Fishing Bighorn Lake

AKA: Bighorn River Lake

Popular Fish Species
Bighorn Lake Fishing Video
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Bighorn Lake, WY

Popular Fish Species Bighorn Lake, WY

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in Bighorn Lake again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Bighorn Lake is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed. When the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for trout.

Bighorn Lake Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Bighorn Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Bighorn Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, sauger, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch at Bighorn Lake in Wyoming.

Steep cliff walls surround the better part of Bighorn Lake, a 5,500-acre lake in the northwest part of the state, at Kane. Twisting and turning along the Bighorn River bed, the lake boasts nearly 40 miles of shoreline in Wyoming.

Nestled in the picturesque Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Bighorn Lake is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts in Wyoming. This sprawling reservoir stretches across the border of Wyoming and Montana, offering a unique fishing experience amidst stunning natural beauty. Anglers are drawn to Bighorn Lake in search of walleye, sauger, trout, bass, catfish, perch and crappie. This expansive fishery is home to both warm-water and cold-water fish species, giving anglers multiple choices. There are plenty of places to fish from the bank, particularly on the western shores. Ice fishing in winter is a tradition here.

Primary fish species residing in Bighorn Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bighorn Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES (paddle boats)
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cottonwood Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Alt US Highway 14, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.