Fishing outlook promising despite drought
Following the warmest winter in Wyoming since recordkeeping began in the 19th century, water concerns are top of mind for many Cowboy State residents as they head into the summer of 2026.
Despite this, Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) biologists assure anglers while drought conditions, low reservoir storage and warm summer temperatures may create some challenges, the overall outlook for fishing in Wyoming remains positive for a wide range of sportsfish.
According to a regional update published by the department on April 27, fish populations in many areas of the state remain healthy and, in some cases, are even thriving. However, fishing success this season will depend on timing, flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing conditions on the water.
Casper Region
According to WGFD Casper Region Fisheries Supervisor Matt Hahn, water supply is expected to be the biggest variable impacting anglers in central Wyoming this year.
Hahn notes low water levels at Pathfinder and Seminoe reservoirs are unlikely to significantly rebound due to limited snowpack, and while the size of both reservoirs shouldn’t affect fish populations, boating access may suffer as boat ramps dry up and unfamiliar hazards begin to emerge as water levels drop.
Additionally, while tailwaters along the North Platte River are expected to stay relatively stable – largely due to upstream reservoir management – Hahn says streams draining from the North Laramie Range – including Deer Creek, LaBonte Creek and Horseshoe Creek – could see low flows and rising temperatures which may stress fish populations later in the summer.
Despite these concerns, WGFD says anglers can expect fishing to be similar to last year in most of the Casper Region.
“Glendo, Alcova, Pathfinder and Seminoe reservoirs all provide excellent walleye fishing, and Glendo also offers good fishing for channel catfish, black and white crappie, yellow perch and the occasional largemouth bass,” the report reads. “Alcova, Pathfinder and Seminoe offer good fishing for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon are stocked in Alcova and Pathfinder.”
WGFD says it is also important to note regulation changes in the region, including new restrictions on hook types and bait use in certain North Platte tailwaters.
Sheridan Region
Up in northeast Wyoming, WGFD reports Keyhole Reservoir is shaping up for an excellent year of walleye fishing, with “larger-than-average populations across all size classes.” The reservoir is also expected to offer healthy populations of smallmouth bass and northern pike, with some Master Angler-sized fish of both species caught in 2025.
Healy Reservoir, situated northeast of Buffalo, continues to produce large numbers of yellow perch, tiger muskie and largemouth bass, and Muddy Guard Reservoir, located south of Buffalo, remains a top destination for trophy trout, with multiple species exceeding 24 inches.
WGFD also says Lake DeSmet has shown signs of recovery for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, and the North Tongue River continues to offer high-quality trout fishing, although biologists are working to address past declines in rainbow trout due to whirling disease.
Cody Region
In northwest Wyoming, spring and early summer are the best times to fish, particularly before runoff peaks or aquatic vegetation becomes an issue.
WGFD notes East Newton, Luce, Hogan and Sunshine reservoirs are reliable, go-to early-season destinations, especially when nearby rivers become unfishable due to snowmelt. Luce Reservoir, in particular, offers anglers the chance at four- to five-pound trophy rainbow trout.
The Big Horn River in Thermopolis is another standout in spring and early summer, offering excellent fishing before algae growth gets too thick.
“For warm-water opportunities, Deaver, Harrington and Wardell reservoirs are productive for walleye and will slow down as water temperatures rise,” the department shares. “Rivers such as the South and North Fork Shoshone, the lower portion of the Shoshone and Clarks Fork Yellowstone offer outstanding trout angling prior to runoff.”
Additionally, the stretch of Big Horn River winding from Worland to Lovell is a prime spot for walleye, sauger and catfish.
Jackson Region
A little over 100 miles south, WGFD says the Jackson Region is already seeing promising early-season conditions following the relatively mild winter of 2025.
WGFD Jackson Region Fisheries Supervisor Darren Rhea notes early fishing in the area has been good, although timing and intensity of spring runoff will ultimately determine how the season unfolds.
“Similarly, ice-off on the region’s lakes sets the stage for fishing conditions during the summer,” Rhea states. “Early ice-off can mean good fishing early on, though the timing of when lakes become open can impact the prospects of good angling during the summer. Prolonged periods of heat can lead to reduced activity throughout the summer.”
Pinedale Region
In contrast to much of the state, the Pinedale Region entered spring with near-average snowpack, providing a more favorable outlook for water conditions.
