BIG HORN RIVER Fly Fishing Experience
Private Trip
River Fishing
Tailwater fishery with browns, rainbows, and cutthroat trout averaging 1618 inchesCalmer waters ideal for dry fly fishing and skill developmentIntimate 2guest capacity trips through historic Thermopolis area
The Big Horn River flowing through Thermopolis is hands down one of Wyoming's most productive tailwater fisheries, and it's where serious anglers come to dial in their technique while chasing some seriously chunky trout. This river doesn't mess around – we're talking consistent 16-18 inch fish with plenty of 20+ inch surprises mixed in. Unlike the more technical waters up north near Cody, the Big Horn offers a mellower pace that lets you really focus on perfecting your presentation and reading the water. You'll spend your day drifting through classic riffle-pool sequences, working productive runs, and learning why this stretch has earned its reputation as one of the region's most reliable producers.
Your day starts with a thorough briefing on river conditions and hatch activity before we launch. The Big Horn's tailwater nature means consistent flows and temperatures that keep fish active throughout most of the season. This isn't a white-knuckle float – the calmer currents give you plenty of time to work promising lies and really dial in your casting. We'll cover roughly 8-10 miles of prime water, hitting the honey holes where big browns like to post up and working the seams where rainbows cruise for emerging insects. Lunch comes streamside at one of our favorite spots where you can stretch your legs and talk through what you've learned. With just two anglers per trip, you'll get personalized instruction whether you're working on your mend game or trying to nail that perfect drag-free drift.
The Big Horn is famous for its surface action, and we'll have you rigged with everything from size 14 Pale Morning Duns to meaty October Caddis patterns depending on the season. Our drift boats are set up with comfortable pedestal seats that give you 360-degree casting access, plus all the essential gear including 4-6 weight rods matched to the day's conditions. The river's structure is perfect for learning – you've got classic pocket water, long glides where fish sip emergers, and undercut banks that hide some real toads. We'll work through different presentation techniques as the day progresses, from standard upstream casts to more advanced reach casts that help you get better drifts in tricky currents. The consistent bug life means there's almost always something happening on the surface, making this an ideal spot to build confidence with dry flies.
Brown trout here are the real deal – these aren't your typical stockers but wild fish with attitude and serious shoulders. They average 17-19 inches but don't be surprised when you hook into a 22-inch slab hiding under a logjam. These fish have seen plenty of flies, so presentation matters more than pattern selection. The rainbows run slightly smaller but make up for it with pure athleticism – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. What makes the Big Horn special is the sheer consistency. While other rivers might have off days, this tailwater keeps producing. Our guests regularly land 15-25 fish per day, with most being quality fish you'll actually want to photograph. The cutthroat population has been growing steadily, and these native beauties provide some of the most visual takes you'll see anywhere in Wyoming.
Brown Trout dominate the deeper runs and undercuts, especially the larger specimens that have learned to be selective. These fish peak during the fall spawn preparation when they become more aggressive, but they're catchable year-round if you approach them right. Most browns here range from 14-20 inches with occasional fish pushing 24 inches. They're suckers for well-presented streamers in low light and will readily take dry flies during heavy hatches. What makes Big Horn browns special is their coloration – the consistent food supply keeps them thick and golden with pronounced spotting.
Rainbow Trout provide the action when you want your reel screaming. They're slightly more forgiving than the browns and will often move farther for a fly. Peak rainbow fishing happens during spring runoff when they're staging near tributaries, but the tailwater keeps them active throughout summer. These fish average 15-18 inches and are absolute rockets when hooked. They're particularly responsive to smaller dry flies during PMD hatches and will hammer caddis patterns during evening emergences.
Cutthroat Trout are the river's native gem and increasingly common as habitat restoration efforts pay off. These fish are visually striking with their characteristic red slashes and provide some of the most willing takes you'll experience. They're typically found in the river's upper reaches and respond well to attractor patterns. Cutthroat average 12-16 inches but their willingness to eat makes them perfect confidence builders. They're most active during cooler months and provide consistent action when other species get picky.
The Big Horn delivers exactly what every angler wants – consistent fishing, beautiful surroundings, and the chance to improve your skills while catching quality fish. Whether you're looking to master dry fly techniques or just want a relaxing day on productive water, this trip hits all the marks. Our local knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive runs means you'll spend more time with your line wet and less time wondering where the fish are hiding. Don't wait until peak season books up – secure your dates now and get ready for a day that'll remind you why Wyoming's tailwaters are considered world-class fisheries.
The Clackacraft 16WF drift boat is your ticket to some of Wyoming's finest trout water. Built tough with a bulletproof hull, this 16-footer handles the Big Horn's gentle currents like a dream while keeping you and your fishing partner comfortable all day. The redesigned interior gives you better balance when you're working those perfect dry fly drifts or setting the hook on a chunky brown. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. The boat's shallow draft lets your guide position you right where the 16-18" rainbows and cutthroat are feeding, while the stable platform means you can focus on your presentation instead of wobbling around. Perfect for both seasoned fly fishers and folks still learning to read the water on this legendary tailwater fishery.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest trout in the Big Horn - they didn't get their reputation for being wary without reason. Most of our browns range from 16-22 inches, with some real bruisers pushing beyond that. They prefer deeper runs and love structure like fallen logs, boulders, and undercut banks where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, but they feed year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is their fight - powerful, bulldogging runs that test your gear. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat. Pro tip: browns often hold in spots other trout won't touch. That gnarly, brush-covered bank everyone avoids? That's where the big brown is waiting. Use heavier tippet and don't be afraid to get your fly close to cover.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroat trout get their name from the distinctive red slash under their jaw - pretty hard to miss once you know what to look for. On the Big Horn, they typically run 14-20 inches and have this beautiful golden-bronze coloring that changes with the light. They love hanging around deeper pools and undercut banks where the current slows down. Spring through fall are your best bets, especially during mayfly hatches when they'll rise aggressively. These fish fight smart - lots of head shakes and quick runs toward cover. They're native to Wyoming waters, so catching one feels authentic. Here's a local trick: when you spot one feeding, wait for the rhythm of their rises, then place your fly just upstream of their last rise. They're creatures of habit and often feed in predictable patterns.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the athletes of the trout world - when you hook one, get ready for some serious acrobatics. Our Big Horn rainbows average 15-18 inches and have that classic pink stripe that really pops in the clear tailwater. They love the faster riffles and current breaks, especially where oxygen levels stay high. Spring and early summer are fantastic, but they stay active all season long. What guests love most is their jumping ability - these fish will leap clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. They're also great table fare with mild, sweet meat. The Big Horn's consistent flows keep them feeding regularly. My advice: when a rainbow jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward the water. It prevents the line from snapping on a tight connection when they come crashing back down.
Cody