Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Casper, Wyoming
Casper sits in the middle of Wyoming with a surprisingly varied fishing scene around it. The North Platte River runs right through the area, and spots like Bessemer Bend, The Redds Day Use Area, and Whitetail Day Use Area give anglers direct river access without a long drive.
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View on mapFishing · 17 spots
Casper sits in the middle of Wyoming with a surprisingly varied fishing scene around it. The North Platte River runs right through the area, and spots like Bessemer Bend, The Redds Day Use Area, and Whitetail Day Use Area give anglers direct river access without a long drive. If still water is more your speed, the region has a solid spread of reservoirs and lakes including Haygood, Adams, Schnoor, Soda Lake, Ninemile Lake, Sage Creek Reservoir, and several others within reasonable range of town. Most of the lake fishing here targets warmwater species like bass, walleye, and yellow perch, though conditions vary by water body. The North Platte river sections near Casper hold trout, and the day-use areas along it are set up specifically for fishing access. Campground-adjacent waters like Pete's Draw, Golden Currant, and Chalk Bluffs let you fish early and late without burning time commuting. With 17 active fishing spots in the Casper area, you have enough options to adjust based on season, water conditions, or simply which direction you feel like driving. This page covers what you need to know before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What types of fishing are available near Casper?
You have two main options: river fishing on the North Platte at spots like Bessemer Bend, Whitetail Day Use Area, and The Redds Day Use Area, or lake and reservoir fishing at waters like Soda Lake, Adams Reservoir, Ninemile Lake, and a dozen others in the area. The river sections near Casper are known for trout, while the reservoirs generally support warmwater species. Bolton Creek also offers a smaller stream option if you prefer wade fishing away from the main river.
When is the best time of year to fish near Casper?
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window for most of these waters. Ice-off on the reservoirs typically happens in March or April depending on the winter, and fishing picks up quickly after that. Summer mornings and evenings are the most reliable times of day on both the river and the lakes, since midday heat in Wyoming can push fish deeper and slow surface activity considerably.
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license, and where do I get one?
Yes, a valid Wyoming fishing license is required at all of these locations. You can purchase one online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at local sporting goods stores in Casper. Non-resident licenses are available in one-day, five-day, and annual formats, so it's worth matching the license to how long you plan to fish.
Are these fishing spots accessible for beginners or families with kids?
Several of them are well-suited for beginners. The day-use areas like Whitetail and The Redds have designated access points that don't require hiking or technical wading. Reservoir spots like Adams, McDonald, and Wagner and Bayer Reservoir tend to be calmer water with easier bank fishing. If you're camping with kids, Pete's Draw, Golden Currant, and Chalk Bluffs campgrounds put you right next to fishable water with minimal setup.
What gear should I bring for fishing around Casper?
For the North Platte river sections, a medium-light spinning rod or a 4-6 weight fly rod covers most situations. On the reservoirs, a medium-action spinning setup with a selection of jigs, spinners, and soft plastics handles the warmwater species you're likely to encounter. Wyoming wind is a real factor, especially on open reservoir banks, so heavier lures that cast well in a breeze are worth having. Polarized sunglasses are genuinely useful for reading water at spots like Bessemer Bend.
