North Fork of the Tongue River, WY

WEATHER: Clear, Low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: Normal

LOCATIONS FISHED: North Fork of the Tongue River, BIG HORN MOUNTAINS

FLIES USED: #12 Hopper, Chernobyl Ant

ROD USED: 7’9” 2 wt Winston

HATCHES: None

OTHER: Fished with Kay and Dick. My, oh my, what a wonderful place to fish. While there were wildfires all around us, we managed to get out of the smoke. There are several pull-offs and parking along the North Fork of the Tongue river which flows adjacent to US Hwy 14 through the northern portion of the Big Horn Mountains. This river reminded Kay and me of the South Fork of the Platte River near Decker, CO, but with lower banks and much easier casting. The river holds all four species of fish, and I was blessed to catch all four today. While the stream might give the appearance of holding only small fish, we were surprised to see long, heavy shadows under the cut banks. With hoppers everywhere, I tried one for 30 minutes without even a look. I finally resorted to the Chernobyl Ant and they couldn’t refuse it. I caught a couple of 18-inch fish, a couple of 16 inchers and one slightly smaller, as well as a few fish under 12 inches, all but one on the Chernobyl Ant. Dick caught several large fish as well on a girdle bug, and Kay caught fish, too. A drag-free drift was absolutely essential. We all had an incredible day.

As a note, this is an incredible catch-and-release fishery, with easy access and wonderful scenery. It’s definitely on the list for a return trip.