The Bighorn River in Montana is a busy fishery, but it's worth the hype. Despite the crowds, the river offers abundant and strong trout, larger than the salmonids I'm used to. The scenery is a mix of rolling plains, foothills, and red cliffs, which, while austere to a New Englander, is beautiful in its own way. The guides at Kingfisher Lodge, where I stayed, were knowledgeable and persistent, ensuring that everyone in our group of six, with varying degrees of experience, caught fish. The fish census was down to 1,500 trout per mile due to consecutive high water years, but the guides avoided fishing spots with smothered eggs. The moss, a well-known feature of the Bighorn, is a bit of a pain, but it's a sign of a fertile fishery and provides housing for sow bugs, scuds, and other aquatic insects. I learned something new from the guides, like using 3X fluorocarbon tippet and barrel swivels to prevent line twist. While the fish counts weren't gaudy, the fish were bigger and had more fighting spirit than I'm used to. The trip was a great experience, and I hope to return to the Bighorn, despite the crowds. Personally, I think the Bighorn River is a must-visit for any fly-fishing enthusiast, even if it means dealing with the crowds. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the river's beauty and the challenge of dealing with the crowds. In my opinion, the Bighorn River is a hidden gem that offers a unique and rewarding fishing experience, even if it means battling the crowds. From my perspective, the river's reputation as a busy fishery is well-deserved, but the rewards make it worth the effort. One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of choosing the right guides, as they can make or break the experience. What many people don't realize is that the crowds are a result of the river's popularity, and while it may be a challenge, it's a small price to pay for the opportunity to fish in such a renowned location. If you take a step back and think about it, the Bighorn River is a testament to the power of nature and the human desire to explore and conquer it. This raises a deeper question: how do we balance our desire for adventure with the need to preserve these natural wonders? A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of the guides in ensuring a positive experience for all. What this really suggests is that the key to a successful fishing trip is not just the river itself, but the people who guide us through it. Personally, I think the Bighorn River is a prime example of how nature and human interaction can be a powerful force for both good and bad. It's a reminder that we must always strive to respect and protect these natural wonders, while also enjoying the thrill of the catch.
