Bighorn Lake, body of water
Bighorn Lake is a large reservoir spanning roughly 60 miles across the Wyoming-Montana border, created by the Yellowtail Dam finished in 1966. Towering limestone cliffs, hundreds of feet high, rise steeply from the water and dominate the landscape with layered rock formations.
The reservoir was created in 1966 when the Bureau of Reclamation completed the Yellowtail Dam. This construction transformed the river valley into a major water storage facility serving irrigation and water management needs across the region.
The name reflects the heritage of the Crow tribe, as the dam honors a respected tribal leader. Visitors experience this connection when learning about the region's indigenous roots while exploring the canyon and shoreline.
The area covers over 70,000 acres with access points and amenities spread throughout for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. Two visitor centers provide maps and information to help you plan activities and learn about the natural and historical features.
During summer months, anglers can watch carp cruising the surface hunting for insects like cicadas that have fallen from nearby trees. This rare feeding behavior creates a special opportunity to encounter these large fish in an unexpected way.
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