The Best Fishing Spots in Wyoming
Wyoming offers world-class fishing across high mountain streams, freestone rivers, and large lakes and reservoirs. Anglers commonly target trout — especially rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout (including Yellowstone cutthroat), and brook trout — as well as lake trout and kokanee, with warmwater species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike in lower-elevation waters. Popular methods include fly fishing on tailwaters and mountain creeks, spin fishing from shore or boat, and trolling on larger lakes. Key fisheries include the Snake River, Green River, North Platte, and the high-country waters around Yellowstone and Grand Teton for scenic, productive angling.
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Top Freshwater Fishing Spots
Jackson Lake
Set beneath the Teton Range in Grand Teton National Park , Jackson Lake offers deep-water action for lake trout plus native cutthroat trout; boaters troll points and submerged ridges, while shore anglers work inlets like the Snake River and seasonal shallows.
Wind River
Above Boysen Reservoir near Dubois and Riverton , the Wind River offers varied trout water with brown, rainbow, and native cutthroat trout; canyon runs, pocket water, and broader valleys invite both wading and float fishing where permitted.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Straddling the Wyoming–Utah line near Green River , Flaming Gorge produces trophy lake trout and strong numbers of kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass; trolling deep structure by boat is productive, while shore anglers find success at inlets, points, and marinas.
Alcova Reservoir
West of Alcova and Casper , Alcova Reservoir offers multi-species fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, and walleye; shorelines around bays and the dam fish well, while boaters troll breaks and creek inlets.
Boysen Reservoir
Near Shoshoni and Thermopolis , Boysen Reservoir is a versatile fishery with quality walleye, sauger, rainbow trout, and channel catfish; trolling and jigging along points and humps excel by boat, while shore fishing shines at bays and the dam face.
Buffalo Bill Reservoir
Just west of Cody in the Shoshone Canyon, Buffalo Bill Reservoir offers cold-water action for lake trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout; windblown points and deep basins are prime for trollers, with accessible bank spots near ramps and campgrounds.
Lake De Smet
Just north of Buffalo , Lake De Smet is a clear-water fishery producing quality rainbow trout and brown trout, with bonus kokanee in some years; shore anglers work points and the dam face, while boaters troll drop-offs and suspended fish over deep basins.
Fontenelle Reservoir
North of Green River , Fontenelle Reservoir supports quality lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout; spring and fall shine for shore casting near the dam and inlets, with summer boaters probing deeper structure and the upper river arm.
Glendo Reservoir
Along the North Platte near Glendo , this reservoir is a regional destination for walleye, plus white bass and catfish; jigging and trolling along flats and points are go-to tactics, with extensive shoreline access throughout Glendo State Park .
Green River
From the tailwater below Fontenelle Dam through the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge , the Green River holds strong populations of brown and rainbow trout; drift boats cover long riffle-run stretches, while waders target seams, islands, and back-eddies.
Guernsey Reservoir
Downstream on the North Platte by Guernsey , this reservoir provides reliable action for walleye, crappie, and channel catfish; shoreline anglers work riprap and coves, while boaters troll breaks and river channels within Guernsey State Park .
Keyhole Reservoir
Near Pine Haven , Keyhole Reservoir offers diverse fishing for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and crappie; weedlines, coves, and rocky points invite both shore casting and boat trolling, with protected bays ideal on windy days.
New Fork River
In the Upper Green basin near Pinedale , the New Fork River is a meandering meadow-and-braided stream known for hefty brown and rainbow trout; drift boats cover long glides and bends, while waders stalk undercut banks and side channels.
Pathfinder Reservoir
Southwest of Casper on the North Platte system, Pathfinder Reservoir is known for hefty walleye along with rainbow and brown trout; anglers target submerged structure and creek mouths, with productive spring shore fishing and summer trolling runs.
Seminoe Reservoir
Connected to the North Platte near Rawlins , Seminoe Reservoir features excellent walleye and solid trout action; boaters work points, coves, and wind lines, while shore anglers do well near the dam and popular access areas like Seminoe State Park .
Shoshone River
Flowing through Cody , the Shoshone features canyon and meadow water with strong brown and rainbow trout populations; pocket-water nymphing, streamer fishing in cooler months, and summer dry fly action reward anglers on both the North and South forks.
Yellowstone Lake
In the heart of Yellowstone National Park , vast Yellowstone Lake offers classic high-country angling for native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, with occasional bycatch of lake trout; ice-off through early summer brings strong shallow action, while later months reward boat anglers probing drop-offs near West Thumb and the Lake Village area.
Snake River
Flowing past Jackson beneath the Tetons, the Snake River is famed for wild fine-spotted cutthroat trout; wade the braids and gravel bars or drift boat the scenic reaches through Grand Teton National Park for consistent dry-fly and streamer opportunities from spring through fall.