Bass Fishing In Wyoming

Guide to fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass.

By Rick Seaman

Wyoming Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Wyoming is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass fishing basics video.

Bass Fishing Favorites

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Wyoming

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 5 pounds.

Wyoming is home to thriving populations of smallmouth bass. These hard-fighting fish are renowned for their aggressive nature and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Smallmouth bass can be found in rivers such as the North Platte River, the Snake River, and the Green River. These bass prefer rocky habitats, including boulder-strewn river sections and rocky shorelines of lakes and reservoirs. Anglers often target smallmouth bass using techniques such as jigging, crankbaits, and finesse presentations like drop shots and tube baits.

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Wyoming

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Wyoming. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Wyoming. The state record largemouth bass is over 11 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Anglers often find success targeting largemouth bass in bodies of water such as Boysen Reservoir, Glendo Reservoir, and Keyhole Reservoir. These fish are known to hide among submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky structures, making them exciting to pursue with a variety of fishing techniques such as topwater lures, soft plastics, and crankbaits.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Wyoming

Of the major lakes in Wyoming, those with populations of bass include Bighorn Lake, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Fontenelle Reservoir, Glendo Reservoir, Grayrocks Reservoir, Guernsey Reservoir and Keyhole Reservoir. You can also find bass in ponds, rivers and smaller lakes in the warmer sectors of the state.

Wyoming's bass fishing scene offers a wealth of opportunities for anglers seeking the thrill of battling these formidable fish. Whether you prefer the explosive strikes of largemouth bass or the aggressive fights of smallmouth bass, Wyoming's lakes, reservoirs, and rivers provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable bass fishing adventure. With its scenic beauty, diverse habitats, and healthy fish populations, Wyoming is undoubtedly a fantastic destination for bass fishing enthusiasts of all levels of experience.

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Top 5 bass fishing lures for Wyoming this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Wyoming State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Kleenburn Ponds.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Wyoming.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Cowboy State.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.

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