Wyoming gives anglers a remarkable range of choices: tailwaters and freestone rivers, broad prairie reservoirs, forest lakes and high-country water reached on foot. The best trip starts by matching the water to the season, your experience and the kind of day you want.

Find your kind of day

Choose the water before the gear

A slow reservoir morning asks for a different plan than a windy tailwater or a hike to an alpine lake. Pick the experience first, then confirm access, conditions and tackle.

The North Platte River winding through rocky Wyoming country

Rivers & tailwaters

Build a trip around moving water, public access points and changing flows. The North Platte, Green, Snake, Bighorn, Wind and Shoshone systems all reward local knowledge.

Open water and rugged landscape in the Alcova and Pathfinder area

Reservoirs & lakes

Wyoming's larger waters open the door to boat fishing, shore fishing and a broader mix of species. Wind and launch conditions should be part of every plan.

Alpine lake below granite peaks in Wyoming's Snowy Range

High-country water

Forest roads and trails lead to small lakes and streams where the approach is part of the experience. Expect colder water, fast weather changes and limited services.

New river-planning tool

North Platte River access map

See the Wyoming corridor from Saratoga and the Miracle Mile through Grey Reef, Casper, Douglas, Guernsey and Torrington, with public-access names and official WGFD links.

Open the North Platte access map
North Platte River through Wyoming
Across Wyoming

Six areas to put on the fishing map

This is a trip-planning overview, not a list of secret spots. Use it to choose a base, then check official access and current conditions before heading out.

Central

North Platte & Alcova

Tailwater fishing and reservoir days converge around Alcova, Pathfinder, Grey Reef and the Miracle Mile.

Base ideas: Alcova · Casper
North Central

Bighorn Basin

River stretches and reservoir options sit between Thermopolis, Worland and the Bighorn Mountains.

Base ideas: Thermopolis · Buffalo
Northwest

Yellowstone country

Iconic rivers, mountain lakes and highly regulated park waters make advance research essential.

Base ideas: Cody · Jackson
Southwest

Green River country

The Green River, Flaming Gorge and nearby high country create options for river and reservoir anglers.

Base ideas: Green River · Pinedale
Southeast

Snowy Range & Upper Platte

High lakes, mountain streams and the North Platte valley can be combined into a varied road trip.

Base ideas: Laramie · Saratoga
Northeast

Black Hills & prairie water

Smaller streams and reservoirs offer a different pace near the state’s northeastern communities.

Base ideas: Sundance · Newcastle
Featured Alcova outpost Sloanes General Store and The Inn at Alcova beneath a wide Wyoming sky
Store · Tackle · Cabins · Fuel

Sloanes General Store & The Inn at Alcova

For more than 120 years, Sloanes has helped travelers stock up in Alcova. Today it is a practical base for fishing Alcova Reservoir, Pathfinder Reservoir and the North Platte River.

  • Fly, trout, walleye & kokanee tackle
  • Live bait & fishing licenses
  • Ten furnished rental cabins
  • Fuel, groceries & boat supplies
  • Hot food & to-go lunches
  • Local advice on what is working
Explore Sloanes fishing guide View the cabins

21405 Kortes Road, Alcova
(307) 234-2066 · Open daily year-round; confirm seasonal hours before visiting.

Fishing tackle and supplies inside Sloanes Tackle Shop
Gear and bait for the water around Alcova
Front entrance of Sloanes General Store and The Inn at Alcova
A local stop for supplies, food, fuel and lodging
Fish thoughtfully

Build the responsible part of the plan

1. License & regulations

Buy the right license and review current limits, gear restrictions, closures and special rules for the exact water you will fish.

Wyoming Game & Fish →

2. Access & conditions

Confirm land ownership, legal bank access, road status, flows, launch availability and the day’s weather. Do not assume a road or shoreline is public.

3. Clean, drain & dry

Follow aquatic invasive species requirements for boats and gear. Know when an inspection is required and never move water between locations.

4. Prepare for Wyoming weather

Wind, cold water, lightning and sudden temperature drops can change a fishing day quickly. Carry layers, water and a backup route.

5. Protect the fishery

Pack out line and tackle, use responsible fish handling and follow all harvest rules. Give other anglers room at launches and access points.

6. Ask locally

A nearby tackle shop or guide can help translate flows, lake conditions and seasonal patterns into a realistic day on the water.

A simple Wyoming fishing checklist

  • Current fishing license and regulations
  • Water-specific access information
  • Weather, wind and flow check
  • Boat inspection plan when applicable
  • Sun protection, water and warm layers
  • Navigation and offline directions
  • Landing net and fish-handling tools
  • Trash bag for line and discarded tackle

Time on the river

A quiet moment from Wyoming river country.

A fly angler on a Wyoming river.
A fly angler on a Wyoming river. Photo: Terry TenBoer
Plan with current information: Weather, flows, access, fees, hours, permits and regulations may change. Confirm important details with land managers, Wyoming Game and Fish and the businesses you plan to visit.
Keep planning

Turn a fishing day into a Wyoming trip

Read the fishing trip story Trip Planner All Activities