Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Kaycee, Wyoming
Fishing around Kaycee, Wyoming means reservoir fishing, full stop. The four lakes within reach of town — Lyle Reservoir, Fisher Reservoir, Iberlin Reservoir, and Big Pike Reservoir — are all high-desert impoundments sitting in Johnson
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Fishing around Kaycee, Wyoming means reservoir fishing, full stop. The four lakes within reach of town — Lyle Reservoir, Fisher Reservoir, Iberlin Reservoir, and Big Pike Reservoir — are all high-desert impoundments sitting in Johnson County's dry, open terrain, a long way from the crowded trout streams that draw most out-of-state anglers to Wyoming. That remoteness is the point. You're unlikely to share a bank with more than a handful of other anglers, and the access roads, while rough in spots, are generally manageable for a truck or SUV with decent clearance. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so set expectations accordingly — this is practical, quiet fishing in a working-ranch landscape, not a destination fly-fishing trip. Warm-water species are the more likely target in these kinds of high-plains reservoirs, though conditions and stocking can shift year to year. If you're driving up from Casper or down from Buffalo, it's worth calling the Wyoming Game and Fish Cody or Casper regional office before you go to confirm current stocking status and road conditions, especially early in spring or after a wet spell.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at these reservoirs?
The four reservoirs near Kaycee — Lyle, Fisher, Iberlin, and Big Pike — are high-plains lakes typical of Johnson County, where warm-water species like yellow perch, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout (when stocked) are the most common catches. None of these waters are designated gold-medal or wild-trout fisheries, so trout fishing here depends heavily on Wyoming Game and Fish stocking schedules rather than natural reproduction. Check with the Wyoming Game and Fish Casper regional office for the most current stocking information before your trip.
When is the best time of year to fish these lakes?
Late spring through early summer — roughly May through June — is generally the most productive window, when water temperatures are rising and fish are actively feeding after ice-out. Early fall, September into October, is a close second as fish feed up before winter. Midsummer can be slow during the heat of the day on these exposed, shallow reservoirs, so early morning or evening sessions will outperform midday fishing by a wide margin.
What gear should I bring?
A medium-action spinning setup covers most situations across all four reservoirs — useful for casting jigs, small spoons, or live bait from the bank or a small watercraft. There are no developed boat ramps at most of these lakes, so if you're bringing a boat, a lightweight craft you can hand-launch (a canoe, kayak, or small jon boat) is far more practical than a trailered bass boat. Pack waders if you want to wade the shallows, and bring sun protection — there is essentially no shade on these high-desert banks.
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license, and are there any local regulations I should know?
Yes, a valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older. Licenses are available online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or at sporting goods retailers in Casper or Buffalo, as Kaycee itself has limited retail options. Specific slot limits, bag limits, or gear restrictions can vary by water body and year, so review the current Wyoming Game and Fish regulations booklet for Johnson County waters before you go rather than relying on general rules.
How do I get to these reservoirs, and is the access road suitable for a regular car?
All four reservoirs are reached via county and BLM roads off the main highways near Kaycee, and road quality varies significantly with weather. A truck or SUV with decent ground clearance is the safe choice, particularly for Iberlin and Big Pike reservoirs, which sit farther off paved roads. After rain, these clay-heavy roads can become impassable even for four-wheel-drive vehicles, so check conditions locally before heading out — the Johnson County road department or a quick call to a Kaycee business can save you a wasted trip.
