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Wyoming · Fishing
Cheyenne sits at the edge of the high plains, and while it's not the first Wyoming city that comes to mind for fishing, it has a handful of accessible stillwater options that hold fish and don't require a long drive into the mountains.
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Cheyenne sits at the edge of the high plains, and while it's not the first Wyoming city that comes to mind for fishing, it has a handful of accessible stillwater options that hold fish and don't require a long drive into the mountains. The fishing around Cheyenne is reservoir and lake-based — Lake Absarraca, Lake Terry, Swan Reservoir, Hirsig Number 2 Reservoir, and Pole Creek Reservoir are the waters you're working with here. These are community and state-managed impoundments, which means they're stocked on a schedule and tend to fish best in spring and early fall when water temperatures are comfortable and fish are actively feeding near the surface. Expect warm-water and mixed-bag fishing rather than technical trout water — this is a good setup for anglers who want a low-barrier outing, families getting kids into fishing, or visitors who have a few hours between other plans. Access is generally straightforward at most of these spots, though conditions and facilities vary. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older. If you're after more specialized trout fishing, the Laramie Mountains to the west are worth the extra drive, but for a quick, productive session close to Cheyenne, these reservoirs are a practical and underrated option.
The lakes and reservoirs around Cheyenne are stocked impoundments, so you're most likely to encounter species like rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish depending on the specific water. Lake Absarraca and Lake Terry are among the more popular options and tend to hold a mix of warm-water species. Check the Wyoming Game and Fish Department stocking reports before your trip to see what's been put in recently and where.
Spring (April through early June) and early fall (September through October) are the most productive windows. Summer heat pushes fish deeper and slows surface activity, especially in smaller reservoirs like these. Winter ice fishing is possible on some of these waters, but ice thickness and safety vary year to year, so check conditions locally before heading out.
Lake Terry
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Cache la Poudre River - Poudre Canyon
~1h 25m drive
Moderate
Lake Absarraca
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Pole Creek Reservoir
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Swan Reservoir
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Upper North Crow Reservoir
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Hirsig Number 2 Reservoir
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Twin Mountains Lake
~43 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Indian Creek Reservoir
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bell Reservoir
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Bastian Reservoir Number 1
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Boxelder Reservoir Number Two
~59 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning and the two hours before sunset are consistently the most active periods, particularly in warmer months when midday sun heats the shallows. In spring and fall, midday fishing can be just as productive since water temperatures stay in a comfortable range throughout the day.
Yes, a valid 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, at a local sporting goods store, or at a licensed vendor in Cheyenne. Day licenses are available if you're only in town briefly.
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations at these waters. For stocked trout, small spinners, PowerBait, and worms are reliable producers. For bass and panfish, a basic selection of soft plastics, small jigs, and live bait rigs will handle most conditions. Bring a net, a cooler if you plan to keep fish, and sun protection — these are open, exposed waters with little shade.