WGFD says Fremont Lake and Lower Green River Lake are producing trophy lake trout – with some fish approaching 40 inches – and kokanee salmon fishing here is also strong.
“Anglers looking for native cutthroat trout can expect good fishing in Wyoming Range lakes and streams, including North Piney Lake, LaBarge Creek and North Horse Creek, to name a few,” the department states. “Brook trout fishing should be good in Middle and North Piney creeks in the Wyoming Range, as well as the Union Pass lakes and Gypsum, Jim and Tepee creeks in the Upper Green River drainage.”
“Opportunities for gol-den, brook and cutthroat trout continue to abound among the hundreds of lakes scattered throughout the Wind River Mountains. Good fishing with few mosquitoes can usually be had from August through September,” WGFD adds.
On the other hand, biologists have noted some concerns regarding Soda Lake, where declining water levels have negatively impacted trout populations.
Lander Region
Right next door, the Lander Region is expected to offer typical fishing conditions, although the outlook has slightly improved thanks to better snowpack in the western mountains, according to the department.
WGFD notes Boysen Reservoir continues to stand out as one of the state’s premier walleye fisheries, reporting strong numbers of fish in the 14- to 20-inch range, along with trophy fish exceeding 25 inches. Yellow perch and black crappie populations are also thriving.
Additionally, spring shoreline fishing for rainbow trout at Boysen Reservoir should be productive, with many fish in the 17- to 20-inch range, the department reports.
Elsewhere, Ocean Lake provides good opportunities for walleye, perch and crappie, while Lake Cameahwait is a top destination for largemouth bass.
WGFD says fly fisherman will likely find quality trout fishing in the Popo Agie system, where surveys have documented large rainbow and brown trout, while other alpine lakes in the region continue to offer opportunities for golden, brook, grayling and cutthroat trout.
Green River Region
Further south, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is poised for an exceptional year, particularly for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon.
“A mild winter jump started the season as shorelines are already warming and the entire reservoir is open, eliminating the usual wait for ice-off or chasing receding ice lines,” says John Walrath, WGFD fisheries supervisor in the Green River Region, who further notes anglers can expect strong action from rainbow trout, with many fish in the 14- to 18-inch range and some exceeding 20 inches.
Kokanee salmon numbers are also on the rise, thanks to strong juvenile survival in recent years.
WGFD says anglers should find abundant populations in the 14- to 19-inch range this spring, with even larger fish expected by summer.
Lake trout are also a key component of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and biologists encourage anglers to harvest smaller fish under 28 inches to maintain balance in the ecosystem. WGFD says smaller lake trout can be found near cliffs and deep channels and targeted using jigging or trolling tactics.
“Reducing numbers all-ows surviving fish to grow faster and maintain a robust prey source for trophy lake trout,” Walrath explains. “A more robust prey source will equate to a heavier and healthier looking trophy lake trout population.”
Beyond Flaming Gorge, WGFD reports the Green River below Fontenelle Reservoir continues to produce large, healthy trout, while Viva Naughton Reservoir is expected to rebound with improved rainbow trout numbers, including fish exceeding 20 inches.
Sulphur Creek Reservoir is also on the upswing, offering opportunities for walleye and newly established kokanee salmon populations.
Laramie Region
While the fishing outlook for most of western Wyoming looks promising, WGFD points out southeast Wyoming faces some of the most significant drought-related concerns.
“Drought conditions are present because the North Platte and Laramie river basins entered winter dry and received little snow,” the department explains. “This could result in near-record low flows in the rivers and streams, and reservoirs are unlikely to fill.”
WGFD Laramie Region Fisheries Supervisor Bobby Compton urges anglers to use caution when fishing during periods of high water temperatures and to consider targeting high-elevation waters during summer months.
“We urge caution when fishing rivers and creeks with elevated water temperatures during the heat of summer and advise following WGFD Fishing in the Heat guidelines,” Compton states. “Consider fishing high mountain lakes in the Snowies this summer.”
Despite these challenges, WGFD reassures Laramie Region anglers opportunities remain, noting Lake Hattie offers good bank fishing for rainbow trout, while Wheatland Reservoir No. 3 offers successful walleye fishing.
Additionally, channel catfish populations are strong at Grayrocks Reservoir, Hawk Springs Reservoir and Wheatland Reservoir No. 1.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
