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Wyoming · Fishing
Ten Sleep sits in the Bighorn Basin at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, and the fishing here runs quieter than the more-trafficked waters to the north and east.
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Ten Sleep sits in the Bighorn Basin at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, and the fishing here runs quieter than the more-trafficked waters to the north and east. The two main options in the area are Orchard Reservoir and the Middle Fork of the Powder River, which runs alongside the campground of the same name. Orchard Reservoir is a lake fishery, which means you can work it from shore or with a small watercraft, targeting whatever the reservoir holds without needing to wade unfamiliar current. The Middle Fork of the Powder River is a different experience entirely — a moving-water fishery where reading the river matters as much as your cast. Neither spot draws the crowds you'd find at more famous Wyoming destinations, which is part of the appeal. Ten Sleep is a small town, so plan your supplies before you arrive: there is no large outfitter in town, and you'll want to confirm your Wyoming fishing license is sorted before you make the drive out. The Bighorn Basin can be hot and dry in summer, so early mornings are worth the alarm clock.
The two main spots are Orchard Reservoir, a lake fishery, and the Middle Fork of the Powder River near its campground, which is a river fishery. If you want still water and the option to fish from shore or a small boat, head to Orchard Reservoir. If you prefer wading moving water, the Middle Fork is the one to plan around.
Yes, a valid Wyoming fishing license is required to fish both Orchard Reservoir and the Middle Fork of the Powder River. You can purchase one online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before your trip. Ten Sleep is a small town, so don't count on picking one up locally at the last minute.
Grave Springs Campground
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Pole Creek Cabin
~1h 25m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Bighorn River - Thermopolis
~1h 13m drive
Moderate
Buffalo Creek Campground
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Orchard Reservoir
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Poison Creek Trail
~1h 19m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Orchard Reservoir
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Muddy Guard Cabin
~1h 22m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Big Pike Reservoir
~50 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Middle Fork of the Powder River Campground
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Hiland Reservoir
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Graham Reservoir
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Also worth it near here
Early morning is your best window, especially in summer when the Bighorn Basin heats up fast. Fish tend to be more active before the midday sun hits the water, and you'll be more comfortable on the water before temperatures climb. On the Middle Fork, evening can also be productive as the air cools.
It is a practical option if you want to be right on the water. Camping at the Middle Fork campground puts you steps from the river, which makes early-morning fishing easy. Check current campsite availability and conditions with the Bighorn National Forest before your trip, as access and facilities can vary by season.
Orchard Reservoir is accessible to beginners since shore fishing on still water requires less technical skill than reading river current. The Middle Fork of the Powder River involves wading moving water, which is more manageable for anglers with some river experience. Neither location is considered technical or remote enough to require advanced skills, but wading boots and a wading staff are worth bringing for the river.
