Fishing Fontenelle Reservoir
AKA: Fontenelle Lake
Popular Fish Species Fontenelle Reservoir, WY
Rainbow Trout Fishing
This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Fontenelle Reservoir continues to be a successful endeavor for local anglers. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Brown Trout Fishing
Currently, fishing for brown trout in Fontenelle Reservoir is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Kokanee Salmon Fishing
Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the top kokanee fishing lakes in Wyoming, Fontenelle Reservoir delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon at Fontenelle Reservoir in Wyoming.
Fontenelle Reservoir Fishing Video
Set in a remote area, but well worth the trip, Fontenelle Reservoir is an 8,000-acre lake in the southwest part of the state, at the town of Fontenelle. Fishing enthusiasts can explore over 50 miles of shoreline by boat, or seek our remote areas on both sides of the lake.
Nestled in the breathtaking scenery of southwestern Wyoming, Fontenelle Reservoir is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of recreational opportunities in a serene natural setting. Fishing enthusiasts are drawn to Fontenelle Reservoir for its abundant fish species. The reservoir's waters are teeming with trout, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, providing anglers with ample opportunities to reel in their prized catches. Additionally, Fontenelle Reservoir is home to other popular game fish, such as kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, and walleye, adding to the diversity of fishing experiences available.
Fontenelle Reservoir, with its exceptional fishing opportunities, inviting boating experiences, and scenic camping sites, offers an idyllic retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in Wyoming. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or a nature lover seeking a tranquil escape, Fontenelle Reservoir promises unforgettable adventures amidst its pristine natural surroundings.
Fontenelle Creek Campground includes a concrete boat launch ramp, rest rooms, camping and plenty of access for fishing from the bank. Easiest access to the lake is along the west side, but there are primitive access points on the northeast side, mostly via unimproved roads. Rainbow and brown trout are the prized trophies here, but kokanee and cutthroat get their share of attention as well. There is camping, RV spots, a boat ramp and plenty of parking at the lake, but all other amenities are ten miles north of the lake. In the winter, anglers can catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat and lake trout, plus an occasional burbot while ice fishing.
Primary fish species residing in Fontenelle Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Fontenelle Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fontenelle Reservoir is not just a paradise for fishing; it also caters to boating enthusiasts. The reservoir's vast expanse of water, surrounded by scenic landscapes, provides the perfect setting for boating adventures. Whether you prefer sailing, motor boating, water skiing, or simply cruising the tranquil waters, Fontenelle Reservoir offers something for every boating enthusiast. Boat ramps and marinas are also available.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Fontenelle Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Fontenelle Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fontelle Dam Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off County Road 313, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Fontenelle Reservoir
Dunoir Fishing Adventures - trout
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Wyoming Fishing License.
For those looking to extend their stay, Fontenelle Reservoir offers camping facilities that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the area. Campgrounds along the reservoir's shores provide a range of options, from tent camping to RV sites, accommodating different preferences. Waking up to stunning views, enjoying a picnic by the water's edge, and spending evenings around a campfire under the starry sky create a memorable camping experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Weeping Rock Campground - 307 828-4500
Fontenelle Creek Campground - 307 828-4500
Fontenelle Reservoir WY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Fontenelle Reservoir
Fontenelle Creek Campground
Fontenelle Recreation Area
Kemmerer, WY 83101
307 828-4500
Fishing lakes in each state.
061924
Fontenelle Reservoir in WY
WYOMING
Fishing for salmon and trout in southwest WY.
