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Bighorn River Hatch Chart

Master fly fisherman, guide and outfitter Michael Mastrangelo has develped a keen sense for Bighorn River hatches.  Accurate fly selection - "matching the hatch" - can be critical for success on the Bighorn and many otherlegendary Blue Ribbon trout rivers.  While Michael saves some of his "secrets" with clients and friends, he's out to gether a chart that will help prepare fly fishermen for a float down the Bighorn.

General Hatch Chart for Flyfishing on the Bighorn River

Type When Description Size
Midges Year Long black, gray, olive, red, tan, cream  18-24
Spring Baetis April - May olive brown nymph/olive gray adult 16-22
Yellow Sally
(Little Yellow Stone)		 June - July yellow/tan 12-16
Pale Morning Dun July - August olive brown nymph/amber adult 14-16
Hoppers Mid July - Sept yellow, tan, green 6-14
Terrestrials & Ants Mid July - Sept black, cinnamon brown 16-22
Tan Caddis Aug - Oct tan pupae-mottled tan adult 12-16
Black Caddis Aug - Sept olive pupae-black adult 16-20
Trico Mid Aug - Oct males-black, females-olive 18-24
Fall Baetis Sept - Nov olive brown nymph/olive-gray adult 18-24
Sow Bug Year Long pink, white, tan 14-18
Scuds Year Long tan, orange, olive, gray 12-20
Aquatic Worm Year Long red, orange, tan, wine 8-12
Cranefly Larvae Year Long cream, tan, brown 4-10
Leeches Year Long black, brown, olive, rust 6-10
Minnows Year Long olive, yellow-brown, silver-black 2-10

Book a Bighorn Flyfishing Adventure Today!

(406) 666-2550

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Fishing Reports

Bighorn Weather

37°
3°
°F | °C
Light rain
Humidity: 79%
Wed
Showers
27 | 59
-2 | 15
Thu
Chance of Snow Showers
16 | 39
-8 | 3
Fri
Mostly Sunny
27 | 39
-2 | 3

The Bighorn River is arguably the finest trout stream for flyfishing in Montana if not the world.  Fort Smith Fly Shop and Cabins has the finest accommodations on the fabulous Bighorn River.  If you are looking to catch big, wild, powerful trout that will take you into your backing, the Bighorn is the place for you.

We specialize in guided fishing floats on the Bighorn, with the most personalized service of any shop in Fort Smith.  For the time of your life, come fish the beautiful Bighorn River with us.

Call Today to Book Your Bighorn Flyfishing Adventure

(406) 666-2550