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80 Miles Round-Trip
From Shoshoni
Shoshoni, population 497 at last count, is on the northern edge
of Fremont County. Though the town has gone through several boom
and bust cycles from oil and gas exploration, it clings stubbornly
to the thin desert soil and is healthier than ever these days.
Shoshoni lies in a high basin rimmed by the ragged Bridger and
Owl Creek mountains to the north and the Wind River Range on the
far western horizon. The surrounding country speaks of difficulty:
Badwater Creek, Poison Creek and Tough Creek. At the same time,
it has a stark beauty that beckons exploration. Start your tour
with a malt from Yellowstone Drug located on the main drag. The
world famous drug store features an old fashioned soda fountain
and over 50 flavors.
Bring your fishing rod and license for the Boysen Reservoir Trail.
At 19,500 acres, the reservoir is one of the largest in the state.
It provides excellent fishing for walleye and rainbow trout, particularly
in the spring. Other species of sport fish include cutthroat trout,
brown trout, sauger, perch, crappie, ling (an odd looking member
of the cod family), largemouth bass and lake trout.
Boysen Reservoir
Boysen Reservoir was created in 1951 to provide irrigation water
to 100,000 acres of farmland in the Bighorn Basin. The lake and
surrounding shoreline were designated a state park 5 years later.
The Wind River flows north here before it meets the dam and Wind
River Canyon.You can pick up information and a fishing license
from any number of businesses in Shoshoni. To get to the western
shore of the huge reservoir, drive south on Hwy. 26/789 five miles
from Shoshoni to West Shoreline Drive, where signs will guide you
to campgrounds and boat ramps. If you don't mind driving on gravel
roads, take West Shoreline Drive Loop 1 to several campgrounds,
then back out to the main paved road a mile west of South Muddy
Campground. You can also explore Cottonwood Bay, a popular arm
of the reservoir where boaters enjoy water skiing and fishing and
you can spread out a blanket on the sand beach and soak in some
sun.
Along your way, keep an eye peeled for antelope and raptors that
live in this rugged desert country. To the north lie the Owl Creek
Mountains, part of the sprawling Wind River Indian Reservation.You'll
want to spend some time fishing from the rocky shoreline, or taking
a walk through the desert. You can also fish Lake Cameahwait located
just off the West Shoreline Drive. West Shoreline Drive Loop 2
will take you back out to the paved road and you can drive back
south to catch Hwy. 26 for a return to Shoshoni.
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 © Wyoming's
Wind River Country
Boysen has an annual walleye fishing tournament
 © Riverton
Chamber of Commerce
Boysen
offers excellent
fishing
Wind River Canyon
For the next leg of your journey, drive north 14 miles to Boysen
Dam. This is where the Wind River begins carving down through rock
to form the canyon. Enjoy the canyon geology as the river slices
its way through formations from the Triassic period (208-245 million
years old) to the Precambrian period (570-2900 million years old).
If you drive the length of the canyon, it's an additional 14 miles.
Don't forget to stop to fish in the river at the base of the dam.
The river here provides some of the best fishing in the area and
you may hook into trophy-sized walleye, rainbow trout or brown
trout. Your Wyoming fishing license is valid downstream to the
first highway tunnel. Beyond that point, you'll need a Reservation
fishing license.
HALF DAY OPTION
32 Miles Round-Trip
You can explore Boysen Dam and the river below in a leisurely half
day from Shoshoni, with time to fish. Stop off at state park headquarters
13 miles north of Shoshoni to get a map and more information. (See
the full day tour information.)
1838 Rendezvous
Boysen Driving Tour
Boysen State Park
Castle Gardens Driving Tour
Relaxing Lifestyle
Riverton Attractions
Wind River Heritage Center
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