The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Bighorn Lake
Big Horn County, Wyoming · 17,300 acres (27 sq mi)
52°F water, calm this morning.
About Bighorn Lake
In Big Horn County, Wyoming, Bighorn Lake covers 17,300 acres; it is a reservoir. It was made by Yellowtail Dam on the Bighorn River. Bighorn Lake straddles the Wyoming-Montana border within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, impounded by Yellowtail Dam.
It stretches about 9.2 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 31 miles. The water sits about 3,630 ft above sea level. It reaches about 450 ft at its deepest. The nearest town, Lovell, is about 9.4 miles west. Billings, the nearest city, is about 58 miles north.
- Size
- 17,300 acres (27 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 450 ft
- Shoreline
- About 31 miles
- End to end
- About 9.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,630 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Yellowtail Dam, Bighorn River
- County
- Big Horn County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Bighorn Lake
Bighorn Lake holds walleye, trout, yellow perch, catfish and crappie. At 52°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:07 am · sunset 4:45 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Bighorn Lake
- Lovellabout 9.4 mi west
- Greybullabout 24 mi south
- Powellabout 28 mi west
- Billingsnearest city, about 58 mi north
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Questions about Bighorn Lake
What fish are in Bighorn Lake?
Bighorn Lake holds walleye, trout, yellow perch, catfish and crappie. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Bighorn Lake?
About 450 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Bighorn Lake?
17,300 acres, with about 31 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Bighorn Lake?
Lovell is about 9.4 miles west; Greybull is about 24 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Bighorn Lake today?
The surface was about 52°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Bighorn Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
