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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Whether you're casting on a scenic lake, wading in a rushing river, or hiking to a remote mountain stream, Wyoming's trout fishing provides endless possibilities for anglers seeking the thrill of catching these prized fish. With its diverse trout species, breathtaking landscapes, and outstanding fishing records, Wyoming stands as a top destination for trout fishing enthusiasts from around the world.

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. Mant 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 Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.