Fishing Buffalo Bill Reservoir
AKA: Buffalo Bill State Park Lake
Popular Fish Species Buffalo Bill Reservoir, WY
Rainbow Trout Fishing
As a self-sustaining trout fishery, there are no hatchery trout stocked in Buffalo Bill Reservoir. This year, fishing for rainbow trout continues to be very productive 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.
Lake Trout Fishing
Year round, fishing for lake trout in Buffalo Bill Reservoir is quite good and the fish are plentiful. The lake trout naturally reproduce here, so all trout caught are natural, wild trout. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental help to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to good fisheries management by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Buffalo Bill Reservoir this year. 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for walleye, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout and lake trout at Buffalo Bill Lake in Wyoming.
Buffalo Bill Reservoir Fishing Video
Lake Video
Less than 10 minutes west of Cody, WY, Buffalo Bill Lake, aka Buffalo Bill Reservoir, is an 8,500-acre body of water in the northwest part of the state. There are many access points to over 40 miles of shoreline for fishing from the bank.
Located near Cody, Wyoming, Buffalo Bill Lake offers an exceptional fishing experience in the heart of the state's scenic landscapes. This reservoir, named after the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, attracts anglers from far and wide. Known for its diverse fish species, the lake is a haven for trout enthusiasts. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of trout, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, making it an enticing destination for those seeking a thrilling fishing adventure.
Buffalo Bill Lake, with its outstanding fishing opportunities, inviting boating experiences, and picturesque camping sites, is a true gem in Wyoming's outdoor offerings. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply seeking solace in nature, Buffalo Bill Lake provides an unforgettable escape. Its diverse fish species, serene waters, and stunning landscapes ensure an enriching and memorable experience for all who venture to this remarkable lake.
Use the concrete boat launch ramp at Buffalo Bill State Park, or a few primitive ones around the lake to launch everything from canoes and kayaks to pontoons, power boats and all manner of fishing boats. Rainbow, cutthroat, trout and lake trout are the favorites of serious trout anglers here, but walleye also thrive here and grow to bragging size. Ice fishing is popular in winter for all species.
Primary fish species residing in Buffalo Bill Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Buffalo Bill Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to its excellent fishing prospects, Buffalo Bill Lake provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Whether you prefer to sail, jet ski, or simply cruise the calm waters, the lake's expansive surface area ensures there's plenty of space for all. Boat ramps are available for easy access, allowing visitors to embark on their boating adventures with ease. The picturesque surroundings, with the majestic Absaroka Mountains as a backdrop, enhance the boating experience, making it a truly memorable endeavor.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Buffalo Bill State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off US Highway 16, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
East Side Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Bartlett Lane, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
South Shore Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off S Shore Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Buffalo Bill Reservoir
Wyreelactionfishing Guide Trips - trout, walleye
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, Buffalo Bill Lake offers several camping options to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. From lakeside campsites to nearby campgrounds, visitors can choose their preferred camping style. Waking up to the tranquil sounds of nature, enjoying a lakeside breakfast, and taking in the panoramic views create an idyllic camping experience. Hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and stargazing opportunities further enrich the camping adventure at Buffalo Bill Lake.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Buffalo Bill State Park - 307 587-9227
Buffalo Bill State Park North Shore Campground - 307 587-9227
Buffalo Bill Lake WY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Buffalo Bill Lake
Buffalo Bill State Park
4192 Northfork Hwy
Cody, WY 82414
307 587-9227
Fishing lakes in each state.
062824
Buffalo Bill Lake in WY
WYOMING
Fishing for trout and walleye in northwest WY.
