Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Centennial, Wyoming
Centennial, Wyoming sits at the foot of the Snowy Range in Albany County, and the fishing around town is almost entirely lake-based — a cluster of high-elevation stillwaters tucked into the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
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Centennial, Wyoming sits at the foot of the Snowy Range in Albany County, and the fishing around town is almost entirely lake-based — a cluster of high-elevation stillwaters tucked into the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The six lakes listed here, including Lewis Lake, North Twin Lakes, Mirror Lake, Klondike Lake, Telephone Lakes, and Lake 409, are all lake-fishing destinations rather than river or stream spots, so if you're coming specifically for wade fishing a moving current, you'll want to look elsewhere. What you will find is relatively uncrowded alpine lake fishing, typically for cold-water species that thrive at elevation, with most sites accessible by short drives or walks from the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Highway 130). The tradeoff for the scenery and solitude is a short season — these lakes sit high enough that ice-out can run late into spring and early snowfall can cut the fall window short. Plan your trip between late June and mid-September for the most reliable open-water conditions. Midweek visits are noticeably quieter than weekends, when the byway draws day-trippers from Laramie, about 30 miles east.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I expect to catch at these lakes?
The supplied listing data doesn't specify species by lake, so we won't guess. Wyoming Game and Fish manages stocking for many high-country lakes in this area, and their online Fishing Planner tool lets you search by water body name to see current stocking records and species present. Check that before you pack your tackle.
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license?
Yes. Any angler 14 or older needs a valid Wyoming fishing license to fish these waters. Licenses are available online through Wyoming Game and Fish or at sporting goods retailers in Laramie. Day licenses are an option if you're only making a short trip.
What gear setup makes sense for high-elevation lake fishing here?
A light to medium spinning rod in the 5-to-7-foot range handles most stillwater situations well. Small spinners, PowerBait, and natural bait rigs are common choices for stocked lake fishing. If you're fly fishing, a 9-foot 4- or 5-weight with an intermediate or floating line covers most scenarios. Bring layers regardless of the forecast — weather at elevation changes fast.
What's the best time of day to fish these lakes?
Early morning and the two hours before sunset are generally the most productive windows for lake fishing, when surface temperatures are cooler and fish feed more actively near the shallows. Midday fishing in midsummer can slow down as the sun gets high, though deeper sections of larger lakes like Lewis Lake may still hold fish.
How do I access Mirror Lake Picnic and Fishing Site versus the other lakes?
Mirror Lake has a designated picnic and fishing site, suggesting easier vehicle access and some developed amenities compared to a lake like Lake 409, which has no such designation in the listing data. For the more remote lakes, confirm road conditions before you go — some Forest Service roads in this area require high-clearance vehicles, especially early in the season.
