Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Buffalo, Wyoming
Buffalo, Wyoming sits at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, and the fishing options within a reasonable drive cover a lot of ground — literally.
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Buffalo, Wyoming sits at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, and the fishing options within a reasonable drive cover a lot of ground — literally. The area mixes high-country lake fishing with moving-water opportunities, giving anglers a choice between packing into places like Seven Brothers Lakes, Glacier Lake, and Sawtooth Lakes or staying closer to the valley floor for river fishing along the Buffalo corridor, Mosier Gulch, and Poison Creek Trail. Reservoirs like Patch, Tass, Dwight, and Smith Reservoir Number 1 offer drive-up or short-walk access that suits families and anglers who don't want to commit to a full backcountry day. Old Crow Lake and South Piney Lakes round out the lake options with a bit more solitude. The Bighorn National Forest manages most of the land surrounding these waters, so a Wyoming fishing license is your baseline requirement, and some trailheads have limited parking that fills early on summer weekends. Elevation swings matter here — the high lakes can stay iced over into June in a heavy snow year, while the lower reservoirs and river stretches are typically fishable from late spring through fall. If you're planning a multi-day trip, cabins like Pole Creek Cabin and Muddy Guard Cabin put you close to the water without a long daily drive.
Frequently asked questions
When do the high-country lakes near Buffalo, Wyoming open up for fishing?
It varies by year and elevation, but lakes like Seven Brothers Lakes, Glacier Lake, and Sawtooth Lakes are often still partially iced over in late May and can remain that way into mid-June after a heavy winter. A safe window to plan around is late June through early September. Check current conditions with the Bighorn National Forest office in Buffalo before heading up.
Do I need a special permit to fish the reservoirs and lakes around Buffalo?
A valid Wyoming fishing license covers most of the waters listed here, including Patch Reservoir, Tass Reservoir, Dwight Reservoir, and Smith Reservoir Number 1. Some waters on private land or tribal land require additional permits, so confirm the land status for any specific spot before you go. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department website is the most reliable place to check current regulations.
What's the best time of day to fish the river stretches near Buffalo?
For river fishing along the Buffalo corridor, Mosier Gulch, and Poison Creek Trail, early morning and the last two hours before dark are consistently the most productive windows, especially in summer when midday water temperatures rise. On overcast days, fish tend to stay active longer through the afternoon.
Are there fishing spots near Buffalo that are accessible without a long hike?
Yes. Patch Reservoir, Tass Reservoir, Dwight Reservoir, and Smith Reservoir Number 1 are all relatively accessible compared to the backcountry lake options. Hunter Campground also offers lake fishing without a serious approach. If you want to stay overnight close to the water without camping gear, Pole Creek Cabin and Muddy Guard Cabin are worth looking into for availability.
What gear should I bring for fishing the Bighorn Mountain lakes above Buffalo?
A light to medium spinning setup handles most situations at lakes like Old Crow Lake, South Piney Lakes, and Seven Brothers Lakes. Small spinners, spoons, and flies all produce in high-country lakes. Pack layers regardless of the forecast — temperatures at elevation drop fast in the afternoon, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Bring more water than you think you need if you're hiking in.
