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Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing around Pavillion, Wyoming centers on a handful of stillwater lakes spread across the high desert of Fremont County.
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Fishing around Pavillion, Wyoming centers on a handful of stillwater lakes spread across the high desert of Fremont County. Ocean Lake is the biggest draw in the area and shows up consistently as a productive spot, with Hays Reservoir and Kanaugh Lake rounding out the options for anglers who want to cover more water during a trip. These are plains reservoirs and irrigation lakes, not mountain streams, so expect open, wind-exposed water and the species that come with that environment. The fishing here is accessible and low-key — you don't need a guide or a long hike to reach any of these spots, which makes Pavillion a reasonable base for a casual fishing trip rather than a destination built around trophy hunting. Wind is a real factor on all three waters, especially Ocean Lake, so morning hours before the afternoon gusts pick up tend to be the most comfortable and often the most productive. A Wyoming fishing license is required on all of these waters, and regulations can change season to season, so checking Wyoming Game and Fish current rules before you go is worth the five minutes.
Ocean Lake, Hays Reservoir, and Kanaugh Lake are all warmwater or mixed fisheries typical of Wyoming's high desert irrigation reservoirs. Expect species like walleye, yellow perch, and bass rather than trout. Check Wyoming Game and Fish stocking reports for the most current species information on each specific water before you go.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range handles most situations on these open lakes. Jigs, spinners, and live bait rigs all work depending on the season and target species. Because these are exposed plains reservoirs, a kayak or small boat will help you cover water, though bank fishing is accessible at Ocean Lake.
Hays Reservoir
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Torrey Creek
~56 min drive
Moderate
Ocean Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Popo Agie River - Sinks Canyon
~1h 6m drive
Moderate
Ocean Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Bighorn River - Thermopolis
~1h 7m drive
Moderate
Ocean Lake
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Kanaugh Lake
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Upper Reservoir
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Washakie Reservoir
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Washakie Reservoir
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Ray Reservoir
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Also worth it near here
Late spring through early summer and again in early fall tend to be the most productive windows on high desert Wyoming lakes, when water temperatures are in a comfortable range for active feeding. Midsummer can slow things down during the hottest weeks, and ice fishing is a viable option on these lakes in winter if conditions allow.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window, both because fish are more active in low light and because afternoon winds on open lakes like Ocean Lake can make casting and boat control difficult. Plan to be on the water at or shortly after first light and wrap up or take a break by midday.
Yes, a Wyoming fishing license is required on all of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at local sporting goods retailers. Non-resident licenses are available, and the Game and Fish site also has current regulation summaries for each water body.
