The Bighorn River: A Busy Fishery Worth the Hype?
I ventured to the Bighorn River in Montana, armed with my fly rod and a desire for solitude. The river's reputation as a busy fishery didn't deter me; instead, it intrigued me. After all, I've always preferred the quiet of smaller fish to the crowds of combat fishing. But what truly drew me in was the promise of abundant, strong trout, larger than the salmonids I usually target. And boy, did it deliver.
The Bighorn River is a sight to behold, with its rolling plains, foothills, and red cliffs. It's a stark contrast to the New Englander in me, but its beauty is undeniable. And the trout? Well, they were abundant and strong, with some reaching sizes I've only dreamed of. It was a fly-fisher's paradise, and I was determined to make the most of it.
Despite the crowds, the guides at Kingfisher Lodge managed to create a peaceful atmosphere. We found our own spaces, and the first day was a solo adventure. The second day was a bit busier, but we still managed to boat more fish. And the best part? We all caught fish, including a 23-inch brown caught by my son-in-law on his third day of fly-fishing. It was a testament to the skill of the guides and the abundance of the river.
The fish census was down to 1,500 trout per mile due to consecutive high water years, but the guides believed it was more of a dam management issue than a weather problem. And while our fish counts weren't gaudy, we could have done better if we were quicker on our hooksets and more diligent in following the guides' instructions. But that's the beauty of fishing - there's always something to learn and improve upon.
One thing that stood out was the moss. It's ubiquitous and can be a pain, but it's a sign of a fertile fishery. And it provides first-rate housing for sow bugs, scuds, and other aquatic insects. Without the moss, our sow bug patterns might not get eaten. So, I'll take the trade-off.
Overall, the Bighorn River is a busy fishery worth the hype. It's a place where you can catch trout that will make you forget about the crowds. And the guides at Kingfisher Lodge are top-notch, ensuring that everyone has a great experience. So, if you can swing it, I highly recommend it. Just be prepared for the crowds and the moss - it's all part of the adventure.
