A pretty nice Big Horn Bow
What a way to end a memorable day!

An "average" sized Big Horn Bow
             Off to a good start!

There has been so much written and said about the Big Horn that the river has become shrouded in mystique. Some of this is well earned; some of it has been blown way out of proportion and some of it leaves those of us who spend many days each season there scratching our heads. All of the hype, all the articles, all the books, all the fly-fishing shows and all of the talk on fly-fishing boards make the Big Horn the trip of a lifetime for many anglers.

As a guide I never forget that this is your trip. As someone who lived in Montana for a year before college, and then spent the next fifteen years dreaming of being back in Montana, I know first hand how much a fly-fishing trip to Montana means to you. I know what it is like to read those articles, watch the shows, hear the stories from fishing buddies and lay awake at night dreaming about being there. A client once asked me if I ever took any of this (living where I do and doing what I do) for granted. My answer was a quick and sincere, "Not a second of it." I never have just another day on the water. Spend a day, or a few, on the river with me and you will see what I mean .

One of the most frequently asked questions is, "When is the best time to fish the Big Horn"?
There really is no right or wrong answer to this question. The Big Horn is a year 'round fishery. So the "When" part is a personal preference. If you are a hard core dry fly angler, then you would have a blast during the spring baetis and midge hatches. The black caddis in late July into September is also a dry fly dream. Then there is the hopper season, late July into October. If you are really into nymph fishing then the Big Horn is hard to beat. You can catch fish on nymphs any day of the year that you care to try. Streamer fishing can be good all year, and even better in the fall. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the seasons on the Big Horn.
My Big Horn River trips are booked through The Big Horn River Angler. The Big Horn Angler offers some great all inclusive packages, has a complete fly shop, owns and operates Polly's Place restaurant and rents drift boats. To book your days on the Big Horn or have any additional questions answered give them a call at, 866-658-7688.

The Big Horn truly is a river of fly-fishing dreams. The numbers of trout that call the Big Horn home is staggering. Estimates range from 6,000 to over 7,000 trout per mile. The average size of the fish caught ranges from about 14 to 17 inches. On any given day trout in the high teens and beyond are a very real possibility.

Whether this is going to be your first trip or you are a Big Horn regular my knowledge of the river, the bugs, the seasons and most of all, the fish, will ensure that you will have a trip to remember.

Have you ever been on a guided trip with a "clock watcher" for your guide? If you have ever been with a guide who was more interested in getting you off the river by five than into fish then give me a call. Very often I am the last guide boat off the river. Unless you want or need to be off the river early be ready for a long day of fishing with me. Like I tell my friends who visit me, "You can sleep when you get home."
One reason that I book my trips through the Big Horn Angler is because there is never a time that we need to be back by or you will miss dinner.  When we are on the river and you are having a great time with all those rising fish the last thing that you need to worry about is what time it is. Polly's is open late enough for you to get plenty of great fishing without missing dinner.  
If you have any question feel free to give me a call, 406 223-1506 or use the email link below. The link above is to the contact page for the Big Horn Angler. To book your trip you will need to contact them, just be sure to ask for Don. Thanks and I will see you in Fort Smith!