Eagle Nest Lodge

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Current Report
Flows just went up to 7,500cfs. Snowpack in the Bighorn Basin is now at 157% of average. All boat launches are open. Runoff is just getting started. Don’t let the higher flows keep you away; some of the best fishing of the year comes during high water!

Special Report
The river is fishing very, very well. The recent rain is causing some flooding in the tributaries, so please check with the fly shops for the latest, most up-to-date river conditions.

One-Week Fishing Forecast
Mostly cloudy skies with highs in the mid 60’s.

Hot Fly Patterns
Dry fly fishing has really taken off in the past week, and mostly on baetis, midges and midge clusters. Nymphing has also been good, especially with a Firebead Pink Soft Hackle Sowbugs (size 14-16) trailing a Downey Wonder Nymph, Rootbeer, Black or Red Midge Larvae (sizes 18-20) or a Black Zebra Midge. Streamer fishing is still great using Olive buggers, Bighorn Buggers, Bighorn Specials, Autumn Splendors, Double Bunnies and White Zonkers.

River Flows
7,500cfs at Ft. Smith

Current Report
Flows were increased to 4,250cfs today and will increase another 500cfs tomorrow. Snowpack in the Bighorn Basin is now a whopping 121% of average and more high mountain snow is still in the forecast. Don’t let the prospect of higher flows keep you away; some of the best fishing of the year comes during high water!

Special Report
Fishing is excellent and spring nymphing is back in full swing. The river is full of hungry fish of all sizes, and most decent presentations result in hookups. Streamer fishing remains excellent in all parts of the river.

One-Week Fishing Forecast
Temperatures will be staying on the cool side this week. Temps are expected to reach the low to mid 50’s for the weekend with overcast skies.

Hatch Info
Baetis are starting to appear, but don’t count on those hatches just yet. Midges continue to come off in earnst.

Hot Fly Patterns
Streamer fishing is great using Butt Monekys, Bighorn Buggers, Bighorn Specials, Autumn Splendors, Double Bunnies and White Zonkers. A close second has been nymph fishing, we have been having solid luck on Firebead Pink Soft Hackle Sowbugs (size 14-16) trailing a Downey Wonder Nymph, Rootbeer, Black or Red Midge Larvae(sizes 18-20). (Black Zebra Midges as well) Grey Ray Charles will get some fish too (sizes 16-18). For top water action on cloudy days use either Griffiths Gnats or Cluster Midges sizes 18-20. Also up to bat are black or red SmokeJumpers in 18-20. The same goes for the Palomino Midges.

River Flows
4,250cfs at Ft. Smith. 4,750cfs on Thursday.

Water Temperature
Just reaching 50 degrees now.

Special Report
Fishing has been excellent. Anglers are picking up lots of smaller fish in addition to large, healthy fish up and down the river. The brown spawn is tapering off abit so still be careful when wading near the redds.

One-Week Fishing Forecast
Temperatures will remain in the mid 30’s but getting colder as the weekend gets closer. Highs only in the single digits this weekend.

Hot Fly Patterns
Still pretty much the same as last week. Best fishing has been stripping streamers such as Yellow Beldar Rubberlegs, Bighorn Buggers, Bighorn Specials and white Zonkers. As for nymphs, we have been having solid luck on Firebead Pink Soft Hackle Sowbugs (size 14-16) trailing a Rootbeer Midge (sizes 18-20). Also try for trailers a Black or Red Midge Larvae as well. Grey Ray Charles will get some fish too (sizes 16-18). Yellow, orange and caramel eggs are working well, too.

River Flows
Approximately 2,370cfs at Ft. Smith

Water Temperature
Steady in the lower 50’s

Come join us in April or May and receive a 50% discount off the 2nd person.  Or if you’re a single, come out in April or May and pay no single supplement.  Call us today to check availability and book.  Toll Free 866-258-3474 or email us at [email protected].