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Wyoming · Fishing
Douglas, Wyoming sits in the middle of Converse County where the North Platte River corridor and the surrounding high plains give way to a patchwork of reservoirs and small lakes managed under the Douglas Ranger District.
10 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 10 spots
Douglas, Wyoming sits in the middle of Converse County where the North Platte River corridor and the surrounding high plains give way to a patchwork of reservoirs and small lakes managed under the Douglas Ranger District. Most of the fishing here is lake and reservoir fishing — Dull Reservoir, Buck Reservoir, Saddleback Reservoir, Poison Lake, East Side Reservoir Number 2, West Side Reservoir Number 1, and Douglas Fishing Lake Number 1 are the main options within reach of town. These are working-class waters: not trophy destinations, but solid spots for a half-day outing without a long drive. La Prele Guard Station adds a river fishing option for anglers who want moving water. Access varies by site — some reservoirs sit on state or federal land managed through the Ranger District, while others may cross private parcels, so confirming current access before you go is worth the five-minute phone call. Expect typical high-plains conditions: wind picks up by midday most of the year, water levels fluctuate with drought cycles, and early mornings are almost always your best window. This is a good area for anglers who want to explore without crowds rather than chase a specific record fish.
Nearly all of the fishing near Douglas is lake and reservoir fishing, with spots like Dull Reservoir, Buck Reservoir, Saddleback Reservoir, Poison Lake, and Douglas Fishing Lake Number 1 being the primary options. La Prele Guard Station is the main river fishing location in the area if you prefer moving water over still water.
Yes, a valid Wyoming fishing license is required at all of these locations. Licenses are available through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department online or at local sporting goods retailers in Douglas. Check the current regulations booklet for any site-specific rules, since waters managed under the Douglas Ranger District may have additional restrictions.
La Prele Guard Station
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
East Side Reservoir Number 2
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Laramie Peak Area
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Douglas Fishing Lake Number 1
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Douglas Ranger District
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
West Side Reservoir Number 1
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Poison Lake
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Buck Reservoir
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Buck Reservoir
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Saddleback Reservoir
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Muddy Reservoir Number 1
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Glendo Reservoir
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window. Wind on the high plains typically builds through the morning and can make casting difficult and fish less active by early afternoon. If you can only go midday, focus on sheltered coves or deeper sections of the reservoir where fish tend to hold during bright, windy conditions.
Douglas Fishing Lake Number 1 is a reasonable starting point for beginners and families since it is close to town and designed for accessible fishing. The reservoirs managed under the Ranger District are generally low-pressure waters without technical access challenges, though some sites require a short drive on unpaved roads, so check conditions before heading out with younger kids.
A medium-light spinning setup covers most situations on these smaller lakes and reservoirs. Bring a selection of small jigs, spinners, and PowerBait-style baits since these are typical high-plains stillwater fisheries. Wind is a constant factor, so heavier line than you might normally use helps maintain control on breezy days, and polarized sunglasses are worth having to spot structure in shallower reservoirs.
