Bighorn River Fly Fishing Day Trip | 8 Hour Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided fly fishing targeting rainbow and brown troutEighthour charter accommodates maximum two anglers with expert guidanceAll equipment, streamside lunch, and boat shuttle service included
The Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam is hands down one of Montana's premier fly fishing destinations, and this full-day guided trip puts you right in the heart of the action. At $400 per person with a maximum of two anglers, you're getting an intimate experience on some of the most productive trout water in the West. We're talking about a tailwater fishery that's consistently ranked among the top trout streams in North America – and for good reason. The cold, clear water flowing from Bighorn Lake creates perfect conditions for massive rainbow and brown trout that'll test your skills and make your day.
Your 8-hour adventure typically kicks off at 8 AM, though we're flexible based on what's working best that day. Sometimes the fish are more active in the afternoon, and we'll adjust accordingly – that's the beauty of fishing with local guides who read the water daily. You'll be floating in a drift boat designed for fly fishing, covering prime stretches where the big fish live. The Bighorn runs crystal clear most of the year, which means you'll often spot your target before you cast. It's technical fishing that rewards precision, but don't worry – our guides know every riffle, pool, and undercut bank where the trout hang out. We provide everything you need: rods, reels, flies, and all the tackle. Plus, you'll get a streamside lunch and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. Just remember to grab your Montana fishing license beforehand, and plan on tipping your guide around $100 – they work hard to put you on fish.
The Bighorn is primarily a nymphing river, though dry fly action can be phenomenal during hatches. Your guide will rig you up with the right flies for conditions – think tiny midges, BWOs, and PMDs depending on the season. We're often fishing size 18-22 flies, which means you'll be working on your precision casting and mending skills. The fish here are educated, so presentation is everything. Your guide might have you indicator nymphing in the deeper runs, swinging soft hackles through the tailouts, or sight fishing to rising trout during a hatch. The water stays fishable year-round thanks to the dam release, but each season brings different opportunities. Spring means big browns on the move, summer brings consistent dry fly action, fall sees the browns getting aggressive before spawn, and winter offers some of the best nymphing of the year when crowds thin out.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of the Bighorn, and these aren't your average stockers. We're talking wild fish that average 16-18 inches, with plenty of 20+ inch specimens to keep things interesting. These rainbows fight like freight trains – they'll take you into your backing and jump multiple times before you get them to the net. They're most active during the warmer months and absolutely crush dry flies during mayfly hatches. The beauty of Bighorn rainbows is their consistency – you can count on finding them in predictable spots throughout the system.
Brown trout are the crown jewel of the Bighorn, and this river produces some true giants. These fish can reach well over 24 inches and have the attitude to match their size. They're notoriously finicky and prefer deeper water during the day, often tucked under banks or in the slower pools. Fall is prime time for big browns as they become more aggressive before spawning. They'll smash a well-presented streamer or sip tiny midges with equal enthusiasm, but everything has to be perfect. When you hook a big Bighorn brown, you'll know why anglers travel from around the world to fish this water.
Lake trout aren't as common as the rainbows and browns, but they add an element of surprise to your day. These deep-water predators occasionally move into the river system, especially during spring and fall. When you hook into a laker, you're in for a completely different fight – they're bulldogs that use their weight and the current to their advantage. Most lake trout caught in the river are in the 18-24 inch range, though larger specimens are always possible. They typically prefer deeper pools and will often take larger flies or streamers.
The Bighorn River delivers world-class fly fishing every single day, and this guided experience gives you the best shot at landing the trout of a lifetime. With only two anglers per trip, you're getting personalized instruction and premium water time that larger outfitters simply can't match. Our guides live and breathe this river – they know where the fish are feeding, what flies are working, and how to adjust tactics as conditions change. The 50% deposit secures your date, and trust me, prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to up your game or someone newer to the fly rod wanting to learn from the pros, this trip will exceed your expectations. The Bighorn has earned its reputation as one of the top trout fisheries in the country, and eight hours on this water will show you exactly why. Book now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your return trip before you even get off the water.
The 2024 Sunburst Driftboat cuts through the Bighorn's currents like a whisper, letting you focus on what matters most – the rise of a rainbow or the subtle take of a brown trout. This 15-foot custom wood beauty drifts silently at 5 MPH, no engine noise to spook the fish lurking in Montana's legendary waters. Built specifically for two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast without tangling lines or bumping elbows. The smooth ride keeps you steady as you work those productive runs and deeper pools where the big trout hang out. Your guide positions the boat perfectly for each drift, reading the water so you can concentrate on presenting your fly. Whether you're nymphing the deeper channels or throwing dries to rising fish, this drift boat gets you into prime water that's tough to reach from shore. Montana fly fishing at its finest.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout on the Bighorn are the smart ones - they didn't earn their reputation as "educated" fish for nothing. These golden-brown beauties average 14-18 inches here, though we regularly see 20+ inch fish that'll test your skills. They love structure: undercut banks, fallen timber, and deeper pools where they can ambush prey. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before spawn. What makes them special? They fight dirty - expect head shakes, runs toward cover, and acrobatic jumps. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: browns often hold in the slower water just off the main current seam. Cast upstream and let your nymph drift naturally through these zones - that's where the big ones wait.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout aren't common in the Bighorn system, but when encountered they're true giants of the char family. These grey-green fish with cream markings can reach 15-40 pounds and live in the deepest, coldest water available. They prefer depths over 30 feet where temperatures stay below 60°F year-round. Early spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots when they move shallower to feed. What makes them special? Pure size and fight - hooking into a 20+ pound laker is a lifetime memory. They're also excellent eating despite their size. Since they live deep, jigging with heavy spoons or large streamers is most effective. Local secret: look for them suspended over deep structure during low-light conditions - they hate bright sun but will hunt aggressively at dawn and dusk.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the athletes of the Bighorn - pure energy wrapped in silver with that signature pink stripe. Most run 12-16 inches, but don't be surprised when a 20-incher comes to play. They prefer the main current and gravel runs where oxygen levels stay high, often holding in 3-8 feet of water near drop-offs. Spring through fall offers consistent action, though they feed best during cooler morning and evening hours. What guests love most? Their aerial displays - these fish jump like they're auditioning for a circus. They're also great eating with mild, pink flesh. Pro tip: rainbows here are suckers for small midge patterns fished just under the surface film. Use a long leader and watch for subtle takes - they can be surprisingly gentle when sipping emergers.
Bozeman