Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Laramie, Wyoming
Fishing around Laramie leans heavily on still water. The lakes and reservoirs scattered across Albany County and the surrounding Laramie Ranger District are the main draw here, and there are more of them within a short drive than most visitors expect.
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Fishing around Laramie leans heavily on still water. The lakes and reservoirs scattered across Albany County and the surrounding Laramie Ranger District are the main draw here, and there are more of them within a short drive than most visitors expect. Lake Hattie is the largest and most well-known option, a shallow prairie reservoir west of town that holds walleye, yellow perch, and trout depending on the season and recent stocking. Smaller waters like Porter Lake, James Lake, Little Gelatt Lake, and Lori Lake offer a quieter experience and are worth checking if Hattie is crowded or blown out by wind. Bamforth Lake and Pilger Lake sit in a wildlife refuge area, so access and regulations there differ from the standard Wyoming fishing license setup. Twin Buttes Reservoir and Cavender Reservoir round out the options for anglers willing to explore a bit. Elevation on the Laramie plains runs around 7,200 feet, which keeps summers cool and means ice-out can run later than you might expect in spring. Most of these waters are drive-up or short-walk accessible, making this a reasonable destination for families and casual anglers as well as anyone putting in a serious day on the water.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I realistically expect to catch at Lake Hattie and the other reservoirs near Laramie?
Lake Hattie is known primarily for walleye and yellow perch, with trout present depending on stocking cycles. The smaller lakes in the area, including those managed through the Laramie Ranger District, tend to hold trout. Check the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's current stocking reports before your trip since conditions and species availability shift year to year.
Are there any special regulations I need to know about before fishing Bamforth Lake or Pilger Lake?
Both Bamforth Lake and Pilger Lake are located within a national wildlife refuge, which means access is managed differently than a standard Wyoming state water. You will likely need to comply with refuge-specific rules on top of your Wyoming fishing license. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for current access and fishing regulations before heading out there.
What time of year is best for fishing around Laramie?
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window. Ice-out on the higher-elevation lakes can stretch into April or even May, so early-season anglers should verify conditions before making the drive. Summer mornings and evenings are your best bets on the open prairie reservoirs like Lake Hattie, where midday wind and bright sun push fish deeper or into structure.
What gear setup makes sense for lake fishing in this area?
For walleye at Lake Hattie, a medium spinning or baitcasting rod with jigs, crawler harnesses, or shallow-running crankbaits covers most situations. For the trout-focused smaller lakes like Porter, James, or Little Gelatt, a light spinning setup with PowerBait, small spinners, or flies works well. Wind is a constant factor on the open reservoirs, so bring heavier jig heads than you think you need.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish these waters from shore?
Most of the lakes and reservoirs in the Laramie area are accessible from shore and fishable without a boat. Lake Hattie has a boat ramp and is large enough that a kayak or small motorized boat opens up more water, but shore anglers do fine especially in spring when fish are shallower. The smaller district lakes like Lori Lake and James Lake are well-suited to walk-up bank fishing.
