Damn Good Lake Fishing Guides In Wyoming

Lake fishing in Wyoming feels like stepping into a postcard—a rugged, wide-open paradise where the waters are as pristine as the landscapes that surround them. Nestled in the shadows of the Rockies, Wyoming’s lakes offer an incredible variety of fishing experiences, from alpine mountain lakes to larger, more accessible reservoirs. Whether you’re out in the wild chasing rainbow trout in the crystal-clear waters of Alcova Reservoir or casting for cutthroat trout in the high-country lakes near the Wind River Range, the fishing here is as wild as the state itself. The quiet, serene mornings on the water, with snow-capped peaks in the distance, make each cast feel like a perfect escape.

One of the joys of fishing in Wyoming is the diversity of fish species available. If you're chasing trout, you’re in luck—Wyoming is home to an impressive variety, from the prized rainbow and brown trout to native cutthroats and even some landlocked salmon. Each species has its own quirks and challenges, keeping things interesting no matter what time of year you visit. Spring and fall are prime times to get on the water, when the fish are most active and feeding heavily in preparation for the seasonal shifts. Whether you’re fly fishing in one of the state’s iconic rivers or using a spinning rod at a quiet lake, there’s always a chance to reel in something memorable.

The fishing techniques here are as varied as the lakes themselves, and part of the fun is trying them all. For those who love the subtle art of fly fishing, Wyoming’s lakes offer a peaceful environment to hone your skills, whether you're casting nymphs, streamers, or dry flies. For the more traditional angler, trolling with lures or casting spoons is an effective way to cover more ground in the larger reservoirs. And if you're looking for something with a little more action, you'll find that lake fishing in Wyoming offers everything from the thrill of reeling in a trophy fish to simply soaking in the spectacular views while you wait for the next bite. This isn’t just about fishing—it’s about experiencing the raw beauty of the state, one cast at a time.

Fishing in Wyoming is an adventure that shifts with the seasons, and each one brings its own unique charm to the lakes. Spring is a time of rebirth in the state’s waters. As the snow melts and the lakes begin to thaw, the fish are waking up and getting hungry. It's the perfect time to target rainbow and brown trout as they move into the shallows, feeding heavily after a long winter. The crisp mornings, the stillness of the water, and the quiet beauty of the snow-capped mountains create an atmosphere that's perfect for early-morning casts. This season’s ideal for both fly fishing and trolling, with the water temperatures just right to coax fish to the surface.

As summer hits, Wyoming’s lakes become a haven for anglers looking to escape the heat and find solitude on the water. The longer days mean more time to explore, whether you're casting for trout in the cool, clear waters or trolling for cutthroat trout in the deeper sections of the lakes. During this season, the fish move into deeper, cooler water, so you’ll need to adjust your technique. The key is getting down to where the fish are, using deeper-running lures or fly fishing with weighted nymphs. There’s something about the golden hours of a Wyoming summer evening—where the sun dips behind the mountains and the fish are still biting—that makes it one of the best times to be on the water.

When fall arrives, the fishing season peaks in Wyoming, as the fish are feeding aggressively before the winter months set in. The cooling temperatures bring the trout closer to the shorelines again, and the fishing becomes fast-paced and exciting. The foliage around the lakes changes color, offering a beautiful backdrop to your day on the water. The cooler air and the quieter atmosphere mean fewer anglers, which is perfect for those who like to enjoy a bit more peace while reeling in fish. Whether you're fly fishing with a light rod or casting with heavier gear, fall is the time to catch the fish at their most active and make the most of those last warm days before the winter freeze sets in.

Lake fishing in Wyoming offers a range of techniques, each suited to the landscape and the fish you're after. For anglers who prefer a slower, more methodical approach, fly fishing is a favorite on the state’s pristine lakes. Whether you're casting dry flies to rising trout or working nymphs and streamers deep beneath the surface, Wyoming's high-altitude lakes offer the perfect environment to refine your casting. The still, clear waters make fly fishing feel like a meditation, as you quietly drift along, waiting for that unmistakable tug on the line. If you're chasing trout, it’s hard to beat the challenge of a well-timed cast in these quiet waters, especially as the sun filters through the towering pine trees lining the shoreline.

If you're looking for a faster-paced fishing experience, trolling is another go-to technique for targeting Wyoming's larger lakes. Whether you're chasing rainbow trout or the elusive cutthroat, trolling allows you to cover more ground and find fish that are holding deeper in the water. The reservoirs like Alcova and Boysen are great spots to break out your trolling gear, using spoons, crankbaits, or even live bait to get the fish’s attention. The key here is adjusting your speed and depth to match the fish’s location, as they tend to move up and down with the temperature of the water. There's something satisfying about the methodical pace of trolling—just you, your boat, and the vast open water, waiting for the unmistakable tug of a fish on the line.

Then there’s the thrill of casting directly from the shore, which is perfect for those who prefer to keep it simple or are looking for a more intimate fishing experience. Many of Wyoming’s lakes have easy access points where you can park your truck, unpack your gear, and cast from the bank. This technique works well when targeting shallower areas or fishing for species like brook trout, which often hang out near the shorelines, especially in the spring and fall. If you’re going the bank route, consider using spinners, jigs, or soft plastics to mimic smaller baitfish or insects, and you’ll find success in the quieter, less disturbed parts of the lake. There’s something about the simplicity of a well-placed cast along the shore that taps into the purest form of lake fishing, no boat required.

Wyoming’s lakes are a treasure trove of fish species, and the beauty of it all is that no matter your preferred catch, you’re bound to find something worth chasing. Trout are the crown jewels of the state’s waters. Rainbow trout, in particular, are abundant in many of the high-altitude lakes, offering up fast, thrilling fights that make them a favorite for anglers of all skill levels. These brightly colored fish are a staple on the state's waters, and targeting them with everything from nymphs to spinners will put you in the action. Whether you're fishing the clear waters of Jackson Lake or exploring the quiet, remote spots in the Wind River Range, you’ll find plenty of rainbows to test your skills.

But it’s not just rainbows that call Wyoming’s lakes home—cutthroat trout are another iconic species. These native trout are a true prize for anglers looking for something with a bit more challenge. Often found in the colder, deeper waters, cutthroats have a reputation for being a little more elusive, but the reward of landing one is well worth the effort. Whether you're casting from the shore or trolling deeper waters, the key to catching a cutthroat is finding those colder, nutrient-rich areas of the lake. Their brilliant coloration and feisty nature make them one of Wyoming’s top targets, especially in the mountain lakes that dot the landscape.

For those after something a little more unusual, the state’s lakes also house a variety of other species, including the mighty smallmouth bass. These aggressive, hard-fighting fish are found in several of Wyoming’s larger reservoirs, like Flaming Gorge, where they’re known to give anglers a run for their money. Smallmouth bass tend to stay close to structures like submerged rocks and deeper drop-offs, making them perfect for anglers who enjoy a challenge. If you're up for some action, it’s all about finding the right structure and using the right bait to lure them in. Between trout and bass, and the occasional chance to hook a landlocked salmon, Wyoming's lakes offer a diverse lineup of species, each with its own challenge and reward.