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Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing around Hiland, Wyoming is a quiet, no-frills affair centered on three stillwater lakes in the high desert of Natrona County.
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Fishing around Hiland, Wyoming is a quiet, no-frills affair centered on three stillwater lakes in the high desert of Natrona County. Cow Camp Reservoir, Hiland Reservoir, and Christine Lake are all lake fishing destinations, meaning you're working the banks or a small boat rather than wading a river. This part of central Wyoming sees far less pressure than the more famous trout waters to the west, which is either a selling point or a warning depending on what you're after. The trade-off is that these reservoirs can be inconsistent — water levels fluctuate with drought cycles, and fish populations follow. That said, anglers who time their visits around stable water conditions in late spring and early fall tend to find the most productive outings. Access roads in this area are unpaved and can turn rough after rain, so a high-clearance vehicle is worth having. Cell service is sparse. Come prepared with everything you need for the day, including a current Wyoming fishing license, because the nearest town with services is a real drive from any of these waters.
The available listing data identifies all three as lake fishing sites but does not specify stocked or target species for each water body. Contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Casper regional office before your trip — they can tell you current stocking status and what's actually biting, which matters a lot for smaller reservoirs like these.
Yes, a valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older. You can purchase one online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at sporting goods retailers in Casper, which is your most practical option before heading out to the Hiland area. Don't count on buying one locally.
Buffalo Creek Campground
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Golden Currant Campground
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
North Platte River - Grey Reef
~1h 11m drive
Moderate
Pathfinder Reservoir
~1h 13m drive
Easy
Grave Springs Campground
~60 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Chalk Bluffs Campground
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
The Redds Day Use Area
~1h 13m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Pete's Draw Campground
~1h 13m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Bessemer Bend
~1h 14m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Miles Landing
~1h 14m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Whitetail Day Use Area
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Cottonwood Campground
~1h 17m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Also worth it near here
A medium-light spinning rod with 6 to 10 lb monofilament covers most stillwater situations. Bring a mix of small jigs, PowerBait-style dough baits, and spinners since you won't know until you're there what the fish are keying on. A small kayak or float tube opens up water you can't reach from the bank, but is not required.
Early morning and the two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on stillwater lakes, when surface temperatures drop and fish move shallower to feed. Midday in summer can be slow, especially if water levels are low and the sun is high.
The roads serving Cow Camp Reservoir, Hiland Reservoir, and Christine Lake are unpaved and can become muddy or rutted after precipitation. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. Check conditions with the Bureau of Land Management's Casper field office if you're visiting after recent rain, and plan to be self-sufficient for the day since services are not available nearby.
