Fishing Fontenelle Reservoir

AKA: Fontenelle Lake

Popular Fish Species
Fontenelle Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Fontenelle Reservoir, WY

Popular Fish Species Fontenelle Reservoir, WY

Fontenelle Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

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.

Fontenelle Reservoir Popular Fish - Brown Trout

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.

Fontenelle Reservoir Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

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.

Fontenelle Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon at Fontenelle Reservoir in Wyoming.

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. The reservoir's waters are teeming with trout, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Additionally, Fontenelle Reservoir is home to kokanee salmon.

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. 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

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.