Wyoming, known for its breathtaking landscapes, is home to some of the best bass fishing lakes in the United States. Anglers seeking largemouth and smallmouth bass are sure to find success at various locations in the state.
With many fish species, including rainbow trout, yellow perch, and brown trout, there’s always an excellent opportunity for an exciting catch.
Water temperatures in early spring make for optimal bass fishing conditions, with early morning and late afternoon being the best time to cast a line.
Some of the top fishing destinations in Wyoming include Green River, Grand Teton National Park, and Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Each location boasts a unique combination of fish species and beautiful scenery, offering something for everyone.
When planning a fishing trip to Wyoming, choosing the right location for the type of fish you’re targeting is essential.
Popular bass fishing hotspots such as Glendo Reservoir and the North Platte River provide ample opportunity to reel record catches. Remember to secure a valid fishing license and bring your boat or rent one at a local marina to enjoy this angler’s paradise fully.
10 Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Wyoming
Wyoming is home to various lakes that provide excellent opportunities for bass fishing.
In this section, we will explore some of the best bass fishing lakes in the state, including Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Bighorn Lake, Guernsey Reservoir, Glendo Reservoir, Grayrocks Reservoir, Keyhole Reservoir, and a few others.
1. Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a popular recreational and fishing destination located in the states of Wyoming and Utah in the United States.
Covering a vast area of over 42,000 acres, it stretches about 91 miles along the Green River, boasting a stunning backdrop of towering red canyon walls from which it gets its name.
The reservoir is known for its remarkable diversity of fish species. While it’s particularly famous for its trophy Lake Trout, it also has a substantial population of Smallmouth Bass, a favored catch among anglers.
Bass fishing in Flaming Gorge is a celebrated activity, attracting professional and amateur fishermen from all over the country.
Best Spots for Bass Fishing on Flaming Gorge
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Confluence | Where the Green River meets Flaming Gorge. It is a good spot because it provides a blend of current and structure that attract bass. |
| Buckboard Marina | This area hosts several fishing tournaments, is close to deep water, and offers a variety of bass habitats. |
| Anvil Draw | Known for its clear waters and abundance of vegetation, making it a prime location for bass. |
| Lucerne Valley | This is a popular spot with rocky substrates and nearby deep waters that are attractive to bass. |
| Cedar Springs | Characterized by its clear waters and gravelly substrate, it is a good spot for Smallmouth Bass. |
| Antelope Flat | This spot features an abundance of submerged structures and cover that attract bass. |
2. Bighorn Lake
Bighorn Lake is a long, narrow water body stretching about 72 miles in Wyoming and Montana’s Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
The reservoir, surrounded by rugged and breathtaking terrain, offers numerous recreational activities, including hiking, boating, and fishing.
Fishing at Bighorn Lake is quite popular due to the diversity of fish species it houses. These include trout, walleye, and a variety of bass species like Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass.
The lake offers diverse habitats for bass, including rocky points, submerged structures, and shallow bays, making it an excellent bass fishing destination.
Best Spots for Bass Fishing on Bighorn Lake
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Ok-A-Beh | This spot offers deeper waters with submerged structures and rock formations which attract bass. It is also accessible with a marina and boat launch available. |
| Horseshoe Bend | This spot provides diverse habitats, with rocky points and quiet bays that are attractive to bass. |
| Yellowtail Dam | The waters here provide a variety of depths and structures, which are great for attracting bass. The spillway area is particularly popular. |
| Dayboard 9 | Known for its clear waters and submerged structures, making it a prime location for bass. |
| Bighorn Canyon | Offering a variety of submerged vegetation and rocky outcroppings, this spot attracts many bass. |
| Barry’s Landing | It provides access to several bass habitats, including rocky points, quiet bays, and submerged vegetation. |
3. Guernsey Reservoir
Located in Guernsey State Park in southeastern Wyoming, the Guernsey Reservoir is a popular recreational spot known for its beautiful scenery, historical trails, and rich opportunities for water-based activities, including fishing.
The Guernsey Dam on the North Platte River created the reservoir.
Although it’s well-known for its Walleye and Catfish populations, Guernsey Reservoir also offers decent opportunities for bass fishing.
While the bass population isn’t as extensive as in some other locations, the reservoir is home to both Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass. These species are more common in the coves and along the rocky banks, where they can find cover and prey.
