Fishing Seasons

The Bighorn River is a consistent and productive river year ’round. Due to its tailwater nature, spring run-off is not a problem, nor does the water become excessively low and warm in late summer. In fact, the months of April through June witness some of the best fishing the Bighorn has to offer, while many other Rocky Mountain streams and rivers are overflowing their banks. Each season has different characteristics, however, and can offer the angler a variety of experiences.

Bighorn River Flies & Hatch Chart

April – June More fish than any other months	Dry Flies: Blue Wing Olives, Midges. April – May is prime time for big trout on small dry flies!
	Nymphs: Midge Larva, Baetis, Sow Bugs, Scuds, Algal Worms June offers the best nymph fishing for large trout and is the perfect month for novices.
July Variety, good weather, great fishing	Dry Flies: Pale Morning Duns The PMD’s are prolific and they aren’t so darn small
	Nymphs: Caddis Larva, Baetis, Algal Worms A good deal of sight-fishing on the riffs and shelfs
August – September A good time for dry fly enthusiasts	Dry Flies: Caddis Flies, Hoppers, Tricos The Caddis Fly Blizzard is phenomenal, and if the hoppers go, watch out! Tiny tricos equal big trout.
	Nymphs: Caddis Pupa, Algal Worms, Midge Larva Shallow water sight-fishing with nymphs & emergers
October – November Big trout in cool weather.	Dry Flies: Midges, Caddis Flies, Blue Wing Olives The Blue Wing hatch can offer great fall dry fly action.
	Nymphs/Streamers: Algal Worms, Scuds, Woolly Buggers Streamers can produce Big Browns

Montana Bird Hunting Seasons

The hunting season at Eagle Nest typically begins on Sept. 1 (check regulations for specific dates on public land), at which time Hungarian partridge, and Sharptail Grouse may be hunted. Pheasant seasons opens on October 9th, and we continue to hunt through Thanksgiving. Bag limits were:

pheasant ……. 3 cock birds
partridge ……. 6 either sex
grouse sharptail ……. 2 either sex


September is the best time for those whose primary objective is good Grouse hunting. Sharptails can be found through November. The Hungarian partridge hunting in this area is truely fantastic all three months of the season. October and November present great hunting for pheasants.