The Bighorn You Don’t Know
Fly Tackle
In addition to the flies I’ve mentioned, you’ll need two rods for a float trip on the Bighorn. The two most important mayfly hatches here are small insects, and if you want to present a small fly quietly and accurately, you’ll need a 3- or 4-weight rod rigged with a 9- to 12-foot leader tapered down to 4X or 5X tippet. I modify the leader depending on the mood of the fish, and sometimes have to go as small as 6X when fishing Tricos. You’ll need a bigger 5- to 7-weight rod to pound the banks with streamers or throw a heavy nymph rig. If you were limited to just one rod, a 5-weight would be my choice, but your options will be limited and you will waste fishing time switching from one rig to another and then back again.
Local Contacts
Schwalbe’s Wyoming Adventures (307-864-2407) is an Orvis-endorsed guide service that specializes in fly-fishing and scenic trips on the Bighorn River as well as pack trips into the Owl Creek Mountains to fish in private streams for native Yellowstone Cutthroat. They also provide shuttle services for do-it-yourself floaters. Bighorn River Outfitters (307-864-5309) also offers fishing trips on the Bighorn, as does Mike Vaughn (307-864-2952).
There are no fly shops in Thermopolis, so come prepared when you visit. Canyon Sporting Goods and Thermopolis Hardware sell licenses and carry a limited selection of fly fishing gear and flies. You can also find licenses at Consumer’s Thriftway.
There are many places to stay and many activities for you in Thermopolis. If you are pulling a camper, driving an RV, or want to pitch a tent, several RV parks will take care of you: Country Campin’ (800-609-2244), Eagle (307- 864-2416), Fountain of Youth (307-864-3265), Grandview (307-864-3463), Wyoming Waltz (307-864-2778).
Thermopolis has everything from rustic cabins to motels with restaurants, bars, and hot tubs: Cactus Inn (307-864-3155), Moonlighter (307-864-2322), Coachmen (888-864-3854), Elk Antler Inn (307-864-2325), Holiday Inn of the Waters (307-864-3131), Quality Inn (888-919-9009), Rainbow (800-554-8815), Roundtop Mountain (800-584-9126), and Super 8 (307-864-5515).
Wind River Canyon White Water Company (307-864-9343) provides scenic tours of the canyon and is the only outfitter to offer commercial guided fly-fishing trips on the Wind River Indian Reservation. There is also golf, mineral pools, shopping, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Dig Site, and the Hot Springs County Historical Museum. Contact the Thermopolis Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-sun-n-spa for more information.
John Schwalbe owns and operates Schwalbe’s Wyoming Adventures in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
Copyright © 2012 Intermedia Outdoors
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