Group Adventures for Friends, Families & Fly Fishing Fans Alike
There’s something special about sharing a river. Oars cutting the water, conversation across drift boats, the anticipation of the next cast—it all adds up to the kind of day you talk about for years. At RSO Outfitters, one of our most rewarding experiences to offer is a multi-boat guided fly fishing trip on the Bighorn River in Thermopolis, WY.
Perfect for families, friend groups, corporate outings, or any crew of fishing enthusiasts, multi-boat float trips allow you to enjoy the river together, fish side by side, and experience one of the West’s most scenic and productive fisheries in a way that’s both personal and shared.
Whether you’re a tight-knit fly fishing crew or a group of first-timers, here’s everything you need to know about floating the Bighorn in Thermopolis with RSO.
Why Choose Thermopolis for Your Group Fly Fishing Trip?
Thermopolis, Wyoming might be one of the best-kept secrets in the world of western trout fishing. Nestled between red rock cliffs and sprawling ranchlands, it’s home to the upper reaches of the Bighorn River—a stretch of water rich in trout, wildlife, and solitude.
Unlike the more crowded lower Bighorn near Fort Smith, the Thermopolis section offers a quiet, spacious float with excellent year-round fishability. It’s especially productive during the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—when flows are steady and the fish are hungry.
For groups, this means:
- Plenty of room to spread out between boats
- Low-pressure angling, even during peak conditions
- Stunning scenery and wildlife viewing along every stretch
- Easy access to town for lodging, dining, and soaking
What Is a Multi-Boat Float Trip?
A multi-boat trip is exactly what it sounds like—two or more drift boats, each with a licensed professional guide and space for 1–2 anglers. This setup is ideal for groups of 3 to 8 people, though larger groups can also be accommodated with enough notice.
What Makes It Special?
- Stay connected while fishing – Boats float within view and earshot, so you can swap stories, cheer on hookups, and stay socially connected.
- Tailored guidance per boat – Each guide adjusts instruction and technique based on the anglers in their boat.
- Great for mixed-skill groups – Whether it’s experienced anglers and beginners together, or adults and kids, we tailor the day so everyone’s included.
- Shared stops – We often pull over to wade fish, have lunch riverside, or regroup for photos and laughs.
What Kind of Fishing Can We Expect?
The Bighorn River near Thermopolis is a classic tailwater fishery. Cold, clear water from Boysen Reservoir feeds the river year-round, creating ideal conditions for trout and insect life.
Target Species:
- Rainbow Trout – Energetic and plentiful, rainbows in this stretch range from 14–20 inches and love to chase nymphs and streamers.
- Brown Trout – Often larger and more elusive, browns provide thrilling moments on dry flies and big, slow takes on streamers.
Techniques You Might Use:
- Nymphing under indicators (especially effective in spring and fall)
- Dry fly fishing when the hatch is on
- Streamer fishing for aggressive eats from bigger fish
Guides will adjust to match the hatch, water flow, and skill levels of your group. We provide all the rods, reels, flies, and terminal tackle needed—but you’re welcome to bring your own favorite gear.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife Viewing
One of the unexpected highlights of floating through Thermopolis is the incredible scenery and variety of wildlife. Even non-anglers in your group will find plenty to enjoy while drifting downstream.
What You’ll See:
- Red sandstone cliffs rising steeply above the river
- Cottonwood-lined banks glowing gold in fall
- Herds of bighorn sheep, mule deer, and even wild turkeys
- Bald eagles, hawks, herons, and the occasional osprey
Each bend in the river brings something new—whether it’s a rising fish, a scenic overlook, or a canyon echoing with the sounds of nature.
Great for Families & First-Timers
You don’t have to be a fly fishing expert to enjoy a float trip with RSO. Our guided fly fishing trips are designed for everyone—young or old, first-timers or seasoned pros.
Why Groups Love It:
- Kids learn fast with hands-on instruction and encouragement
- Non-anglers can ride along, relax, and take in the views
- No experience needed—our guide will handle everything from gear setup to instruction and coaching
- Full-service feel—We take care of the logistics, so you just show up and enjoy the day
For groups looking to reconnect and unplug, few experiences beat a day floating the river together.
Food, Lodging & More in Thermopolis
Planning a full day or weekend around your float trip is easy thanks to Thermopolis’ small-town charm and traveler-friendly amenities.
Where to Stay:
- Days Inn Thermopolis – Includes access to hot springs pools
- Roundtop Mountain Motel – Quiet, clean, and close to downtown
- Vacation rentals and cabins – Great for larger groups
Other Things to Do:
- Soak in Hot Springs State Park after a day on the water
- Explore the Wyoming Dinosaur Center
- Take a scenic drive through Wind River Canyon
What to Bring on Your Group Float Trip
We provide all fishing gear and safety equipment, but you’ll want to dress appropriately for the conditions—especially in spring and fall when weather can shift throughout the day.
Recommended personal items:
- Layered clothing (base layer, fleece, waterproof shell)
- Hat and polarized sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Camera or GoPro
- Reusable water bottle and snacks (we also provide lunch on full-day floats)
Ready to Plan Your Group Adventure?
Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a friend getaway, or a team-building retreat, our multi-boat guided fly fishing trips on the Bighorn River in Thermopolis, WY offer an unforgettable way to connect, cast, and catch fish together.
Let RSO Outfitters handle the boats, guides, gear, and logistics—so your group can focus on what matters: making memories on the river.
Contact us to reserve your dates and learn more about group packages. Your next great group adventure starts on the water.
