Summer on the Bighorn
The seasons are changing and the wet spring weather yields to the warmer summer days. The fishing has been incredible and the views even better. The Emerald Shiner bite has been very strong and it’s almost everyday somebody on the Bighorn catches a trout over 24 inches. The lake is full of the Emerald Shiners and with the high release of water from the dam they get flushed into the river and trout can’t resist them! There is a lot of controversy over the high water on the Bighorn River, however, the high water provides a different dynamic to the world-class fishing the Bighorn River has always been known for. In 2011-2015 it provided anglers with solid worm and sow bug fishing and from 2016 to 2018 it has provided us with knock-your-pants-off Emerald Shiner fishing.
The Bighorn River is a tail water and historically that has meant that it is always consistent. But times have changed and it takes an innovative angler to keep up. One of the best lines I’ve heard from a fellow fishing guide about fishing the river from Fort Smith to Hardin is that “It’s still the Bighorn, if it looks like there should be a trout in it, there is.” The Bighorn River boasts an abundant trout population which is why it’s considered to be one of the top trout fishing rivers in the United States.
The green of summer is here and the Morel and Chanterelle mushrooms as well as wild Asparagus are out. The trees are almost fully leaved and the Lilac bushes and Russian Olives are budding, spreading their sweet scent across the river valley. The goslings are hatching and always a cute pleasure to see scurrying behind their mothers on the river banks.
Summers on the Bighorn River are magical. When you point your camera and take a picture of a little piece of Montana heaven, the photo will not come close to capturing what your eyes behold. It’s truly a view you have to see for yourself.
Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort is positioned perfectly on the bluff overlooking the Bighorn River. A person can truly get the full picture of what a slice of Montana paradise looks like from one of our private cabin decks. The entire group can enjoy the scenery from the lodge while enjoying the finest locally sourced Hors d’ oeuvres Montana can offer. Our Chef Frank only prepares the finest ingredients for you to enjoy after an exhilarating day of fishing, followed by an exquisite dinning experience. Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort is hands down the finest fishing lodge on the Bighorn River.
Written by Nick Chiasson for Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort