Fishing boom fuels wave of niche businesses in Thermopolis

THERMOPOLIS — What was once a steady trickle of fishing tourism on the Bighorn River has become a current strong enough to reshape how business is done in this small Wyoming town of fewer than 3,000 residents. As the number of fishermen steadily increased, entrepreneurs began creating specialized niches centered around the fishing industry.

Jessica and Tom Ream opened a riverside sandwich shop in August 2024 after Tom, a fishing guide, discovered he had nowhere to get a good lunch that would keep on the river. “We wanted someone else to do this and didn’t necessarily want to be the ones to do it,” Jessica said. “But there was this strong need.” The couple just got their liquor license and will expand as a riverside café and bar.

Mitchell John and his brother Richard opened East Rosebud, a fly shop specializing in fly-tying supplies. “We’re the only fly-tying store within hundreds of miles,” John said. “People are amazed that we have the fly-tying room and that you can get boots, waders, rods, line, flies.” Dan Paull, a guide who purchased property north of town and opened a lodge, said the businesses work closely together rather than competing.

Recent regulations require guides to have a state license and pay fees for their boats. “Nobody likes more regulation, but at the same time, I think everybody can see that something needs to be done to protect our rivers,” Paull said. “It’s not just for today, but for the longevity of everything down the road.” Fishing guide Warren Wolf agreed: “The Bighorn’s always been a popular fishing destination. There’s plenty of pie once we get the people here for everybody to operate.”