Bighorn River Fishing Report

Written By Gene Pruett

Bighorn River Fishing Report: Jan 13 – Jan 20, 2026

“The Wranglers’ Weekly Rundown”

Catch Of The Week:

Nice N Nasty Brown on a Streamer!

1. River Vital Signs

Conditions are “boney” but stable, offering some of the best winter technical fishing in the state.

  • Current Flow: 615 CFS (Steady tailwater flows from Boysen Reservoir)

  • Water Clarity: Excellent. Clear visibility down to 6+ feet.

  • Average Water Temp: 38°F

  • Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Winter—highs in the mid-40s. Winds can be an issue so check daily.

2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union

The Bighorn is in a warm winter rhythm. With the post-spawn phase over, the Rainbows and Browns have mostly settled into their deep, slow "winter buckets." The primary name of the game right now is efficiency and depth. With the warmer weather we are finding large fish holding in buckets just off the riffles or even in the riffles.

3. Hot Fly Patterns

The winter menu is small but specific. Don't be afraid to go tiny.

Nymphs: Rainbow Tailwater Sow Bug with a pink tungsten bead. Keep it small. Midges and midge emergers are drawing a little attention. General attractors like a Higga’s SOS. Blood red midge worms.

Streamers: Olive Baby Gonga. Olive, brown and black have all been producing.

Dries: Occasional midge hatches are creating a few risers but nothing we have tied a dry fly on for! If you game bring your smallest dry midge!

4. Tactics & Pro-Tips

  • The "Slow & Low" Rule: If you aren't ticking the bottom, you aren't low enough. The grass is about gone so it is easier to dredge the bottom.

  • Streamers: Pro Tip. Run a longer leader like 36” and trail a smaller streamer off the bend 8-10” behind the lead. Do a dead drift with small slow strips.

  • Manage the Moss: While winter moss is minimal compared to July, some grass still exists. Keep them flies clean! If you dont know the “San Juan” slap learn it!

  • Pod Fishing: Winter fish school is in session. If you catch one, stay put—there are likely fifty more in that same 10-foot stretch of water.

5. Guide’s Water Choice:

Water to Target: In the morning nymph the edges of the slow deep runs. Take your time and be thorough take it apart real slow and make sure your are deep enough. In the afternoon after it warms up target the buckets off the shelves and riffles some big browns and rainbows move into feeding lanes. Find one and your have a good ride!

6. Special Offers

  • Winter Special: 6 hr. 1/2 Day "Winter Warm-up" Guided Trips are available through February. Only $350 for two anglers—includes hot lunch and all the midges you can lose! Limited offer call to schedule. 307-855-5259

Gene Pruett