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Wyoming · Fishing
Saratoga sits in the North Platte River valley at roughly 6,800 feet in south-central Wyoming, and while the river itself draws most of the regional attention, the fishing options within the town's reach are more varied than most visitors expect.
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Saratoga sits in the North Platte River valley at roughly 6,800 feet in south-central Wyoming, and while the river itself draws most of the regional attention, the fishing options within the town's reach are more varied than most visitors expect. The four spots covered on this page split between still water and moving water: Welton Lake, Saratoga Lake, and Haines Reservoir give you lake fishing options at different sizes and with different access situations, while Brush Creek through the Hayden Ranger District adds a smaller stream experience in a national forest setting. That mix matters if you're planning a multi-day trip, because lake fishing and creek fishing call for different gear, different timing, and a different pace. Saratoga itself is a small town, so stock up on terminal tackle before you arrive — the local options are limited. Wyoming fishing licenses are required for anyone 14 and older and are available online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Regulations can vary by water body, so pull the current year's guide before you head out rather than assuming the same rules apply across all four spots.
Wyoming Game and Fish stocks many of the lakes in this region with rainbow and brown trout, and warm-water species like yellow perch and bass can also turn up in lower-elevation reservoirs. Check the current Wyoming Game and Fish stocking report for each specific water body before your trip, since stocking schedules and species vary year to year and the listings here don't specify a guaranteed species mix.
Brush Creek runs through the Hayden Ranger District, which is part of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, so much of the corridor is public land with walk-in access. It's a smaller stream environment, which means lighter tackle and a more technical approach than you'd use on a reservoir. Expect to do some walking to find productive water away from road crossings.
Ryan Park
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Jack Creek Crew Quarters
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Encampment River
~32 min drive
Hard
Dugway Campground
~50 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Miracle Mile
~1h 6m drive
Moderate
North Platte River - Northgate Canyon
~1h 12m drive
Expert
Bottle Creek Group Picnic Site
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Jack Creek Guard Station
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Seminoe Reservoir
~1h 19m drive
Moderate
Big Creek Lakes Campground
~1h 7m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Snow Survey Cabin
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Seedhouse Guard Station
~1h 24m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Late spring through early fall is the primary window, with June and September often being the most productive months once runoff settles and before hard freezes. Summer midday heat can slow lake fishing, so early morning and evening sessions tend to produce better results on still water. Brush Creek can run high and off-color during peak snowmelt in May, so wait for it to clear before targeting it seriously.
A medium spinning or light baitcasting setup covers most situations at Welton Lake, Saratoga Lake, and Haines Reservoir. Power bait, small spinners, and basic dry flies all work depending on conditions and what's been recently stocked. A float tube or small inflatable can help you reach water away from shore, though check each reservoir's rules on motorized versus non-motorized watercraft before you haul a boat out.
Yes, anyone 14 or older needs a valid Wyoming fishing license to fish any of these waters. You can buy one online at wgfd.wyo.gov or at sporting goods retailers, and it's worth picking it up before you arrive in Saratoga since in-town options are limited. Confirm the current year's regulations for each specific water body, as slot limits and gear restrictions can differ between lakes and streams.
