The Big Horn River

Winding its way through the heart of northern Wyoming, the Big Horn River is a lifeline of beauty, adventure, and history. Fed by the cold, clean waters released from the Boysen Reservoir, this river carves a lush corridor through rugged country, offering everything from world-class trout fishing to peaceful kayaking and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a fly angler, a birdwatcher, or a quiet wanderer, the Big Horn River has something to offer — and it just might surprise you with its wild charm.

A Fly Fishing Paradise

For anglers, the Big Horn is nothing short of legendary. The tailwater below Boysen Dam remains cold year-round, creating ideal conditions for trophy rainbow and brown trout. The steady flow, rich insect life, and accessible gravel bars make this stretch of river a haven for fly fishers of all skill levels. Whether you’re casting big streamers along the banks or drifting a dry fly in the evening light, the Big Horn often rewards with healthy, hard-fighting fish — and often in solitude.

Further downstream near Thermopolis and beyond, the river meanders through wide valleys, cottonwood groves, and sandstone cliffs, offering new character around every bend.

Adventure Along the Banks

Fishing may be the headliner, but the Big Horn River is also a playground for kayakers, canoers, and wildlife lovers. Quiet paddles along its slower stretches can bring close encounters with bald eagles, herons, mule deer, and even the occasional otter. The peaceful rhythm of the current — paired with the vast sky and striking landscapes — makes for a day that feels timeless.

Hiking and biking trails near the river, especially in places like the Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, offer even more ways to explore the area. Don’t miss the park’s colorful terraces and steamy pools, a reminder of the geothermal power that still stirs beneath the Wyoming earth.

A River Woven with History

Long before anglers and paddlers arrived, the Big Horn River was a vital artery for the people who called this land home. From the ancestral lands of the Crow and Shoshone tribes to early explorers and settlers, the river has always been a source of life, trade, and spiritual meaning. Petroglyphs, historical sites, and native landmarks still dot the landscape, offering a deeper perspective to those who pause to look.

A River for All Seasons

Whether it’s the early spring hatches that bring trout to the surface, the golden glow of cottonwoods in autumn, or a quiet winter morning when steam rises off the water, the Big Horn River offers its magic year-round. It’s a place that invites return visits, where each season brings new light, new wildlife, and new stories.

Come Find the Flow

In a fast-moving world, the Big Horn River flows at its own pace — steady, generous, and full of life. Whether you come for the fishing, the scenery, or simply to listen to the water and watch the sky, the Big Horn offers a kind of connection that only a river can give.

So bring your rod, your paddle, or just your curiosity — and let the Big Horn show you what Wyoming really feels like.