Government Bridge to Sechrist

Government Bridge to Sechrist is a long float with good public access. The characteristics of this section are more runs and riffles and fewer long flats. But, long slow sections exist and can cause you to be very late getting to the boat ramp. This section is nearly 12 miles long. There are more big angular rocks to hit and damage your boat so be alert, especially in low flows.

There are for different types of public access on this section; Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming State sections, Access Yes and public easements on private property. BLM, State of Wyoming land and the permanent public easements are always available to the general public. BLM is not available to outfitters who don’t possess the appropriate permit. Permanent pubic easements on private property and Wyoming state lands are available to everyone, but only 50 feet above the high water mark. And finally, Access Yes areas allow walk in only access on private property, which the public pays for through donations. Access Yes areas are private property and the landowner sets the rules of use. Outfitters who use these areas must have permission from the landowner, as Access Yes doesn’t apply to commercial operations.

Below Government is prseivate for several miles. River left has an Access Yes area that stretches for 2 miles. The Access Yes areas can be terminated at any time, so make sure it is still available. The permanent easement starts on river right just before the By The Way access. By The Way is accessible from Hwy 220 via a gravel road a mile downstream of Government Bridge. There is not a boat ramp at By The Way. You will enter BLM land on river left 2 miles below Government Bridge. This area is called Clarkson Hill and is available via the Trapper’s Route Road. Trapper’s Route Road is accessed from the right side of Hwy 220 just passed Government Bridge when traveling towards Alcova. The Clarkson Hill area has a campground, boat ramp and pit toilets. The Trapper’s Route Road gets very muddy during wet weather conditions.

BLM and State ground dominate river left and public easements dominate river right for 4 miles below Clarkson Hill. Public access ends at the Gray Cliffs, a steep gray hillside that makes up the left bank of the river. A mile further downstream is the Trappers #6 access area. This short landing is the last place to anchor or get out of the boat until you reach the Sechrist area. You will still have to float for more than 3 miles to reach the ramp at Sechrist on river right. Sechrist is accessed via a short road on the right side when traveling towards Alcova on Wyoming Hwy 220, just beyond the “Narrows”.

Government Bridge to Sechrist is a long float that has interesting water and good bank structure.