From the Flowing Yellowstone River to Still Waters of Lake Elmo, Here’s How to Make a Splash in Billings

 

Billings is known for many things, but our local outdoor enthusiasts will tell you that one of the best sources for boundless adventure is the water. From blue ribbon trout waters to whitewater rides, here are some ways you can make a splash in Montana’s largest city.

 

 

Canoeing, Kayaking & Rafting

 

Yellowstone River

 

The country’s largest free-flowing river, the Yellowstone River, is perfect for a leisurely day of canoeing or kayaking along calm waters. Be sure to keep an eye on the shoreline for the chance to spot wildlife including jumping trout, bear, deer and other species who call this wild river region home.

 

Lake Elmo State Park

 

This 64-acre Lake Elmo State Park reservoir is popular for swimming, boardsailing and non-motorized boating. The park is 183 acres in size at an elevation of 3,199 feet. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day on the water, examining local species of birds and other wildlife.

 

Bighorn Canyon Recreation Area

 

Situated among 120,000 acres of wilderness, Bighorn Canyon and its beauty can best be explored on the water - boating, kayaking and canoeing. Diverse landscapes – mountains, upland prairies, deep canyons, broad valleys, high desert and wetlands – are just some of the incredible views that await.

 

Stillwater River

 

Montana is renowned for whitewater rafting, and the Stillwater River is one of the best locations to experience the thrills, dips and splashes. Check in with Adventure Whitewater, which offers trips traveling down the Stillwater, meandering through a one-sided canyon with whitewater and views of Montana’s mountain peaks in abundance.

 

Paddle Safely

 

Even if you are a skilled swimmer or boater, Montana waterways often can present unique challenges and circumstances. We encourage all visitors to use normal safety precautions, such as life vests, and consult a local guide if you’re unsure of your ability to safely navigate the waters in and around Billings.

 

 

Fishing

 

Rivers and Streams

 

Along with the Yellowstone, the Stillwater and Bighorn Rivers are among Montana’s premier flyfishing waters. Stop in at Stillwater Anglers - the only full-service retail fly shop in the area and hub for all fly-fishing related activity in the Billings area. They can get you fit with all the gear you need (as well as the necessary license) to begin exploring Montana’s top cold water trout streams.

 

After you've experienced downtown Billings and modern amenities for a few days, head to the great outdoors and book and all-inclusive fly fishing trip with Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, endorsed by Orvis as a "2024 Fly Fishing Resort Lodge of the Year" finalist. Situated along the East Rosebud River, the ranch includes the lodge, suites, the fly shop, "The Barn" bar and tasting room, 1.5 miles of river frontage and private trout ponds all within the shadow of the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness mountain range, the highest in Montana.

 

Lakes

 

Lake Elmo State Park and Lake Josephine at Riverfront Park, in addition to being leisure places to spend a day on the water, are great locations to cast a line in a more leisurely setting than flyfishing the moving rivers and streams. But that in no means suggests there isn’t some excitement lurking beneath the calm surface. In fact, the new Montana state record largemouth bass was caught in Lake Elmo, weighing in at 9.575 pounds.

 

Reel in Some New Gear

 

No matter if you’re boating or fishing, you can find even more gear for your adventure at East Rosebud Fly & Tackle, Paddles & Wheels, Sunshine Sports and SCHEELS.