From small mountain streams to cascading rivers to hidden alpine lakes, the local bodies of water are among the best reasons to get to know life in the Bighorns. 

Discover more lakes and streams here!

BIGHORN LAKE

Immerse yourself in the relaxing, picturesque, peaceful surroundings of Bighorn Lake, located roughly 50 miles west of Burgess Junction on scenic US Highway 14A. Enjoy boating, swimming, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing. The most popular game fish at Bighorn Lake is the walleye. Other fine game fish, like brown and rainbow trout, sauger, ling and perch, abound. Winter ice fishing around Horseshoe Bend is excellent.

BIGHORN MOUNTAIN ALPINE LAKES

The alpine lakes are pristine and the perfect destination for dedicated fly fishing enthusiasts, while each lake and reservoir has its own unique set of characteristics (as well as different species of fish).

LAKE DESMET

This lake is named after a Belgian priest, Father DeSmet, who came to Wyoming in 1840 as a missionary to the Flathead Indians. It is located on the east end of the Bighorns and is the largest lake in the Sheridan area. Year-round fishing is excellent, with brown and rainbow trout, rock bass and yellow perch all living in the lake.

LITTLE GOOSE AND BIG GOOSE CREEKS

The waters of the Bighorns provide the habitat for a quality fishing experience. Bring your waders or sit on shore. The waters are fast so plan your strategy to catch the “big one.” You will find brook, brown, grayling, and rainbow trout in the Goose Creeks.

If you prefer to boat or float, check out the Sheridan Community Land Trust river trail with conditions, put-in points and more.

PARK RESERVOIR

The reservoir is located at altitude in the Bighorn Mountains, with the shortest access via unpaved Red Grade Road (State 26) just outside Big Horn, Wyoming. Water levels vary with seasonal changes in rainfall and irragition use. Park Reservoir is stocked with brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout.

PINEY CREEK

Beautiful Piney Creek flows out of the Bighorn Mountains near Story. Hike up Piney Creek Trail and make a day of fly fishing.

RANCHESTER CITY RESERVOIR

The Ranchester City Reservoir is located northwest of Sheridan, and offers ample recreational opportunities for families. Fish, swim, kayak, paddleboard or simply unwind on the banks and enjoy a picnic lunch. Rotary Park Fairgrounds Pond was developed by the local Rotary Club as a place for families to enjoy the outdoors.

SAM MAVRAKIS POND

Sam Mavrakis Pond is located near Sheridan’s city center, and on a warm evening becomes one of the region’s most popular – and laid back – fishing destinations.

SIBLEY LAKE

Sibley Lake is located off US Highway 14 in the Bighorn Mountains. A picturesque alpine lake surrounded by towering pines, Sibley is a great recreation destination, and a fine place to spot moose early in the morning (or late in the evening). Motorized watercraft are not allowed on Sibley, which ensures it is a quiet place to cast a line and catch brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout.

TONGUE RIVER RESERVOIR STATE PARK

The 12-mile-long reservoir is set against the scenic red shale and juniper canyons and open prairies of southeastern Montana, about 20 miles north of Sheridan on highway 314. Come out and enjoy the myriad recreational opportunities, including boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, wildlife spotting, fishing and more. Catch crappie, walleye and northern pike. Montana regulations for boating, camping and fishing apply.

TONGUE RIVER & TONGUE RIVER CANYON

Cold, clear mountain water rushes down the canyon from high in the Bighorns. Hiking and climbing in the canyon are spectacular year-round, while the fishing is always good. The Tongue River (North & South) has black bullhead, brook and rainbow trout depending on which drainage you fish.

If you prefer to boat or float, check out the Sheridan Community Land Trust river trail with conditions, put-in points and more.