Best Spots for Bass Fishing on Guernsey Reservoir
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Guernsey Dam | The deeper water and structural elements near the dam are attractive to bass. |
| Sandy Beach | This area has a blend of sand and rock substrates, providing a suitable habitat for bass. |
| Long Canyon | Known for its rocky outcrops, submerged structures, and pockets of vegetation, which are ideal for bass. |
| Skyline Drive | This area provides access to several coves and rocky banks, which are attractive to bass. |
| Guernsey State Park Marina | Offering a variety of submerged structures and access to deeper waters that attract bass. |
| Hartville Uplift | The uplift and the resulting submerged structures provide excellent hiding spots for bass. |
4. Glendo Reservoir
Glendo Reservoir, part of Glendo State Park, is located in Wyoming. Known for its fantastic recreational opportunities, the reservoir offers a haven for boating, water skiing, camping, and fishing.
The reservoir spans approximately 22,000 acres at total capacity and boasts a variety of fish species.
The Glendo Reservoir is particularly noted for its abundant population of Walleye. However, it also provides a fair share of bass fishing opportunities, primarily for Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass.
The varied habitats, including rocky outcrops, sandy shores, and submerged structures, make it an appealing spot for bass fishing.
Best spots for bass fishing Glendo Reservoir
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Glendo Dam | The deeper water and structural elements near the dam are perfect habitats for bass. |
| Whiskey Gulch | This area offers a blend of rock and sand substrates, providing a suitable habitat for bass. |
| Sagebrush Campground | Known for its rocky outcrops, submerged structures, and pockets of vegetation, which are prime locations for bass. |
| Indian Point | This spot has several coves and rocky banks, which are attractive to bass. |
| Cole Park Bay | Offering a variety of submerged structures and access to deeper waters that are appealing to bass. |
| Reno Cove | The cove and surrounding areas provide excellent hiding spots for bass and have easy access for anglers. |
5. Grayrocks Reservoir
Grayrocks Reservoir is an under-the-radar gem known for its excellent fishing opportunities in southeastern Wyoming.
Created by the Grayrocks Dam on the Laramie River, the reservoir stretches over 3,800 acres and offers a serene backdrop for various recreational activities.
Although it’s highly recognized for its Walleye and Channel Catfish, Grayrocks Reservoir also provides good opportunities for bass fishing, precisely Largemouth Bass.
The reservoir has a variety of habitats, including submerged structures, vegetative areas, and rocky banks, which attract bass.
Best Spots for Bass Fishing on Grayrocks Reservoir
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Grayrocks Dam | The deeper waters and submerged structures near the dam make this spot attractive to bass. |
| North Shoreline | The submerged structures and rocky banks along this area provide suitable habitats for bass. |
| South Bay | Known for its submerged vegetation and relatively shallow water, this area is an excellent spot for bass. |
| East Inlet | The calm waters and vegetative spots are conducive to bass habitats. |
| West Outflow Area | This spot offers access to deeper waters, which can be great for bass fishing, especially during the hotter months. |
6. Keyhole Reservoir
Keyhole Reservoir, located in northeastern Wyoming within the Keyhole State Park, is a prominent destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The reservoir was created by the Keyhole Dam on the Belle Fourche River and spans about 14,000 acres at full capacity, providing a wide array of recreational activities including camping, boating, bird watching, and fishing.
Though Keyhole Reservoir is most notable for its Walleye and Northern Pike, it also offers good opportunities for bass fishing.
The main species of bass in Keyhole Reservoir is the Smallmouth Bass. The various habitats within the reservoir such as rocky banks, submerged structures, and bays are attractive to bass.
Best spots for bass fishing at Keyhole Reservoir
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Keyhole Dam | Deeper waters and structural elements near the dam create an ideal habitat for bass. |
| Pat’s Point | The rocky points and submerged structures provide suitable environments for bass. |
| Cottonwood Cove | This cove has an excellent mixture of vegetation, submerged structures, and depths that bass prefer. |
| Pine Ridge | The varying depths, structures, and vegetation here are appealing to bass. |
| Pronto Bay | This spot is known for its clear waters, abundant vegetation, and submerged structures. |
| Rock Cliff | This location provides access to deeper waters and abundant cover that attract bass. |
7. Boysen Reservoir
Boysen Reservoir is a well-known outdoor recreation area in central Wyoming in Boysen State Park.
The Boysen Dam on the Wind River formed the reservoir, covering a vast area of approximately 19,560 acres, offering a multitude of activities such as camping, boating, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
While Boysen Reservoir is most famous for its Walleye and Trout, it also provides opportunities for bass fishing, primarily for Smallmouth Bass.
