Thermopolis

{
  "id": "908f2253-bdf6-443b-a893-f4985af9581d",
  "name": "Thermopolis",
  "slug": "thermopolis-wy",
  "type": "city",
  "status": "minimum",
  "tier": "t2",
  "centroid": {
    "crs": {
      "type": "name",
      "properties": {
        "name": "EPSG:4326"
      }
    },
    "type": "Point",
    "coordinates": [
      -108.2139626,
      43.6478735
    ]
  },
  "parentId": null,
  "country": "United States",
  "countryCode": "US",
  "stateProvince": "WY",
  "county": null,
  "timezone": "America/Denver",
  "descriptionShort": "Thermopolis sits where the Bighorn River emerges from its canyon, offering year-round tailwater trout fishing in central Wyoming. The town's hot springs and proximity to multiple river sections make it a logical base for serious anglers.",
  "descriptionLong": "Thermopolis occupies a strategic position on the Bighorn River in central Wyoming, roughly 100 miles south of the Montana border and nestled between the Absaroka and Owl Creek mountain ranges. The town's namesake hot springs—which feed into the river—create a unique microclimate that keeps the Bighorn fishable even during harsh winters, a significant advantage for anglers planning trips outside the traditional summer season.\n\nThe Bighorn here is a tailwater fishery, controlled by Boysen Dam 40 miles upstream. This dam-release regime produces stable flows and consistent water temperatures, making the river highly predictable. The section near Thermopolis is known for substantial brown and rainbow trout, with fish regularly exceeding 16 inches. Nymph fishing dominates—particularly with small dark patterns in the slower, deeper runs—though dry-fly opportunities emerge during brief mayfly hatches in spring and fall. The river's character shifts dramatically depending on dam releases; higher flows favor streamer work and swung flies, while lower flows concentrate fish in defined pools and require precise presentation.\n\nAccess is straightforward. The town sits directly on the river, and several pullouts and boat ramps allow anglers to target different sections without long drives. The Wedding of the Waters section, where the Wind River joins the Bighorn just north of town, is particularly productive and offers a mix of water types. Elevation here sits around 4,300 feet, so weather can shift quickly—spring and fall are reliable, but summer afternoons can be hot and slow.\n\nThermopolis functions as a practical hub rather than a destination unto itself. The town offers basic services, and its hot springs provide a logical evening activity. Most serious anglers stay at Bighorn River Lodge or work with local guides like Reel Deal Anglers or Mangis Fishing Guides, who understand the dam-release patterns and seasonal rhythms that define success on this particular stretch. Winter fishing here is genuinely viable, which sets it apart from most Rocky Mountain tailwaters.",
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  "verticals": [],
  "waterCharacteristics": [],
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  "tags": null,
  "metadata": null,
  "nhdFeatureId": null,
  "gnisId": "02413384",
  "gnisName": null,
  "reachCode": null,
  "hucCode": null,
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  "streamOrder": null,
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  "nhdFtype": null,
  "drainageAreaSqKm": null,
  "slopePercent": null,
  "elevationMin": null,
  "elevationMax": null,
  "lengthKm": null,
  "areaSqKm": 6.183762,
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  "noaaTideStationIds": null,
  "noaaCurrentStationIds": null,
  "censusGeoid": "5676515",
  "censusLsadc": "43",
  "areaWaterSqKm": 0.205906,
  "seoKeyword": "Thermopolis WY fishing",
  "seoSearchVolume": 50,
  "seoCompetition": "LOW",
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  "source": "seed",
  "pipelineId": 14904,
  "createdAt": "2026-06-15T22:14:43.042Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-15T22:14:43.042Z",
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