Big Horn County, MT · Inland River
Bighorn River
A world-class tailwater below Yellowtail Afterbay Dam at Fort Smith, on the Crow Reservation in south-central Montana. The cold, nutrient-rich release grows dense populations of stout wild rainbow and brown trout; the first 13 miles below the dam are floated and waded year-round.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (41/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Bighorn River.
Red Flag Warning issued July 12 at 1:22PM MDT until July 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Bighorn River
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Marginal conditions for Rainbow Trout. In season 41/100
What's helping
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 41 days ago on 2026-06-01. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 3
Central District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 18". Many blue-ribbon stretches add catch-and-release, artificial-only, or seasonal rules — confirm the water-specific exception.
Source: Montana Central District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brown Trout Marginal conditions for Brown Trout. In season 41/100
What's helping
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 41 days ago on 2026-06-01. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 3
Central District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 18". Many blue-ribbon stretches add catch-and-release, artificial-only, or seasonal rules — confirm the water-specific exception.
Source: Montana Central District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Montana Central District
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Bighorn River: Montana FWP fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Bighorn River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Bighorn River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Bighorn River?
Bighorn River is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Bighorn River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Bighorn River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Bighorn River have?
Bighorn River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Bighorn River?
state agency regulations apply at Bighorn River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Bighorn River tidal water?
No. Bighorn River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.