Fishing Pond kickoff

Visitor Center pond grand opening features food and free fishing

The rededication of the refurbished pond at the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center just east of Lovell this Saturday has turned into more than just a summer kickoff and dedication event. It is now a grand opening featuring free fishing, food, prizes and giveaways for a day of family-friendly activities.

Hosted by Bighorn Canyon NRA, the Wyoming Game and Fish Dept. and Bairco Construction, which performed the pond refurbishment project but also enhanced the project through generous additions to the work, the grand opening will take place Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

No license is required for fishing at the pond Saturday, and Bairco is offering a free hot dog to anyone who catches a fish and posts a photo of it. Equipment will be available on loan for those who do not have their own, and attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair, lunch, water and snacks to participate in a fun day of fishing.

Saturday’s event also launches Bighorn Canyon’s new summer “Reel” Fun Adventures, which offers hands-on fishing experiences for youth, families and first-time anglers.

Supported by a National Park Foundation Jr. Ranger Angler Grant, the program provides free fishing clinics, equipment and educational activities designed to teach the basics of fishing, outdoor safety and responsible stewardship of local fisheries.

The program is centered around the newly refurbished and repurposed pond, which has transitioned from a reflecting pond to a community fishing pond in partnership with Wyoming Game and Fish. The 2026 season will serve as a pilot year to evaluate fish habitat and community use.

Additional programs will be offered throughout the summer. Event details will be shared on the Bighorn Canyon Facebook page and park website.