How can you HATE the Bighorn River?

I had an interesting conversation with a guide/fly snob prior to heading out west.

Me:  Yeah, we're haeding out to the Bighorn for a week.  Pretty excited about it.











Fishing Snob:  Hmm...I hate the Bighorn.  Too many people.  I'd much rather go someplace else.













Me:  Hmm...Good to know.  See you later.

How can you hate the Bighorn River?  I get that it's one of the most heavily fished streams in Montana. I get that fly snobs and enthusiasts will travel from all around for the chance to show their stuff, or get a heavy dose of humility.  But to say you HATE the bighorn river because of other fisherman is snobbery at its finest.

The Bighorn boasts 10,000 fish per mile.

 The best part of our three full days of fishing, I caught all of my fish in near solitude.  Whether because I was fishing while it was 15 degrees fahrenheit on day one,  fishing spots that had been passed up time and time again, or just finding the "fishy" spots, I was catching fish without competing with the masses.  At one point during day one, a great group of guys from Spokane approached me to see if they could fish the stretch of water around me.  I'm not sure if they had watched me catch a few fish, or if they were genuinely interested in this stretch of water.  I let them have it, chatted for a while and moved on to the next hole.  I'll camp out on a spot once I find some fish, but I'm not going to be opposed to moving on unless I know there is a beast in there I've yet to catch.  Even then, I'd still be willing to let a fellow fishing enthusiast have their shot.  As long as they aren't a snob.  Like I said, if I can't find a few fish out of 10,000 per mile, I might need to go back to the drawing board.

We had a great trip out west, and it's something I've come to look forward to throughout the year.  Not only because of the fishing, but the challenge presented (elements, bugs, changing conditions), camaraderie, and chance to see some magnificent fish up close and personal.  Don't turn into a fishing spot snob.  Let's find appreciation for the great resources around us and make the most of our time on the water with friends and family.  Life is too short to hate a fishing spot, or to not fish the Bighorn River. Here are some more snapshots of some beauties you won't find anywhere else:

The Keeper of the Fish

While taking Lucy for a walk during my lunch break the other day, I couldn't help but notice the large number of BIG smallies swimming the shallows of the marina near my house.  Lately, it has been filled with gar and crappies, but the smallies seem to have started seeking shallow water spawning stations.  An older gentleman was setting up just as Lucy and I passed by.  He was fishing on the bottom with crawlers and minnows, apparently oblivious to the crappies and smallies swimming all around him.  We exchanged pleasantries and went on our way.  I couldn't help but think about those smallies hammering the crystal bugger that I had recently used to catch a few skiddish gar in the very same location.   So I hurried back to fetch my 7 weight, and with Lucy setting the pace, we made our way back to the old guys fishing area.  

He was kind enough to share his fishing area with my pup and I.  He didn't seem too concerned that I was going to mess things up for him (or catch all of his fish) but as soon as I pulled a few crappies and smaller bass out he had to investigate.  He examined the small bugger and stated proudly, "I've got some of those!   They're just not that color".  I assured him they would work, but he went back to his pickup to tend to his poles and continued to watch me catch fish after fish with my fly.  After a few more small fish a pig finally came out of the shadows and engulfed my crystal bugger.  The fight was on, and it was fun.  Then, from behind me came the old man's voice, "I'll take him if you won't".

My heart stopped.  Does this happen often to catch and release fishers?  Don't get me wrong, I love eating fish as much as the next guy, and will gladly keep a few eyes while I'm fishing with my friends and family, but I would never consider asking someone for their catch.  I get it, they're going to keep fish one way or another, and they might as well keep the ones you're throwing back.  I just don't like it. I only replied with a, "I practice catch and release".  Let the 3 + lb smallie go on her way, and headed for home.  My take... I'm happy with you keeping fish in accordance with the rules and not letting them go to waste.  To each his/her own.  But I expect that same courtesy be passed on to me when I am enjoying my style of fishing.  Keep the awkward turtles off the water.   

Preparation is Key

Now one week before our annual bighorn river fishing adventure, and I find myself in preparation mode.  When your travels will take you 500+ miles to a location with limited access to basic necessities, gear and equipment, you better bring what you need unless you are willing and able to pay a premium for such goods on site.  I, for one, am not willing or able to do such a thing.  Here are five essentials on my list that will save the day in the event preparation fails me this spring:

1.  Fly Tying Gear

Rather than identifying a number of patters and being prepared to tie them if necessary, I load up the whole lot to ensure that nothing is missed.  Last year was a great example.  Midges were hatching like crazy, however, only a few select patterns were producing on a regular basis.  Fortunately, my tying gear was close at hand and the next day came with several fish to hand thanks to some fresh flies.

2.  Walkie-Talkies

When fishing in a group, communication can be a key to success on the water.  Pre-made plans for the day's fishing may be thrown out the window when unexpected events occur.  Walkie-talkie communication on the water can help boost efficiency and hasten success for all.  Keep them close by.

3.  Dry Bag

Having a safe place on the float boat for gear, tools, food and miscellaneous items to be stored will pay dividends on your next trip.  On last year's trip, one of the oar's on my pontoon boat came loose before hitting  a rough patch of water.  I was fortunate to have anchored myself before entering the turbulent waters in order to search my dry bag for the screwdrivers I had along.  I fixed the oar and continued on down to my next hole.  It also protected my camera and lunch from the unexpected rain showers that briefly moved through the area.

4.  First-Aid

A comprehensive first-aid kit seems like an obvious addition, but is often forgotten on seemingly easy-going fishing trips.  Include heavy mono (20 or 30 lb test) in the unlikely event a hook becomes lodged into a fellow fisherman, hydrogen peroxide, second skin, hot hands, band aids, athletic tape and aspirin/ibuprofen among other items.  Try to plan for every possible scenario.

5.  Extra Gear

I don't know many fly-guys who won't travel with multiple rod/reel sets for any given fishing trip.  What else could you need?  I think it is important to have all of the essentials:

• Rod/Reels
• line/backing
• leaders/tippet
• waders/wading boots
• Looped connector tips for fly line (easy to put on and very durable.  Came in handy for me a few years back)
• Small backup fly box (you never know when your's might be misplaced, stoled or lost downstream)
• Hat/gloves (it get's cold in the spring)

Keep this gear in your vehicle or in your room.  If something does go wrong, you'll know you have something available as a backup.  

Time to go fishing?