Diamond Lake is a popular fishery located off Interstate 80, north of Cooper Cove exit 279, between Laramie and Arlington. It’s a high-elevation lake sitting at 7,360 feet and is located on land owned by the Wheatland Irrigation District.

In order to sustain the brook trout, rainbow trout, Bonneville cutthroat, Yellowstone cutthroat and Snake River cutthroat trout, the fishery depends on water from the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The Wheatland Irrigation District moves irrigation water through Rock Creek, into the Canon ditch and then into a pipeline that feeds Diamond Lake.

In 2016, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Wheatland Irrigation District formed a partnership providing water to Diamond Lake for a period of 10 years.  In August 2017, Game and Fish installed a 5,752 linear foot, 24-inch pipeline. This pipeline minimizes erosion, habitat degradation and water loss while providing a direct supply of water to the lake for fish and waterfowl.  This pipeline is virtually maintenance-free and has the capability to provide water to the lake earlier in the spring and at a decreased temperature, which will also help the overall health of the fishery.

Diamond Lake offers a great opportunity for people of all ages to fish, so plan a visit there this fishing season.