While the trout habitat between Bighorn and Mallard's Landing isn't as good, the fishing pressure is considerably lower and the fishing is still excellent. Below Hardin, it is a warm-water fishery with limited populations of sauger, channel catfish, burbot, and smallmouth bass. This section also has good waterfowl concentrations and receives some hunting pressure. The Crow Reservation stops at Hardin. Floating pressure below Hardin is light.
Access can be difficult, however, as the river flows mostly through private land.
Practiced beginners can handle the Bighorn. The main channel splits occasionally, and snags in the river can cause problems for the unwary. High winds can be a problem, too. Watch for the low diversion dam on the downstream side of the old Two Leggins Bridge. Below Hardin, watch for the Victory and Manning diversion dams.