Thank you for tuning in. My name is Dean Schaff, and I’m the owner and lead guide for Bighorn Drifters. This is my first attempt at recording a fishing report, so please bear with me; it might be a bit rough. I’ve had quite a few takes to get this going, but it’s been an interesting experiment.
Today, I want to talk about the Big Horn River in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Currently, the river is flowing at about 1500 CFS, and I anticipate these flow rates to decrease as we approach the winter months. Fall fishing has been incredibly productive so far, and I expect it to continue for another month or so until it gets extremely cold.
We’ve been having success using a variety of techniques. Streamer fishing has been great, especially with smaller streamers thrown close to the bank. The big Browns are still hanging out there, and they’re biting fairly soon after the fly hits the water. As for dry flies, we’ve had phenomenal productivity with patterns like Antonio’s Emergers, Parachute Adams, and Blue Wing Olives in sizes 18 to 20. Nymphing has also been productive, with worms and S-bugs being the preferred choices.
A quick note of caution: some fish are moving and redding up in those shallow gravelly areas. If you’re wade fishing or dropping an anchor, be mindful not to disrupt their spawning activities. Most of the fish we’re seeing in the spawning areas right now appear to be fall-spawn rainbows, while the Browns seem to be holding off for the moment.
That’s our fishing report for October 6th, 2023. If you’re interested in learning more or planning a trip, please visit our website at bigorndrifters.com. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook at Big Horn Drifters. We appreciate your support, and if you have any questions or want to book a trip, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Have a fantastic day!
Bighorn River Flow Rates: 1517.1 CFS
Current Weather: Thermopolis Wyoming
Dry Flies: Antonio’s Emerger, Parachute Adams, BWO
Streamers: Thin Mint, Zirdle, Sex Dungeon
Nymphs: Sow Bugs, BWO, Midges, Worms
