Bighorn Lake

Bighorn Lake winds about 71 miles through Bighorn Canyon in southern Montana and northern Wyoming, with towering limestone walls on both sides for much of the way. The lake was created by Yellowtail Dam near Fort Smith, Montana, named for Crow leader Robert Yellowtail, and most of it lies inside Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. It's the biggest boating lake within reach of Billings, and we offer the best boats, jet skis and water toys at the Yellowtail Dam end at Ok-A-Beh and the Wyoming end at Horseshoe Bend.

Bighorn Lake Boat Rentals

Few lakes in the West can match a day of boating through Bighorn Canyon. Calm water between the cliffs makes it a great lake for skiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing. Our Bighorn Lake rentals include:

• MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats for family and friends
• Ski boats for water skiing, slalom and tubing
• Tubes, wakeboards and wakesurf boards for every age
• Paddle boards and water trampolines for a beach day

Rather have someone else drive? Book a private boat charter and our captain will take you through the canyon. Damage waiver coverage is available on every rental.

Bighorn Lake and Billings Jet Ski Rentals

A jet ski is a fun way to explore the narrow side canyons and coves of Bighorn Lake. Most of our jet ski rentals can pull a tube, depending on the model, and guided rides are available. See our jet ski models to pick your ride, whether you're coming from Billings or from Lovell and Cody on the Wyoming side.

Yellowtail Dam and Ok-A-Beh (Montana)

The north end of the lake is in Montana, near Fort Smith. Ok-A-Beh, just above Yellowtail Dam, has a large boat ramp, plenty of parking and a marina. This is the closest launch to Billings, and it stays usable at lower lake levels than the south end. From here you can boat south into the deepest, most dramatic part of the canyon. There is no road through the canyon between the Montana and Wyoming ends, so pick the end that suits your trip.

Horseshoe Bend and Barry's Landing (Wyoming)

The south end of the lake is in Wyoming, about 14 miles north of Lovell. Horseshoe Bend has a marina, a large campground and room to launch, and it's the most popular spot for families and beach days. Barry's Landing, farther north and also reached from the Wyoming side, has a ramp that works at lower water. The drive along the west side of the lake passes the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, so keep an eye out for wild horses. We'll confirm your meeting spot when you book.

Lake Levels and the Best Time to Go

Bighorn Lake rises and falls a lot from year to year. The south end at Horseshoe Bend needs higher water before boats can launch, while Ok-A-Beh and Barry's Landing can launch at lower levels. The lake is usually best from early summer through Labor Day. Check current lake levels before you go, and ask us when you book. We'll suggest the best launch for your dates.

Getting to Bighorn Lake

From Billings, take I-90 east to Hardin, then Highway 313 south through Fort Smith to Yellowtail Dam and Ok-A-Beh. Plan on about an hour and 45 minutes. For the Wyoming end, take Highway 310 south to Lovell, then Highway 37 north to Horseshoe Bend. From Cody, Horseshoe Bend is about an hour away. See all of our Montana boat rentals and Wyoming boat rentals.

Tips for a Great Day on Bighorn Lake

• Fuel up before you launch: fuel on the lake is limited, and the canyon is long.
• Watch the water: at lower levels, sand bars and mud flats show up near Horseshoe Bend and the south narrows.
• See the canyon from above: stop at Devil Canyon Overlook on the Wyoming side for one of the best views in the area.
• Bring sun protection: there's little shade on the water between the canyon walls.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Two states, two sets of rules: Bighorn Lake crosses the Montana and Wyoming state line. In Montana, 13 and 14 year olds need a boater safety certificate or an adult on board to drive a boat or jet ski over 10 horsepower. In Wyoming, anyone under 16 needs an adult 18 or older on board to drive a motorboat or jet ski. Our rental drivers must be 18 or older. Ask us before you book and we'll walk you through what you need.
• Life jackets: everyone on a jet ski must wear a life jacket, and so should anyone being towed.
• Book early: summer weekends and holidays fill up fast.

Lakes Near Bighorn Lake

Just north of the Wyoming line near Decker, Montana, we serve Tongue River Reservoir. In Wyoming, try Buffalo Bill Reservoir near Cody or Boysen Reservoir near Shoshoni. For a bigger Montana trip, there's Fort Peck Lake in the northeast and Canyon Ferry Lake near Helena.

Bighorn Lake Map