Fishing Boysen Lake

AKA: Boysen Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Boysen Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
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Boysen Lake, WY

Popular Fish Species Boysen Lake, WY

Walleye Fishing

This is a very popular walleye fishing destination as a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Boysen Lake. Sauger are also present in fewer numbers. The fishery is well managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. May and June tend to be 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, stay around 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.

Boysen Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Boysen Lake holds a respectable population of black crappie, and they are running very good sizes this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Boysen Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Boysen Lake continues to be very productive for local anglers. Cutthroat and brown trout also reside here, and are quite frequently caught as well. 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.

Fish species to fish for...

Boysen Lake Fishing Video

Guide to fishing for channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, yellow perch and sauger at Boysen Lake in Wyoming.

Come enjoy the vast waters of Boysen Lake, aka Boysen Reservoir, a 19,500-acre lake in the central part of Wyoming. There are over 75 miles of shoreline with eleven campgrounds scattered all around the lake. Spanning over 19,000 acres, this expansive reservoir offers abundant fishing opportunities. Anglers are attracted to Boysen Lake for walleye, sauger, trout, catfish, crappie and smallmouth bass fishing.

Boat launch ramps, a marina, lodging, stores and restaurants are all close at hand to enhance your stay. Access to the shore for fishing from the bank is available at all campgrounds as well as other public areas around the lake. For those who enjoy ice fishing, Boysen Reservoir is a prime spot as soon as the ice is safe.

Primary fish species residing in Boysen Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Boysen Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Brannon Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Brannon Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Cottonwood Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off W Shore Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lakeside Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off US Highway 26, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Poison Creek - Boysen State Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off US Highway 26, this is a primitive natural ramp with gravel parking.