Guide To Walleye & Sauger Fishing In Wyoming

Wyoming offers excellent opportunities for walleye and sauger fishing, with its lakes and rivers providing prime habitats for these prized game fish. Anglers seeking walleye and sauger encounters can explore various waters throughout the state, each offering its own unique angling experiences.

Some of Wyoming's renowned walleye fishing destinations include Boysen Reservoir, Glendo Reservoir, and Keyhole Reservoir. These lakes are known for their healthy walleye populations and provide ample opportunities for anglers to target these elusive predators. Anglers often employ techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, jigging with soft plastics or minnows, and casting near structure or drop-offs to entice walleye strikes.

In addition to walleye, Wyoming's waters also offer opportunities to catch sauger, a closely related species. Sauger can be found in rivers such as the North Platte River, Green River, and Bighorn River. These fish prefer flowing waters and are often sought after by anglers using similar techniques as for walleye. Sauger are known for their aggressive strikes and can provide a thrilling fishing experience.

Wyoming has seen impressive catches of both walleye and sauger, with notable state records showcasing the potential for trophy-sized fish. The state record for walleye exceeds 17 pounds, while the sauger record stands at over 7 pounds. These records demonstrate the quality of fish that can be found in Wyoming's waters and add to the allure of pursuing these species in the state.

For anglers seeking the excitement of walleye and sauger fishing, Wyoming's lakes and rivers offer exceptional opportunities. Whether casting from the shores of a reservoir or drifting along a river, the chance to hook into these prized game fish is a captivating experience. With its diverse waters, beautiful landscapes, and potential for trophy catches, Wyoming stands as an enticing destination for walleye and sauger fishing enthusiasts.

Walleye Lakes In WY

Major lakes in Wyoming with significant populations of walleye include Alcova Lake, Bighorn Lake, Boysen Lake, Buffalo Bill Lake, Glendo Reservoir, Grayrocks Reservoir, Guernsey Reservoir, Keyhole Reservoir, Lake DeSmet, Ocean Lake, Pathfinder Reservoir, Seminoe Reservoir and Wheatland Reservoir #3. Several lakes in the state offer excellent ice fishing for walleye.

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Top lures for walleye in Wyoming

Jigs are popular here and work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons and ice jigs are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes can enhance your chances of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

Wyoming State Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Records

The state record walleye was caught out of Boysen Reservoir.

The state record sauger came from Boysen Reservoir.

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Fishing For Sauger

Closely related to the walleye and similar in appearance, sauger are generally smaller than walleye, reaching 4 to 5 pounds (or more) and up to about 20 inches. Often found in muddier rivers, it thrives in larger, silty lakes. They spawn in the shallows at night, without creating or guarding specific nests.

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.

Wyoming walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.