Fishing in Gillette, Wyoming

Gillette sits in the middle of Campbell County's high plains, and while it's not the first place most anglers think of when planning a Wyoming fishing trip, the area has a handful of accessible stillwater options worth knowing about. Gillette Fishing Lake, Little Thunder Reservoir, and Smith Reservoir are the three main spots in and around town, all of them lake fishing rather than moving water. That means you're targeting warm-water and cold-water species depending on the reservoir and the time of year, and the fishing tends to be most productive during the shoulder seasons when water temperatures are in a comfortable range for fish to feed actively. These are not remote backcountry lakes — access is generally straightforward, which makes them a reasonable option for families, beginners, or anyone passing through the Powder River Basin who wants to wet a line without a long drive. Expect open, wind-exposed water typical of northeastern Wyoming, so early mornings before the afternoon gusts pick up are usually your best window. Wyoming Game and Fish manages stocking in the region, so checking their current reports before you go will tell you what's been put in recently and what's likely biting.