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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was established by an act of Congress
on October 15, 1966, following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam by
the Bureau of Reclamation. This dam, named after the famous Crow chairman
Robert Yellowtail, harnessed the waters of the Bighorn River and turned
this variable stream into a magnificent lake. Bighorn Lake extends approximately
60 miles through Wyoming and Montana, 55 miles of which are held within
spectacular Bighorn Canyon. The Recreation Area is composed of 70,000+ acres,
which straddles the northern Wyoming and southern Montana borders. There
are two visitor centers and other developed facilities in Fort Smith, Montana
and near Lovell, Wyoming. The Afterbay Lake below the Yellowtail Dam is
a good spot for trout fishing and wildlife viewing for ducks, geese and
other animals. The Bighorn River below the Afterbay Dam is a world class
trout fishing area.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a lesser known treasure waiting
to be discovered. It boasts breath-taking scenery, countless varieties of
wildlife, and abundant recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing,
ice fishing, camping, and hiking. Bighorn Canyon offers visitors what few
other National Park areas can, that of solitude, serenity, and beauty. In
the midst of our chaotic world, this is a truly unique quality.
Bighorn Lake, formed by Yellowtail Dam on the Bighorn River, extends 71
miles through Wyoming and Montana, including 55 miles through spectacular
Bighorn Canyon. The Crow Indian Reservation borders a large part of the
area. |
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