Bumped the river yesterday

Date
Saturday, 7 May, 2016
Water Clarity
Muddy
Angler Traffic
Low
Report
We're now up over 2,000cfs which is a great flow and I'm glad they're making room in the reservoir. Should also help dissipate some of the mud flowing in. We'll keep ya updated.
 
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Fishing Water Report
Bighorn River Fishing Report
 (2)
Where does this river begin? This question remained unanswered well into the 19th century. In fact, the Wind River and the Bighorn River are one body of water artificially divided ... moreby two names. Because the river’s course is largely set by the surrounding mountain ranges, The Wind River Range that extends southeast to northwest along the continental divide and the Bighorn Range that rises east of Shoshoni and curves north to Montana, the river changes direction and appearance more than once during its long journey. Overhearing Native Americans describe this basin, mountain men, adventurers and mapmakers just assumed they were talking about different rivers. 

Today the Bighorn River arbitrarily starts at the end of Wind River Canyon at a spot known as the Wedding of the Waters near the town of Thermopolis. From Thermopolis to about 20 miles below the Wind River Canyon, the river runs cold enough to support ample trout, with the best fishing actually beginning on the Wind River below the Boysen Reservoir, 15 miles upstream. Roadside access to this year round, world-class destination is unlimited as long as you obtain a Wind River Indian Reservation fishing permit.

One of the vagaries of Wyoming law is that landowners can own and control access to shorelines and riverbeds, making it illegal for anglers to wade or anchor in private water. Thankfully, most of the Bighorn River around Thermopolis is owned by the town, which provides many points of public access. You’ll be fine with the law if you wade upstream or down, as long as you stay below the high-water mark. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has designated several fishing access points and easements over private lands to provide public use of the river.
Game Fish Opportunities:
Rainbow Trout
Mountain Whitefish
Brown Trout
Guide Reports:
Bighorn River Fishing Report with Owl Creek Flies
Bumped the river yesterday
Bighorn River Fishing Report from Wyoming Anglers
All 4 Guide Fishing Reports
Fishing Trips:
Float Trip on the Bighorn River with Zach Neville Outfitters
Float Trip on the Bighorn River
Float Trip on the Bighorn River with Owl Creek Flies
Fishing Access Sites:
Wedding of the Waters River Fishing Access
WYDOT Public Fishing Access Site
Kirby Ditch Fishing Access Site
All 18 Fishing Access Sites
Reporting Outfitter
Owl Creek Flies
 (2)
Wyoming Fly Fishing at its Finest Owl Creek Flies offers fly fishing adventures and guide trips on the Bighorn River in Thermopolis, Wyoming. We make seasonal forays to the upper ... moreGreen & New Fork Rivers near Pinedale and the Shoshone River between Cody and Yellowstone National Park.
Reported Trip
Float Trip on the Bighorn River with Owl Creek Flies
  • Expert guide
  • Lunch on full day trips
  • Beverages and snacks
  • Shuttle
  • Flies, tackle and rod and reel if needed
The Bighorn River begins life as the Wind, flowing ESE out of the mountains of Western Wyoming, through the town of Dubois and the Wind River Indian Reservation. At Riverton the river ... moreabruptly turns North and begins to back up as Boysen Reservoir behind a 220 ft. dam built at the head of the beautiful Wind River Canyon. Emerging from the dam a river once more, the Wind flows through the Owl Creek Mountains, leaving the Wind River Basin.

As the river exits the canyon and spills into the Bighorn Basin, its name is changed to the Big Horn. One river, two names. It is here at Wedding of the Waters where we begin our adventures and float through the town of Thermopolis, home to the world's largest mineral hot springs.

A Dry Fly Paradise
Beginning in March, thick hatches of Midge & Blue Winged Olives bring trout to the surface after a long Winter of eating tiny nymphs. By late June, Tricos appear on the scene and hatch en masse every morning until October. It is common to see pods of rising trout 30 or 40 fish deep, making a flat piece of water look like a riffle. Several species of Caddis are available throughout the summer as well as terrestrials. The Blue Wings will make one more appearance in the Fall after the water has cooled.

3,000 Trout per Mile - Browns, Rainbows & Cutthroat
Fishing nymphs can be productive year-round but is best in late Winter or early Spring before moss becomes an issue. Average sized fish is 16-18 inches with many 20 inches and beyond. Streamer fishing can be hard work on this river, but the rewards often make it worth the effort.

Most fishing is done from the boat, as Wyoming Water Access laws limit anchoring and wading opportunities to certain sections of the river.

We can accommodate anglers of all abilities. All trips include flies (we tie 90% of the flies we use on guided trips), shuttle, terminal tackle, the use of a rod & reel if needed, and lunch on full day trips; half days include water and snacks. We practice catch & release of all Wild Trout.

We are First Aid/CPR Certified, Insured & Permitted Guides.
Fishing Waters:
Bighorn River Fishing Report
Destination:
Cody Wyoming
Meeteetse Wyoming
Lander Wyoming
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