I embarked on a journey to the Bighorn River in Montana, driven by the allure of its renowned trout population. My decision to venture there was influenced by the promise of abundant fish and the testimonials of fellow anglers. Despite my initial apprehension about the crowded nature of the river, I was convinced by the prospect of catching larger trout and the enticing visuals in fly-fishing magazines. The Bighorn, with its rolling plains, foothills, and red cliffs, offered a unique fishing experience. The river's reputation for being busy was indeed accurate, but the guides managed to provide ample space for everyone. The group, comprising individuals with varying fishing expertise, successfully caught fish, including a remarkable 23-inch brown trout caught by my son-in-law on his third day of fly-fishing. The fishing techniques employed, such as using PMD dries and nymph indicator rigs with sowbugs, were effective, albeit not without challenges. The river's moss, a well-known feature, required some adaptation, but it was a small price to pay for the fertile fishery it indicated. The abundance of aquatic insects, thanks to the moss, ensured the success of the sowbug patterns. The trip was a success, with larger fish and a fighting spirit that made it memorable. However, there were lessons to be learned, such as the effectiveness of 3X fluorocarbon tippet and the use of barrel swivels in nymph rigs. The Bighorn River, with its beauty and challenges, left a lasting impression, and I hope to return, despite my advancing years. This experience highlights the importance of adapting to the river's unique characteristics and embracing the lessons learned from knowledgeable guides.
