Trout Fishing In Wyoming

Guide to fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown, golden and lake trout in area lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Wyoming is renowned for its exceptional trout fishing, offering anglers the opportunity to target a variety of trout species in its lakes and rivers. The state is home to several prized trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. Each species presents its own angling challenges and rewards, making Wyoming a trout angler's paradise. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state.

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Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous Wyoming lakes and rivers. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the state. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure. Rainbow trout are the most abundant and widely distributed trout species in Wyoming. They can be found in numerous lakes, reservoirs, and rivers across the state. Renowned waters such as the North Platte River, Snake River, and Yellowstone River offer thrilling opportunities to catch trophy-sized rainbows. These fish are known for their acrobatic jumps and fierce fights, providing anglers with memorable angling experiences. More...

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Fishing For Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout call the Pacific northwest home. Cutthroat trout fishing holds a cherished place among anglers. While fly fishing reigns supreme as the preferred method, these prized fish are also susceptible to various artificial lures mimicking minnows or grubs, as well as live bait presentations. Cutthroat trout fishing is renowned for the spectacular battles while landing. Wyoming is also famous for its native cutthroat trout, including the Yellowstone cutthroat trout and the Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout. These trout species inhabit pristine mountain streams, remote rivers, and high-altitude lakes. The Yellowstone River, Wind River Range, and Beartooth Mountains are renowned destinations for anglers seeking the thrill of catching these beautiful native trout. More...

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Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These small but feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore Wyoming's more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start. More...

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Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select Wyoming lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. Brown trout are another prized species sought after by trout fishing enthusiasts in Wyoming. These wily fish are known for their cunning behavior and can be particularly challenging to catch. Rivers such as the Bighorn River, Wind River, and Snake River provide excellent opportunities to target brown trout. Their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature make them a favorite among experienced anglers. More...

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Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. More...

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Wyoming holds numerous state records for trout catches, demonstrating the exceptional fishing opportunities available. The state record for rainbow trout stands at over 22 pounds, while the brown trout record exceeds 25 pounds. These records are a testament to the quality and size of trout that can be found in Wyoming's waters.

Trout Lakes

Trout swim in pretty much all waters in Wyoming. Creeks, streams, rivers, ponds, parks and lakes of all sizes are likely to offer trout fishing. Many trout lakes in the state are open for ice fishing in winter. The major lakes offering trout fishing include Alcova Lake, Bighorn Lake, Boulder Lake, Big Sandy Lake, Boysen Lake, Buffalo Bill Lake, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Fontenelle Reservoir, Fremont Lake, Green River Lakes, Heart Lake, Hog Park Reservoir, Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake, Lake DeSmet, Lake Hattie Reservoir, Leigh Lake, Lewis Lake, Lower Slide Lake, New Fork Lake, Pathfinder Reservoir, Phelps Lake, Pilot Butte Reservoir, Seminoe Reservoir, Shoshone Lake, Wheatland Reservoir #2, Wheatland Reservoir #3, Woodruff Narrows Reservoir and Yellowstone Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Wyoming State Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout was caught from Burnt Lake.

The state record cutthroat trout was caught from Native Lake.

The state record brook trout was taken out of Green River Lake.

The state record brown trout came from Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Two state record lake trout (tie) - one was caught in Jackson Lake, the other came from Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

The state record golden trout was caught from Cook Lake.

Additional trout information

Visit the Wyoming Game & Fish Department website for details on trout stockings in Wyoming.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.

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