Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Lander, Wyoming
Lander sits at the edge of the Wind River Range, which means fishing options here range from roadside access on the Popo Agie River in Sinks Canyon to backcountry lakes that take real effort to reach.
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Lander sits at the edge of the Wind River Range, which means fishing options here range from roadside access on the Popo Agie River in Sinks Canyon to backcountry lakes that take real effort to reach. The Popo Agie through Sinks Canyon is the most accessible water in the area, a moderate fly fishing stretch at 5,800 feet where brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout all share the same river. For lake fishing, the options spread out considerably: Worthen Meadow Campground and Ray Reservoir are reasonable drives from town, while Cathedral Lake, Gray Lake, Upper Deep Creek Lake, and Shoshone Lake push you deeper into the mountains and reward the extra miles with less pressure. Most of the lake fishing is straightforward — a spinning rod with small lures or bait works fine — but the Popo Agie rewards anglers who can read moving water and present a fly with some care. Wyoming fishing licenses are required for anyone 14 and older, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department sets the specific regulations for each water body, so check current rules before you go. Summer through early fall is the main window before high-elevation lakes become inaccessible.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch near Lander?
The Popo Agie River in Sinks Canyon holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. The lakes in the area are not individually stocked-species-listed in available data, but high-elevation Wind River Range lakes typically support trout — check Wyoming Game and Fish for current stocking reports on specific waters like Worthen Meadow, Ray Reservoir, or the backcountry lakes before your trip.
Do I need a guide, or can I fish the Popo Agie on my own?
The Popo Agie through Sinks Canyon is rated moderate difficulty, so it's manageable for an intermediate angler fishing independently. If you're new to fly fishing moving water or unfamiliar with reading pocket water and riffles, a local guide will save you a lot of frustration on your first visit. The canyon is a popular area, so parking and access are straightforward.
When is the best time of year to fish around Lander?
The Popo Agie River fishes well from late spring through fall once runoff settles, typically by late June. The high-elevation lakes — Cathedral Lake, Gray Lake, Upper Deep Creek Lake — are often inaccessible until July and can close back down with early snow in September or October. Ray Reservoir and Worthen Meadow Campground are at lower elevations and have a longer accessible season.
What time of day is best for fishing the Popo Agie River?
Early morning and evening are the most productive windows on the Popo Agie, especially in summer when midday sun warms the water and pushes fish into shaded lies. Hatch activity tends to pick up in late afternoon. Midday fishing in Sinks Canyon can still produce, but you'll work harder for it.
What gear should I bring for the lake fishing options near Lander?
A medium-light spinning rod with 4-6 lb line covers most of the lake fishing here — small spinners, spoons, and PowerBait all work on mountain trout lakes. If you're heading to the more remote lakes like Upper Deep Creek or Cathedral Lake, pack light since the approach will involve hiking. A Wyoming fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older and can be purchased online through Wyoming Game and Fish before you leave home.