The varied environments, including rocky banks, submerged structures, and shallow areas near the shorelines, make the reservoir a favorite among bass anglers.
Best spots for bass fishing at Boysen Reservoir
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Boysen Dam | The deeper water and structural elements near the dam are attractive to bass. |
| Fremont Bay | Known for its shallow waters, submerged vegetation, and rocky banks which are ideal for bass. |
| Tamarisk Bay | This bay provides a great blend of vegetation and structure that bass prefer. |
| Upper Wind River Arm | This spot offers access to both shallow and deep waters with abundant cover and structure, attracting bass. |
| Lower Wind River Arm | Known for its clear waters and submerged structures, making it a prime location for bass. |
| Brannon Campground Area | Offering a variety of habitats and access to deeper waters, this area is appealing to bass. |
8. Lewis Lake
Lewis Lake, located in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, offers an exceptional angling experience amidst stunning natural beauty. Named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, this large, deep lake is located at an elevation of about 7,800 feet.
While Lewis Lake is primarily renowned for its Brown Trout and Lake Trout, it also provides opportunities for bass fishing.
It’s home to Smallmouth Bass, which prefer its cooler water temperatures and the lake’s rocky and sandy bottoms.
Best spots for bass fishing at Lewis Lake
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Lewis River Channel | This area connects Lewis Lake to Shoshone Lake and provides a variety of depths and structures, making it an ideal spot for bass. |
| South Shore | The northern shoreline offers deep, cold water and a rocky bottom, suitable for Smallmouth Bass. |
| North Shore | The northern shoreline offers deep, cold water and a rocky bottom, which is suitable for Smallmouth Bass. |
| West Shore | The west shore is a promising area with diverse underwater terrain and ample hiding spots for bass. |
| East Shore | Known for its clear, deep waters and rocky substrates, making it a prime location for bass. |
9. Ocean Lake
Ocean Lake, located in central Wyoming, is a popular spot for anglers due to its wide variety of fish species.
It was formed as part of the Wind River Irrigation Project and covers approximately 6,000 acres. The lake’s aquatic life, submerged vegetation, and structures provide an excellent habitat for fish, making it a favored destination for fishing enthusiasts.
While Ocean Lake is known for its robust populations of Walleye and Yellow Perch, it also offers opportunities for bass fishing, with Smallmouth Bass being the primary species of bass present in the lake.
Best spots for bass fishing at Ocean Lake
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| North Shoreline | The north shoreline provides a mix of vegetation, depth, and structures that bass prefer. |
| East Bay | Known for its shallow waters and abundant vegetation, making it a great spot for bass. |
| West Bay | The western bay of the lake offers access to deeper water and submerged structures, which are attractive to bass. |
| South Shore | This area provides excellent hiding spots with diverse underwater terrain for bass. |
| Central Lake Area | Known for its diverse depth and abundance of submerged structures, making it a prime location for bass. |
10. Pathfinder Reservoir
Pathfinder Reservoir, located in central Wyoming, is a notable destination for those who love the outdoors. Created by Pathfinder Dam on the North Platte River, the reservoir spans over 22,000 acres, offering opportunities for boating, birdwatching, camping, and of course, fishing.
While the reservoir is well-known for its Walleye and Trout, it also provides an environment conducive to bass fishing. Bass species found in the reservoir include both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.
They are attracted to the variety of habitats in the reservoir, including rocky and sandy bottoms, submerged structures, and shallow areas near the shorelines.
Best spots for bass fishing at Pathfinder Reservoir
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Pathfinder Dam | The deeper water and structural elements near the dam are attractive to bass. |
| South Bay | It is known for its shallow waters, submerged vegetation, and rocky banks; it is ideal for bass. |
| North Shoreline | This area offers a blend of depths and structures, providing suitable habitats for bass. |
| Fremont Canyon | Known for its clear waters, submerged structures, and rocky points, making it a prime location for bass. |
| Cardwell Access Point | Known for its shallow waters, submerged vegetation, and rocky banks; ideal for bass. |
| Westside Campground Area | Providing a range of habitats, from deep water to shallow areas with plenty of cover, this spot is attractive to bass. |
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Seasonal Fishing Considerations
In Wyoming, bass anglers can enjoy different experiences based on the changing seasons, including ice fishing in the colder months and the beautiful scenery during the summer.
