The last day of our trip.  We woke up to a blue sky and 15 deg.  Denice, Ashley and Amber prepared a delicious breakfast for us that loaded our bellies for the day.  We suited up for the final attack on the Big Horn.  Paul’s wade boots were still frozen from the previous day.  So, like any logical man, he took them to the kitchen and defrosted them in the sink with warm water.  Denice was furious.  Sorry Paul I took the picture.  I didn’t know you were going to get busted.

We had 3 streamer rigs with small buggers tied on and 3 nymph rigs loaded with sow bugs.  We jumped in the truck and headed to the launch.  The warmer day and sun made spirits high.  At the launch ramp no tire tracks in the snow were apparent.  This confirmed that we were the only ones on the river for the past 3 days.  We had the Horn to ourselves.  A rare treat.

Once we arrived at the first hole it was on.  Fish after fish attacked our nymph rigs and smiles filled our faces.  40 fish at the first stop would set the pace of our best day yet.  We found a good rhythm of catching 3-4 fish and then trading places for a seat in front of the heater until next 3-4 fish were landed.

The fish attacked our flies with reckless abandon.  We had a bunch of fish in the 14-16″ range that topped out at 17″.  The best sizes of the trip.  When I was here 5 years ago the average fish was bigger, 18-22″.  I asked Paul why this was and he said every few years the large fish cycle out as the next generation start to move in.  This is just natures way of making room.  None-the-less they were nice respectable fish.  Jeff and I landed 2 nice rainbows that pushed 17″.

We headed to the drum hole next to find the best streamer fishing of the day.  It was non stop action that took our fish total up to 100.  We wanted more.

To warn up our toes we would take turns jogging along the shore to send blood to our toes.  Jeff had great style during his run.

Paul noted that it was the coldest weather he has ever fish in his 24 years of guiding.

The day turned out 150+ fish for all of us.  That is what we came for.  Good times, good friends, and great fishing.

A very special thanks to Paul, Denice, Amber, Ashley and our new friend Eddie.  Your hospitality was overwhelming and very gracious.

Big Horn River Outfitters is a very special place and If you ever get a chance to visit the best fly fishing in the lower 48 states, look them up and you will have a great time.

We are headed back home with great memories and stories to last a lifetime.