Bighorn Lake – Wyoming/Montana

Whether you choose to fish from a boat or from the shoreline, Bighorn Lake provides abundant opportunities to catch numerous species of fish while being surrounded by some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery in the northwest United States.  Brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, or the even the more exotic ling (burbot) or shovel nose sturgeon are among the fish that may be caught in these waters.

Bighorn River - Montana

Open to the public since 1981, the Bighorn River is one of the finest trout streams in the United States. The Yellowtail Dam created a classic tail water fishery that is cold and clear in the summer and ice free in the winter. Rainbow and brown trout are prevalent. Public access to the Bighorn River is limited to three points on the upper 13 miles of the river: Afterbay, 3 Mile (Lind Ranch) and 13 Mile (Bighorn Access). Fisherman can float and wade the waters of the Bighorn, but are required to stay below the high water mark. 

Bighorn River - Wyoming

Over a dozen species of game fish call the Bighorn River between the Wedding of the Waters near Thermopolis, Wyoming and Bighorn Lake home. Rainbow and brown trout are found north and south of Thermopolis, while walleye, sauger, ling, shovel nose sturgeon, and channel catfish are found closer to Bighorn Lake. There are several scenic access points along the river. The Yellowtail Habitat offers easy public access. Other areas along the river may require permission from private land owners. Please respect public and private access areas.    

Fishing License

Since Bighorn Lake extends into both Wyoming and Montana.  Anglers should obtain the appropriate license for the area being fished. Fishing regulations may vary between Wyoming and Montana.