Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Encampment, Wyoming
Encampment sits at the edge of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest in south-central Wyoming, and the fishing around it leans heavily on two things: high-country lakes and freestone streams fed by snowmelt. The listings here split pretty cleanly between lake fishing and river fishing.
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Encampment sits at the edge of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest in south-central Wyoming, and the fishing around it leans heavily on two things: high-country lakes and freestone streams fed by snowmelt. The listings here split pretty cleanly between lake fishing and river fishing. On the lake side you have spots like Hog Park Reservoir, West Lake Marie, Dipper Lake, Missouri Lakes, and Cotton Reservoir — a range of sizes and elevations that means conditions vary meaningfully from one to the next. River fishing is concentrated along creek corridors, with Bennett Creek accessible from both Bennett Creek Campground and Bennett Peak Campground, and additional river access at Bottle Creek Group Picnic Site and Corral Creek Campground. Most of these waters sit inside or adjacent to national forest land, so dispersed access is generally good, but road conditions to the higher lakes can stay rough well into June depending on the winter. The area doesn't draw the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you'd find on more famous Wyoming fisheries, which is part of the appeal. If you're willing to do a little homework on which roads are open and what each water body is holding, you can put together a productive multi-day trip without fighting for a spot.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to fish around Encampment?
Late June through September is the most reliable window. Snowmelt keeps water levels high and sometimes off-color through May and into early June, particularly on the creek systems like Bennett Creek. By mid-July most of the high-country lakes, including the more remote ones accessed from Silver Lake Trailhead, are fully accessible and fishing well. Fall — late August through mid-September — tends to bring cooler temperatures, lower pressure, and active fish before the season closes.
What's the difference between fishing the lakes versus the creeks here?
The lake options — Hog Park Reservoir, West Lake Marie, Cotton Reservoir, Missouri Lakes, Dipper Lake — generally allow for shore fishing or small watercraft and tend to fish more consistently through the middle of the day. The river access points at Bennett Creek Campground, Bennett Peak Campground, Bottle Creek, and Corral Creek put you on moving water where early morning and evening are noticeably more productive. Creek fishing here also requires more wading and maneuvering through riparian brush, so it rewards anglers who are comfortable reading moving water.
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license, and are there any special regulations I should know about?
Yes, a valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older. Beyond the statewide license, some waters in Wyoming carry special regulations — slot limits, gear restrictions, or catch-and-release requirements — that can differ from general rules. Check the current Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulation booklet for the specific water bodies you plan to fish before you go, since regulations can change year to year.
What gear setup makes sense for this area?
For the creek fishing at places like Bennett Creek and Corral Creek, a 4- to 5-weight fly rod in the 8- to 9-foot range handles most situations well. Dry flies and small nymphs are standard. For the lakes, spinning gear with small spinners, spoons, or PowerBait works fine from shore, and a float tube or packraft opens up a lot more water on the larger reservoirs like Hog Park. Bring waders if you plan to fish the streams — the water runs cold even in summer.
How difficult is access to the more remote spots like Dipper Lake or Missouri Lakes?
Several of the higher-elevation lake destinations require either a high-clearance vehicle on unpaved forest roads or a hike in from a trailhead like Silver Lake Trailhead. Road conditions depend heavily on the previous winter's snowpack and how quickly the Forest Service has graded the roads in spring. Before heading out, call the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest's Brush Creek-Hayden Ranger District or check their website for current road status — especially if you're planning a trip before July 4th.
