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Buffalo Bill Reservoir

Boat Ramps
1
Access Points
1
Species
11

Nestled in northwestern Wyoming just 6 miles west of Cody, Buffalo Bill Reservoir is an 8,500-acre body of water offering exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the year. Created by the Buffalo Bill Dam at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Shoshone River, this sickle-shaped reservoir provides anglers with over 40 miles of accessible shoreline. The reservoir features two distinct arms (North Fork and South Fork) and reaches depths of up to 300 feet near the dam, with an average depth of 75 feet at full pool. At an elevation of 5,394 feet, this self-sustaining fishery hosts a variety of trout species and other game fish in its clear, cold waters, making it a premier destination for both boat and shore anglers.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Buffalo Bill Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Buffalo Bill Reservoir

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Wyoming licenses and regulations

Wyoming Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Wyoming Fishing License

A fishing license is required for residents and nonresidents age 14 and over. Nonresidents under age 14 do not need a license if accompanied by an adult possessing a valid Wyoming fishing license.

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Wyoming Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Wyoming Stream Access Laws

In Wyoming, landowners own the streambed. Anyone may float across private land on navigable water, but the streambed is the property of the owner. Minor and incidental contact with the streambed is not considered trespassing. As stated by Wyoming Game and Fish Department, “Anglers are not allowed to wade fish or fish from a bank or island without permission if the stream bank, island, or streambed is privately owned. Wading, bank fishing, or anchoring without permission is trespassing.”

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Take Buffalo Bill Reservoir with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Buffalo Bill Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Buffalo Bill Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Buffalo Bill Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.

South Fork Dike at Buffalo Bill Reservoir

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Buffalo Bill Reservoir fishing guides

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