Wyoming Bighorn River (Thermopolis Wyoming)
Wedding of the Water downstream
Date and Time: July 1st, 2024
Weather Conditions: Weather Forecast
The following information is based on previous years. In July, you can expect warm and dry weather in Thermopolis, Wyoming. The average high temperature will be 84.9°F (29.4°C), with lows around 61.3°F (16.3°C). Rainfall is expected to be light, totaling about 1.06 inches (27mm) over 13 days. Humidity will be low, averaging 35%, making it one of the least humid months of the year. July will also be the sunniest month, with an average of 11.9 hours of sunshine daily. Winds will be gentle, averaging 5.8 mph (9.3 km/h).
Water Conditions: Current Flows (1403.2 CFS as of July 1st, 2024)
Hatches and Insects:
July and August see a diverse range of insects, thriving in the warmer temperatures. Currently, there are many Tricos, resulting in clouds of bugs over the water and lots of spinners on the water as the hatch develops. There are also PMDs, Caddis and some yellow sallies, though they are beginning to dissipate. Terrestrials like hoppers, beetles, and ants are starting to appear. Additionally, there are many minnows and small crawdads in the water. The game and fish department stocked 17,000 fish, averaging five inches, which could create good streamer fishing opportunities for a couple of months.
Fish Activity:
The decrease in flows and warmer temperatures is causing fish to move into faster water and shaded areas of the river to feed. Fish are also found at the ends of deep runs. Depending on the time of day and what is hatching will determine where the fish are feeding. There have been good pods of fish eating dries in the last few weeks. If you see these pods, it can be very rewarding to try and fish for them using dry flies.
Flies:
Dries: Corn Fed Caddis, Corn Fed Sally, Front End Loader, Cahill, Sink It Spinner Trico, Parachute Tricos, Pink Hopper, Black Chubby, Foam Beetle
Nymphs: Jackson’s BH Yellow Sally, Kyle’s Yellow Sally, FB Pheasant Tail, RS2, WD 40, WD 50, Rainbow Warrior, Grey Sow Bugs, Birds Nest, Catastrophic Caddis, Graphic Caddis
Catches and Success Rates:
The success rate currently is based on the anglers’ ability to clean the flies free of moss and get them back in the water quickly. There is still a large amount of moss, making it difficult to fish. While some really nice fish are being picked up, it requires effort. The potential for throwing dry flies or streamers is decreasing. Nymph rigs are picking up a lot of moss, making it hard to stay in the water.
Local Regulations and Updates: 2024 Fishing Regulations
General Fishing Tips:
Be prepared for the heat by bringing plenty of water and sunscreen. Make sure to hydrate before heading out, and consider planning your activities for early mornings.
Crowd and Access Information:
Weekdays are less busy currently; although, you will still encounter a lot of people floating in kayaks and tubes in the afternoons. Mornings or evenings can be the best way to avoid the tubers but you will probably encounter more fishermen during those times. Weekends have been busy so plan accordingly and don’t get in a hurry.
Future Predictions:
The conditions are likely to stay the same for a couple months, with the high heat and low water expect the moss to start growing from the bottom. This can create some quality hopper fishing. Watch for the high water temperature and avoid taking pictures. It is also a good idea to up your tippet size to avoid playing the fish too long.
