Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Fort Washakie, Wyoming
Fort Washakie sits in the heart of the Wind River Indian Reservation in west-central Wyoming, and the fishing around it is almost entirely lake-based — which makes sense given the terrain.
11 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 11 spots
Fort Washakie sits in the heart of the Wind River Indian Reservation in west-central Wyoming, and the fishing around it is almost entirely lake-based — which makes sense given the terrain. The listings here cover eleven lake fishing spots, ranging from the more accessible Washakie Reservoir to higher and more remote waters like Ice Lakes and Lost Lake. Most of these are stillwater fisheries, so you're looking at shore fishing or small watercraft rather than wading a current. Darren Lake, Roberts Lake, Heebeecheeche Lake, Deadman Lake, Long Lake, Sonnicant Lake, Lake Kagevah, and the others on this list sit within or near the reservation, which means fishing access is tied to Wind River Reservation fishing permits rather than a standard Wyoming state license. That's a critical detail to sort out before you go. The area sits at elevation, so ice-out timing matters — some of these lakes won't be fishable until late May or even June depending on the winter. If you're driving in from outside the region, plan for variable road conditions in spring and limited services in Fort Washakie itself. This is not a destination with a fly shop on every corner, so come prepared.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license to fish these lakes near Fort Washakie?
Most of the lakes listed here fall within or adjacent to the Wind River Indian Reservation, which means you need a tribal fishing permit issued by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, not a standard Wyoming Game and Fish license. The two are not interchangeable. Check with the Wind River Reservation tribal offices before your trip to get the correct permit and confirm which waters it covers.
What species can I expect to catch at these lakes?
The supplied listing data covers lake fishing across all eleven spots but does not specify species by water body. Coldwater lakes at this elevation in Wyoming typically hold trout, but we're not going to guess at which specific species are in which lake. Contact the tribal fisheries office or Wyoming Game and Fish for current stocking information on waters like Washakie Reservoir, Long Lake, or Sonnicant Lake before you plan around a specific target species.
When is the best time of year to fish these lakes?
Fort Washakie sits at roughly 5,400 feet and the surrounding lakes climb higher from there, so ice-out is the main seasonal gate. Lower-elevation waters like Washakie Reservoir typically open up in late April to early May, while higher spots like Ice Lakes may not be accessible or fishable until late May or June. Fall fishing in September and early October can be productive before temperatures drop and access roads become unreliable.
What time of day is most productive for lake fishing here?
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most active windows for stillwater fishing at elevation. Midday in summer can slow things down significantly as the sun gets high and fish move deeper. On overcast days that window extends, and those conditions are worth fishing hard.
What gear should I bring for fishing these lakes?
A medium-light spinning setup covers most situations across these stillwater fisheries. If you're fishing from shore, a longer rod in the 7- to 8-foot range helps with casting distance. A small inflatable or packraft is worth considering for lakes where shore access is limited or brushy. Bring more terminal tackle than you think you need — there are no fishing supply stores in Fort Washakie, and the nearest full-service outdoor retailer is a significant drive away.
