April 2017 Newsletter

We Want To Hear From You!

We are entering our 4th season behind the helm of the Cottonwood Camp boat! The last 3 years have been full of lots of joy and surprises, non of which we would trade for anything. Phil and I are here for so many reasons with the most important reason being you, our guests. Given this, we want to hear from you more. In addition to all of the improvements to the camp property, we strive to provide you a great experience from the moment you arrive until departure. Soon we will be implementing a guest survey upon departure. Please take a moment to let us know how we are doing. In addition, we would like to use some of our guest testimonials to let others know about Cottonwood Camp. So, please drop us a line at amy@cottonwoodcampbighorn.com and let us know what you think of the Cottonwood Camp team.

Mark Your Calendars!

• Mother’s Day Weekend, May 14th – Free gifts to all Mom’s staying with us this weekend.
• National Fishing Week June 3rd-11th
• Free Fishing weekend in Montana: June 17th + 18th (Fathers Day Weekend). No MT fishing license required.
• Women’s Introduction to Fly Fishing Weekend July 28th -30th. Wine & cheese social, 3 meals, over 10 hours of instruction PLUS one lucky participant will receive a free guided trip on the Bighorn River all for $99!! Registration is required, please see our Facebook event page or call the shop for more details!!

Fishing Report

• Current Flows: 12000 CFS
• Water Temp: 45.5 degrees

Fishing has only been getting better with the rise in temperatures.

Nymphing continues to produce the most fish. It seems to be a little different everyday, especially in the wading spots as the fish are dealing with some increased pressure. Firebead Soft Hackle Ray Charles, Eddie Vedder Rays, Pink Crush #14-18, Orange and Olive Scuds #12-16. Midges and BWOs are hatching in some impressive numbers so dropping a Flash Back Quill nymph, JuJu Baetis, or soft hackle wet nymph off the back allows you the option to swing/lift at the end of your drift.

Dry Fly fishing has been picking up, especially with the BWOs as the fish will move into some faster water to eat these mayflies. Most of the midge and BWO activity has been taking place in the late afternoon and has been continuing until after dark. Baetis Smoke Jumpers #18, Griffiths Gnats #16-18, Student #18-20, Cripple Thor #18-20

Streamer fishing has been good to great depending on the conditions. With increased flows there are some weird things going on…like dead shiners floating down the river. Anything white will get at least a chase. White buggers #6, Aztec streamers #4-6, and white Sex Dungeons #2 have been producing fish. Slower strips have been the ticket lately, but with increasing water temperatures look for the fish to be more willing to chase down a faster retrieve.

The Bighorn is giving you opportunities to catch fish on nymphs, streamers, and dries on any given day right now regardless of the higher flows. Surely not many rivers in the Mountain West can give you the chance to choose the method that you want to use to catch fish. It’s a great time to be on the Bighorn!

Save 20% on Guide Trips!

With 5 times the amount of water in the Bighorn, it’s a different river with more room for those fish to spread out in. It’s still fishing great, but investing your first day with a guide can help the rest of your trip be more successful.

Booking a half day trip for two anglers instead of a full day saves you money and energy!

Rates per 2 anglers:

• Full Day – $495
• Half Day – $395