Polly's Place and the Bighorn River Fly Fisher opened the 31st of March and we have had a great first week. Our new Fly shop is starting to get stocked with some of the finest brands in fly fishing such as Fishpond, William Joseph, Rio, Loon Outdoors, and Umpqua.
Fishing Report
Our Guided Clients have been having some great days on the river with some very productive nymphing as well as some of the best dry fly conditions we'll see all year. The weather has been varied, somewhat, but has remained tolerable and usually very comofrtable. The fishing will remain to improve and things are getting very fun on the Bighorn.
The fish are spreading out in the river and it makes it a little easier to find them now as they are not all stacked in certain holes. The Rainbow's are not quite ready to spawn but they are in thier staging areas getting ready to move up onto the beds. All fish are feeding very well and seem active.
Flies to Try: Tan and Grey Sowbug Imitations such as Ray Charles and Soft Hackle Sow Bugs both in sizes 16-20. Baetis Nymphs are your best bet as a trailer and the Skinny Nelson in sizes 16-20 is working as well as the general baetis nymph.
As far as Dries: We are starting to see enough midges to the point where a midge cluster pattern will take fish on top. The Adams Midge Cluster size 18-20 or a Griffiths Gnat size 18-20. Smaller Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-22 work well when the Baetis are out so give them a try and if you can't see ‘em trail them behind a larger midge cluster.
Stop by the shop and let us get you situated with the best flies and let you in on the best spots to go. We can go through a free river map with you and make sure you have a plan before you get out there. Come on up and rent a boat or get a guided trip and stay in our new lodging while enjoying some great food at Polly's Place.