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Wyoming · Fishing
Sheridan sits at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, which means anglers here have a genuine mix of water types within reasonable driving distance — high-country lakes, a major reservoir, and moving water off trailheads like Coney Creek.
10 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 10 spots
Sheridan sits at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, which means anglers here have a genuine mix of water types within reasonable driving distance — high-country lakes, a major reservoir, and moving water off trailheads like Coney Creek. Tongue River Reservoir is the most accessible option, sitting at 3,960 feet with a reputation for walleye, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and yellow perch, and it's rated easy to access, making it a practical choice for families or anyone who doesn't want to hike to reach fishable water. The lake fisheries in the area range from the Twin Lakes area and Twin Lakes Picnic Ground to smaller, quieter spots like Heart Lake, Crescent Lake, Sawmill Lakes, and Larison Swale — each with its own character and crowd level. Coney Creek Trailhead opens up river fishing for those willing to put in some trail miles into the Bighorns. Ten active fishing listings in and around Sheridan means you're not locked into one style of fishing or one skill level. Whether you're after a relaxed afternoon at the reservoir or a backcountry lake day, the area gives you real options without requiring you to drive to another part of the state.
Tongue River Reservoir holds walleye, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and yellow perch. The high-country lakes — including Heart Lake, Crescent Lake, Sawmill Lakes, and the Twin Lakes area — typically hold trout species, though you should check current Wyoming Game and Fish stocking reports for specific lakes before making the drive up.
Tongue River Reservoir is accessible earlier in the season than the mountain lakes, which can hold snow into late May or June depending on the year. For the Bighorn high-country lakes and Coney Creek, late June through September is the reliable window. Walleye at the reservoir tend to be most active in low-light conditions — early morning and evening produce better than midday.
Hunter Campground
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Mosier Gulch
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Tongue River Reservoir
~29 min drive
Easy
Bighorn River at Afterbay
~1h 22m drive
Moderate
Pole Creek Cabin
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Muddy Guard Cabin
~1h 2m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Sawmill Lakes
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Poison Creek Trail
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Twin Lakes Picnic Ground
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Coney Creek Trailhead
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Dome Lake Reservoir
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Buffalo, WY
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Yes, a valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older. Licenses are available through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department online or at local sporting goods stores in Sheridan. Check current regulations before your trip, as some waters have specific rules around gear type or catch limits.
Tongue River Reservoir is rated easy to access at 3,960 feet, with no significant trail required. The mountain lake destinations and Coney Creek Trailhead involve more effort — some require hiking, and road conditions into the Bighorns can vary by season. Check road conditions with the Bighorn National Forest before heading up, especially early or late in the season.
For Tongue River Reservoir, a medium-action rod with tackle suited for walleye and bass covers most situations — jigs and soft plastics work well for both species, and a light setup handles perch. For the high-country lakes, a lighter rod with small spinners or fly gear is more appropriate. If you're heading to Coney Creek for river fishing, waders are worth bringing since wade fishing is typically how you access the better stretches.
