Fishing Keyhole Reservoir

AKA: Keyhole Lake

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

Keyhole Reservoir, WY

Popular Fish Species Keyhole Reservoir, WY

Walleye

Thanks to good fisheries management by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, healthy walleye are growing big and fat in the waters of Keyhole Reservoir this year. May and June are the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

White Crappie

Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Keyhole Reservoir, and they are fat and healthy this year. Crappie fishing is excellent around cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In winter, when the ice is safe, try your luck at ice fishing.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Keyhole Reservoir. They are running bigger than prior years and local anglers have lots of good things to say about the quality of the fishery. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good especially when they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike at Keyhole Reservoir in Wyoming.

Wrapping around the town of Pine Haven, Keyhole Reservoir, aka Keyhole Lake, is a 9,300-acre lake in the northeast part of the state. The lake has over 50 miles of shoreline, much of which is park areas, some with access for fishing from the bank.

Located in northeastern Wyoming, Keyhole Reservoir is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a rewarding angling experience. This picturesque reservoir, formed by the Keyhole Dam on the Belle Fourche River, offers abundant fishing opportunities amidst the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Anglers are drawn to Keyhole Reservoir for its diverse fish species, including walleye, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike. The reservoir's fertile waters provide a thriving habitat for these species, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both quantity and quality catches.

Keyhole Reservoir, with its exceptional fishing opportunities, invigorating boating experiences, and convenient camping sites, stands as a remarkable destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Wyoming. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating aficionado, or simply seeking solace in nature, Keyhole Reservoir offers a memorable retreat. Its diverse fish species, calm waters, and scenic surroundings create an unforgettable outdoor experience that will leave visitors with cherished memories of their time spent in this natural oasis.

Fish species include bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, bluegill, perch, sunfish and northern pike. Boating is open to all types of boats. Anglers use all types of fishing boats, canoes and kayaks to fish these waters. In winter, once the ice is safe, Keyhole Reservoir is a great place for ice fishing because of the wide variety of fish species. A marina, boat ramps, stores, campgrounds and restaurants are all handy at the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Keyhole Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Keyhole Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Keyhole Reservoir is not only a paradise for fishing but also a popular spot for boating enthusiasts. The expansive waters and calm currents create an ideal setting for various water activities. Boaters can enjoy cruising, water skiing, and exploring the reservoir's numerous coves and bays. Boat ramps and marinas are available, providing convenient access and ensuring that boaters can fully embrace the joys of being out on the water.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Keyhole Marina
Rentals: Kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
307 756-9529

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Brandenburg Loop Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Brandenburg Loop, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Keyhole Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, south side, off Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Pine Haven Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Lakeview Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Marinas

Keyhole Marina
180 Marina Road
Moorcroft, WY 82721
307 756-9529

Fishing Guides On Keyhole Reservoir

Empire Lodge Fly Fishing Guides - northern pike, crappie, bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Keyhole Reservoir Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a Wyoming Fishing License.

For those looking to extend their stay, Keyhole Reservoir offers camping facilities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds equipped with amenities such as picnic areas, fire pits, and restrooms provide a comfortable camping experience. Wake up to stunning views of the reservoir, spend the day fishing or boating, and wind down in the evenings while sharing stories around a campfire under the starry sky.