Wyoming
Bighorn River at Kane
Location Snapshot
Bighorn River at Kane is the lower Wyoming Bighorn reach downstream of Basin and upstream of Bighorn Lake, where coldwater and warmwater fishery elements overlap. Brown and rainbow trout are primary targets, with walleye adding a distinctly mixed-species character before the river reaches Bighorn Lake.
Current River Rating
Fair · 52
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Estimated Conditions
Estimated from available current readings, weather, seasonal patterns, destination characteristics, and historical conditions. Some important on-water measurements may be unavailable.
Should I Go?
Consider
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Recent observed weather suggests favorable river thermal context. This is inferred, not a measured water temperature.
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 828 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.01 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 06279500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
46°F
Feels like
39°F
Wind
5 mph NE
Wind gust
6 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 2:00 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 4 AM
Clear
Temp 50°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 8 AM
Mostly clear
Temp 42°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 12 PM
Clear
Temp 62°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 4 PM
Overcast
Temp 70°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 58°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 13 mph
Wed 12 AM
Overcast
Temp 52°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 71°F / Low 42°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 19 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 73°F / Low 43°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 72°F / Low 56°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Rain
High 72°F / Low 50°F
Chance 74%
Precip 0.27 in
Max gust 33 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Brown and rainbow trout are in the mixed fishery on the Bighorn River at Kane, along with walleye.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Bighorn River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Walleye
Sander vitreus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Source: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Big Horn, Wyoming
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Big Horn
Management Category
Mixed river fishery
Regulation Scope
Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming.
Regulation Summary
Bighorn at Kane: WGFD Area 2 Bighorn River mixed-drainage water. Confirm current Chapter 46. Not the Montana Afterbay fishery.
Target Species
brown-trout, rainbow-trout, walleye
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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