Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Rawlins, Wyoming
Rawlins sits in the middle of some of south-central Wyoming's most productive fishing country, and the variety here is genuinely worth the drive.
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Rawlins sits in the middle of some of south-central Wyoming's most productive fishing country, and the variety here is genuinely worth the drive. The North Platte River runs through the Miracle Mile section roughly 30 miles north of town — a moderate-difficulty fly fishery at 6,200 feet where brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout hold in cold, clear water year-round. If you'd rather fish from a boat or the bank, Seminoe Reservoir at 6,356 feet offers a different mix entirely: rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, and yellow perch in a big-water setting that rewards trolling and jigging as much as casting. Smaller options like Soda Lake, Rinshaw Lake, Lost Soldier Lake, and Bucklin Reservoirs round out the area for anglers who want a quieter outing or are bringing kids. None of these spots require technical skill to reach, but the high-desert elevation and Wyoming wind mean conditions can shift fast. A Wyoming fishing license is required for all of them, and the Miracle Mile falls under specific North Platte regulations that are worth reading before you rig up.
Frequently asked questions
What fish can I realistically expect to catch near Rawlins?
At the Miracle Mile, you're targeting brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout in moving water. Seminoe Reservoir holds rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, and yellow perch, so your approach and gear will depend on which species you're after. The smaller lakes in the area — Soda Lake, Rinshaw Lake, Lost Soldier Lake, and Bucklin Reservoirs — are not detailed in current listings, so check with Wyoming Game and Fish for current stocking status before making them the centerpiece of your trip.
When is the best time of year to fish the Miracle Mile?
The Miracle Mile fishes year-round, but late spring through early fall tends to offer the most consistent conditions once runoff settles down, typically by late June. Fall can be excellent for brown trout as they become more active ahead of spawning season. Winter fishing is possible but requires attention to ice and access road conditions at that 6,200-foot elevation.
What gear should I bring for Seminoe Reservoir versus the Miracle Mile?
For the Miracle Mile, a 9-foot fly rod in the 5- or 6-weight range is the standard setup, with nymphs and streamers generally outperforming dry flies except during active hatches. Seminoe Reservoir is better suited to spinning or baitcasting gear — walleye anglers typically use jigs or crankbaits, while trout can be taken trolling or casting from shore. If you're targeting perch, light spinning tackle with small jigs works well.
Do I need a special license or permit to fish the Miracle Mile?
A standard Wyoming fishing license covers the Miracle Mile, but the North Platte River in this stretch has specific regulations around gear type, catch limits, and seasons that differ from general statewide rules. Download the current Wyoming Game and Fish regulation booklet before your trip and look specifically for the North Platte River special regulation section — it's not long, but the details matter.
What is the best time of day to fish these waters?
On the Miracle Mile, early morning and late evening are consistently the most productive windows, especially in summer when midday heat pushes fish deeper and reduces surface activity. At Seminoe Reservoir, walleye tend to feed most actively in low-light conditions — dawn, dusk, and overcast days — while trout can be caught throughout the day. Wyoming wind typically picks up by midday, which affects casting on the river and boat control on the reservoir, so earlier starts are practical for more than one reason.