Spring Bass Fishing
Early spring is the best time to catch Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass in Wyoming. The rising water temperatures result in more active fish, making popular locations such as Glendo Reservoir and the North Platte River ideal for anglers.
Shallow water near the shorelines makes it easy to find bass during this period.
As spring progresses, melting snow and ice raise water levels. Late spring and early summer become perfect for fishing species such as Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
Locations like Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park provide great fishing opportunities during this time.
Summer Bass Fishing
In summer, bass fishing usually slows down due to rising water temperatures. However, warm-water species like Channel Catfish and Northern Pike become more abundant.
Jenny Lake and the Snake River are excellent spots for bass fishing during the summer months.
Year-Round Fishing Locations
Specific locations like Green River, Fremont Canyon, and Boysen Reservoir offer good fishing opportunities throughout the year, thanks to the variety of fish species they support.
However, bass anglers should note that weather or water conditions changes can impact the fish’s behavior. Therefore, adjusting tactics based on the current conditions and time of year is essential for successful fishing.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is popular during the colder months, especially in northern Wyoming. Bighorn Lake and Grayrocks Reservoir are favorite spots for ice fishing enthusiasts.
These areas provide opportunities to catch Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, and even Kokanee Salmon.
Regulations
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulates the state’s fishing activities to conserve fish populations while providing opportunities for anglers.
It’s crucial to have a valid fishing license and abide by Wyoming’s creel limit regulations to ensure a sustainable future for all fish species in the state.
No matter the season or the type of fish you’re targeting, Wyoming’s bass lakes and fishing locations offer fantastic opportunities for anglers to enjoy the state’s natural beauty and abundant game fish.
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Fish Stocking Programs and Regulations
The fish stocking program in Wyoming plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy variety of fish species in its numerous lakes and rivers.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department ensures lakes and reservoirs, like the renowned Boysen Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir, receive routine stocking with fish species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and brown trout.
An essential consideration for anglers in Wyoming is the regulations implemented to protect the fish population and natural lakes. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for all anglers over 14, and guidelines are established concerning creel limits and the length of fish that can be taken.
Conclusion – Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Wyoming
Well, there you have it: our picks for Wyoming’s best bass fishing lakes. The Cowboy State has excellent freshwater resources for your next bass fishing adventure. Following the laws and obtaining the proper license, I’m sure you will catch an abundance of large or smallmouth bass!
If you have fished any of these lakes, we would love to hear about it in the comments below. Until next time Happy Fishing!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top lakes in Wyoming for bass fishing?
Wyoming offers a variety of fish in its numerous lakes and reservoirs, including largemouth and smallmouth bass. The best lakes to target bass include Glendo Reservoir, Bighorn Lake, and Grayrocks Reservoir.
These lakes, alongside the Snake River and North Platte River, are known for their excellent bass fishing opportunities and abundant other fish species, such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and yellow perch.
Which reservoirs in Wyoming have an abundant bass population?
Major lakes like Glendo Reservoir, Boysen Reservoir, and Alcova Reservoir are known for their healthy bass population. These reservoirs provide favorable water temperatures and a variety of habitats, making them an ideal place for largemouth and smallmouth bass to thrive.
Where can I find largemouth bass in Wyoming lakes?
Largemouth bass can often be found in shallow waters within Wyoming lakes, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Look for areas with cover, such as rocky ledges and vegetation. Anglers should also pay attention to water levels, as they can influence fish behavior.
What size of bass can I expect to catch in Wyoming?
While the average size of bass in Wyoming varies between lakes, anglers can expect to catch bass ranging from 1 to 5 pounds. Although not as common, larger bass can also be found in some locations, with state records for largemouth and smallmouth bass exceeding 7 pounds.
Are there any seasonal variations in bass fishing in Wyoming?
Yes, there are seasonal variations in bass fishing in Wyoming. The best time for bass fishing is during early spring, late spring, and early summer when water temperatures are optimal for bass activity. During winter, ice fishing is famous for other species, such as rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and lake trout.
Which Wyoming lakes are known for a record bass catch?
Wyoming’s record largemouth bass was caught in a private pond near Jackson Hole, while the record smallmouth bass came from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Although it’s difficult to predict where the next record catch will be, popular fishing spots like Glendo Reservoir, Boysen Reservoir, and Bighorn Lake consistently produce large bass and offer a great chance for anglers to land a big fish.
Cory Haasnoot
Cory is a content writer-editor and founder of Tackle Box Talk. Favorite Quote: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."