how far out their lines are and stay clear.
• While floating, if there is another boat nearby try and stay out of his area.   Also, when passing a boat moving slower than yours, move out of his line of drift and go downstream 200-300 yards before coming back into his line of drift.

The Bighorn River is one of the most heavily fished streams in Montana.  If fishermen are courteous and have a relaxed attitude the river will continue to offer a superb angling experience.