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Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing around Banner, Wyoming centers on a cluster of lakes and reservoirs tucked into the Bighorn foothills, and the variety is more interesting than the short list might suggest.
8 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 8 spots
Fishing around Banner, Wyoming centers on a cluster of lakes and reservoirs tucked into the Bighorn foothills, and the variety is more interesting than the short list might suggest. Hope Lake, Cross Creek Lakes, Geddes Lake, and Willits Reservoir each fish differently depending on the season and water levels, while Cross Creek Reservoir and Kaufman Reservoir tend to see less pressure and reward anglers willing to put in a little extra legwork to reach them. Most of the water here is stillwater fishing — lake and reservoir setups — so your approach will lean toward shore casting or small watercraft rather than wading a current. Summer mornings and evenings are the most productive windows before afternoon winds pick up across the open water. Access varies by site: some spots have rough two-track approaches that require a high-clearance vehicle, particularly later in the season when roads soften. Wyoming fishing licenses are required for anyone 14 and older, and regulations can differ by water body, so checking the current Wyoming Game and Fish rules before you go is worth the five minutes it takes.
All eight listed fishing spots are lakes or reservoirs, so this is stillwater fishing territory. Expect to fish from the bank or a small inflatable or kayak rather than wading a stream. Cross Creek Lakes and Hope Lake are the most frequently visited, while Kaufman Reservoir and Cross Creek Reservoir tend to be quieter.
Late spring through early fall is the primary season once ice-off is complete, typically by late May at most elevations in this area. Early summer and early fall tend to produce the most consistent action. Midsummer fishing is best in the first two hours after sunrise and the last hour before dark, when surface temperatures cool and fish move shallower.
Hunter Campground
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Mosier Gulch
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Tongue River Reservoir
~42 min drive
Easy
Pole Creek Cabin
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Muddy Guard Cabin
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Cross Creek Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Poison Creek Trail
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Willits Reservoir
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Coney Creek Trailhead
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Cross Creek Lakes
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Buffalo, WY
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Park Reservoir
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Yes, a Wyoming fishing license is required for anyone 14 years of age or older. You can purchase one online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at local sporting goods retailers. Buy it before you head out — there are no license vendors in Banner itself.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most stillwater situations well. Bring a mix of small spinners, PowerBait or similar dough baits for stocked fish, and a few small jigs. A small personal flotation device is worth packing if you plan to use a kayak or float tube, and wind can come up quickly on open water so a jacket is smart even in summer.
Access to the more remote reservoirs in this area can involve unpaved forest roads that are passable in dry conditions but can become rough or muddy after rain or early in the season. A high-clearance vehicle is advisable for Kaufman Reservoir and Cross Creek Reservoir. Check road conditions with the Bighorn National Forest before making the drive, especially in May or after significant rainfall.
