Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Hyattville, Wyoming
Hyattsville sits at the edge of the Bighorn Mountains, and the fishing around here is almost entirely lake-based — which shapes how you plan a trip.
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Hyattsville sits at the edge of the Bighorn Mountains, and the fishing around here is almost entirely lake-based — which shapes how you plan a trip. The waters in the Cloud Peak Wilderness and the surrounding Bighorn National Forest are the draw: alpine lakes like Mistymoon, Lake Helen, Lake Eunice, and Lake Elsa sit at elevation and require a hike to reach, while spots like Renner Reservoir and Medicine Lodge Lake Campground are more accessible by vehicle or short trail. Most of the high lakes hold brook trout and cutthroat, with some rainbow mixed in depending on stocking history. The trailhead at Edelman is a common jumping-off point for anglers heading deeper into the backcountry, and Sheepherder Lake and Gunboat Lake reward the extra miles with less pressure. Season matters a lot here — the high country doesn't fully open until late June or even July in a heavy snow year, and the window closes fast by October. If you're coming from lower elevation, build in a day to adjust before you plan a long hike-in day of fishing. A Wyoming fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older, and wilderness regulations apply to the lakes inside Cloud Peak.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to fish the lakes around Hyattville?
Mid-July through mid-September is the most reliable window for the high alpine lakes like Mistymoon, Lake Helen, and Lake Eunice. Snow can linger at elevation well into June, and some trails stay muddy or partially blocked until early July. Lower-elevation spots like Renner Reservoir and Medicine Lodge Lake Campground are fishable earlier, sometimes by late May or early June.
Do I need to hike to reach these fishing spots, or can I drive in?
It depends on which lake you're targeting. Renner Reservoir and Medicine Lodge Lake Campground are vehicle-accessible and good options if you're not up for a long trail. The wilderness lakes — Mistymoon, Lake Helen, Lake Eunice, Sheepherder, and Gunboat — require hiking, with distances ranging from a few miles to a full day's effort. Edelman Trailhead is one of the main access points for the backcountry lakes.
What gear should I bring for lake fishing in this area?
A light to medium spinning setup works well for most of these lakes. Small spinners, spoons, and fly-and-bubble rigs are consistent producers for brook trout and cutthroat. If you fly fish, a 4- or 5-weight rod with dry flies and small nymphs covers most situations. Pack layers regardless of the forecast — afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Bighorns through summer, and temperatures at elevation drop fast.
What species can I expect to catch?
Brook trout and cutthroat trout are the most common species in the alpine lakes around Hyattville. Rainbow trout also show up in some waters depending on stocking. The activity listings here are all lake fishing, so expect still-water conditions rather than stream fishing.
Do I need a special permit to fish the wilderness lakes?
A standard Wyoming fishing license covers you for most waters in this area, including the Cloud Peak Wilderness lakes. Anyone 14 or older needs a valid Wyoming license. The wilderness designation does come with rules around camping and group size, so check current Bighorn National Forest regulations before your trip, especially if you plan to camp near the water.
