Reservoir

Bighorn Lake

, Montana

Bighorn Lake lies behind Yellowtail Dam in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on the Montana-Wyoming line; Montana FWP lists about 5,574 acres in Montana. Walleye are the managed fishery.

Air temp Loading current temperature…

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Current air temperature at Bighorn Lake (National Weather Service) ↗

Surface area5,574 acres

Max depth—

Shoreline—

Boat motorsCheck local rules

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Walleye●●●○○

Managed fishery per FWP; common catch per NPS

Sauger●●○○○

River current and deep holes. Jigs and minnows in cold water.

Smallmouth Bass●●○○○

Rock, gravel and points. Tubes, jerkbaits and drop-shots.

Channel Catfish●●○○○

Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.

Yellow Perch●●○○○

Common catch per NPS

Crappie●●○○○

Black crappie per NPS

Rainbow Trout●●○○○

Shorelines and inlets in cool months, deeper water in summer.

Brown Trout●●○○○

Low-light hours and cold water. Big fish on minnow baits.

Lake Trout●○○○○

Listed by NPS

Boat launches

2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

Kane, South Causeway and ML rampsRamp
NPS: small and jet boats launch from these ramps south of the causeway except during ice. All boats must pass an AIS inspection (stations near Lovell, WY and Fort Smith, MT).Directions ↗
More public accessPublic
See the state agency or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Bighorn Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks ↗

Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.

Search more bait shops near Bighorn Lake ↗

Local tips

No park fishing license is needed, but a state license is required; check which state's rules apply where you fish.
Jig or troll crankbaits and bottom bouncers for walleye (NPS tips).
Expect an aquatic invasive species inspection before launching.

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

More Montana lakes

Canyon Ferry Lake Lake Koocanusa Hungry Horse Reservoir Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir) Hebgen Lake Noxon Rapids Reservoir Clark Canyon Reservoir Nelson Reservoir All Montana lakes →

Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.