Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Wyoming
Wyoming has 490 fishing spots in the Roamze database, and the range is genuinely wide: high-country lake fishing near Dubois at places like Crater Lake and Florence Lake, tailwater-style river access along the Clarks Fork near Powell, and
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Wyoming has 490 fishing spots in the Roamze database, and the range is genuinely wide: high-country lake fishing near Dubois at places like Crater Lake and Florence Lake, tailwater-style river access along the Clarks Fork near Powell, and fly fishing the Snake River at South Park near Jackson, where cutthroat, brown, and brook trout hold in water that sits at 6,050 feet. Around Sheridan you can work the Coney Creek drainage or hit Twin Lakes depending on whether you want moving or still water. Pinedale-area anglers have Coyote Lake and Lake Winona within reach, while the Evanston corridor offers Woodroof Narrows Reservoir for a more accessible lake session. River fishing near Cody spans multiple access points including Hunter Peak and Clearwater Campground. The variety means Wyoming fishing trips rarely look the same twice, but they do require some planning: water conditions, elevation, and access roads vary significantly by region and time of year. The listings here cover lake fishing, river fishing, and dedicated fly fishing stretches, so you can filter by what actually matches your gear and skill level before you drive four hours to find a locked gate.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to fish in Wyoming?
For most lake and river fishing, late June through September is the most reliable window after snowmelt stabilizes water levels and access roads open. High-elevation lakes near Dubois, like Crater Lake and Florence Lake, may not be fully accessible until early July. Fall fishing in September and October can be excellent on river stretches, as cooler temperatures push trout into more active feeding patterns.
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license, and where do I get one?
Yes, a Wyoming Game and Fish Department license is required for anyone 14 and older. You can purchase one online through the Wyoming Game and Fish website, at local sporting goods stores, or at many bait shops near popular access points. Non-resident licenses are available in daily, five-day, and annual formats, so it's worth matching the license to your trip length.
What gear should I bring for Wyoming lake fishing versus river fishing?
For lake fishing at spots like Coyote Lake near Pinedale or Old Crow Lake near Buffalo, a medium spinning setup with a selection of small spinners, PowerBait, and flies covers most situations. River fishing near Cody at places like Hunter Peak and Clearwater Campground calls for lighter tackle and some knowledge of reading current seams. The Snake River South Park stretch near Jackson is a fly fishing spot where a 9-foot 5-weight rod with dry flies and nymphs is the standard approach for cutthroat and brown trout.
Are these fishing spots suitable for beginners, or do some require more experience?
Lake fishing spots like Fuller Reservoir near Shoshoni, Bear Claw Love Number 1 Reservoir near Dayton, and Rainbow Lake near Cora are generally accessible and forgiving for newer anglers. River fishing, especially on faster water near Cody or along the Coney Creek drainage near Sheridan, benefits from some experience reading water and managing a drift. The Snake River South Park fly fishing stretch is rated moderate difficulty, meaning it's manageable for intermediate anglers but not the place to learn fly casting from scratch.
How do I know if a road or trailhead is open when I plan to go?
Road and trailhead access in Wyoming is heavily dependent on elevation and seasonal snowpack, and conditions can lag behind calendar dates by weeks in a high snow year. Check with the relevant ranger district before your trip: the Douglas Ranger District covers access near Douglas, and Shoshone National Forest manages many of the Cody-area sites. Wyoming 511 and the Wyoming Game and Fish access viewer are also practical tools for checking road conditions closer to your departure date.
