Just as the temperatures drop, Wyoming fishing starts heating up. We have the scoop from our Game and Fish regional experts on the fishing this fall. Regions unanimously report fall is the best time to get outside with your rod, and the fishing will be spectacular wherever you cast your line. See what’s happening in your favorite spot or learn about a new destination with our 2016 fall fishing forecast. 

Casper Region

With the coming of fall many anglers hang up their fishing gear and shift to hunting. But Al Conder, Casper regional fisheries supervisor suggests to not completely forget about fishing. Fall offers some of the best fishing in the Casper region. Cooling water temperatures means increasing trout activity particularly near the shores of our reservoirs. Fall fishing produces some of the highest catch rates for trout in Seminoe, Pathfinder and Alcova reservoirs. Trout number aren’t as high as recent years but fishing should still be very good.

If you are after walleye, these same reservoirs offer some of the best walleye fishing in the state. Pathfinder currently boasts one of the highest densities of walleye and a population with the highest percentage of trophy sized fish in Wyoming. While Pathfinder currently offers the most and the largest walleyes, Alcova and Seminoe are not far behind and should provide great fall opportunities .

And do not forget your fly rod on your fall trips in the Casper Region. Currently there are very good numbers of rainbow and brown trout on the Miracle Mile (between Kortes and Pathfinder Dams); a recent estimate found an impressive 2,900 trout per mile. As water temperature cool, brown trout also begin moving into the Mile from Pathfinder Reservoir to spawn. Brown trout spawning in the Mile peaks around Thanksgiving.
  

Cody Region

Fall marks a time when most sportsmen in the Cody Region hang up their waders and fishing rods and head into the mountains in pursuit of big game. This fall transition leads to plenty of elbow room along the streams and rivers of the Cody Region, and boat ramps on lakes and reservoirs free of waiting lines. As day length shortens and the sun tracks lower on the horizon line, water temperatures begin to drop. For fish these two cues, shorter days and lower water temperature, serve as a warning that another long winter is on its way. In response, fish “put on the feedbag” so to speak. So if elbow room and aggressively feeding fish sound like a good combination, then here are a few places to consider casting a line in the Cody Region this fall.

Of all the quality fall fishing opportunities in the Cody Region, the Shoshone River below Buffalo Bill Dam is certainly among the top. Beginning in mid-October, the irrigation network turns off and water clarity in the Shoshone River improves. “Between Buffalo Bill Dam and Willwood Dam there are 2,500 trout per mile and relatively good access for both wade and float fishermen. Large streamers are the name of the game in the fall,” said Sam Hochhalter, Cody
regional fisheries supervisor.

There is perhaps no better time to fish for sauger in Big Horn Lake then the fall. Decreasing water temperature and shorter days trigger a downstream migration out of the Bighorn River and into Big Horn Lake. The size structure of this sauger population is impressive with fish topping out at five to six pounds and many in the two to four pound range. The sauger fishery is in its prime from October through November and with everything from jigs and crank baits to night crawlers and live minnows being effective. 
  

Green River Region

As water temperatures cool down this fall fishing on Green River waters should start heating up. Start planning your trip when the water temperatures drop  into the 50s and below for the best fall fishing. 

As the temperatures drop both shore and boat fishing will get better for lake trout pups (less than 28 inches) and rainbow trout in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The numbers of lake trout less than 28 inches are still high in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. “Please help out the fishery and consider harvesting the smallest lake trout you can use. The limit for lake trout less than 28 inches on Flaming Gorge is 8 fish per day and in possession. These small lake trout provide wonderful table fair,” said Robb Keith, Green River regional fisheries supervisor.  “You may even catch a few of the Bear River cutthroat trout the Game and Fish stocked during the spring of 2015 and again in 2016. The 2015 cutthroat are reportedly between 17 and 19 inches.”

Similar to the Gorge, Fontenelle Reservoir can be a good destination in the fall as temperatures drop.  In October anglers should find good numbers of spawning Kokanee salmon along the cliffs between the boat ramp and the dam on the west side of the reservoir. Unlike Flaming Gorge there is no closed season on harvesting Kokanee in Fontenelle Reservoir. Bank fishing and boat fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout can be productive this time of year. You might consider a little night fishing for burbot along the cliff and rocky habitat around the reservoir.  Anglers will have a good chance of catching a burbot of a lifetime weighing at or over 10 pounds. 

If you like diversity try Jim Bridger Pond for rainbow trout, Snake River cutthroat trout, tiger trout and splake. Jim Bridger Pond is immediately adjacent to Jim Bridger Power Plant a short distance east of Rock Springs. Access is good with a few parking areas around the reservoir.  Boats are allowed but anglers will find they can access most of the reservoir from shore. Make certain to read and adhere to the rules posted by the plant administration near the reservoir. Tiger trout were first stocked in 2014 at 3 inches and are now 16 and 20 inches long.  At times the reservoir has produced rainbow trout and cutthroat over 4 pounds.

If you prefer fishing flowing water you might consider the Green River below Fontenelle Dam.  The Green River can be pretty quiet fishery in the fall of the year. Many anglers put up their fishing gear and grab their guns in the fall. The Green River can fish really well in the fall.  Remember to check your fishing regulations as there is special regulation area that starts a few miles downstream of the dam and ends at the Big Sandy River confluence. The Green River supports populations of rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. You may also catch mountain white fish one of the native salmonids in the Green River. In the fall Kokanee salmon migrate out of Flaming Gorge Reservoir to spawn in the Green and provide a little diversity to the fishery.  Small lake trout (less than 28 inches) also frequent the Green River after water temperatures.  Don’t be surprised if you catch one fishing a streamer, spinner or spoon.

If you prefer to fish all by yourself try the Hams Fork River downstream of Kemmerer City Reservoir. There is a long stretch of private land below this reservoir with public access through a Game and Fish fishing easements. Easements rules are posted at all the easement parking areas that get anglers closer to the river.  Please review and strictly adhered to the easement rules. This is a willow clothed rainbow and brown trout fishery – very scenic. The river is easily waded, especially in the fall.
  

Jackson Region

After a summer of elevated stream temperatures and sluggish afternoons fish , and anglers are ready for cooler fall temperatures. The most popular fall fishing in the Jackson Region is found on the Snake River for the native Snake River Cutthroat Trout. Rob Gipson, Jackson regional fisheries supervisor advises, “There are several access points for float fishing, but large portions of the river are within Grand Teton National Park or the Bridger-Teton National Forest allowing for some great walk-in fishing.”

Flat Creek, on the National Elk Refuge, is only open to fishing from August through October.  Flat Creek is an artificial flies only water and holds some of the largest Snake River Cutthroat Trout in the valley.  The limit is only one cutthroat trout over 20 inches and all cutthroat trout less than 20 inches must be returned to the water immediately. The fish quickly become well educated and wily, so patience will be key.

For those that like to fish lakes, fishing for lake trout can be exceptional in the fall as fish come into shallow waters to spawn. Jackson Lake is closed to fishing in October to protect spawning Lake Trout, but there can be some great fishing days in November. Jenny Lake remains open in October and there is great access to Lake Trout fishing from both boat and shore.

Fall fishing for brown trout on the Salt River is popular among many anglers. While most of the valley is under private ownership, there are plenty of access areas along the river allowing for bank and float access.  Access areas are well signed along the highway and at the river.  As always, please respect private land and ask permission before fishing.

Jackson offers plenty of public access as well, so check out the Buffalo Fork River, Hoback River, Gros Ventre River, and Greys River.
  

Laramie Region

Simply put, If you can find some time this fall to chase fish in the Laramie Region, it will be time well spent.  “The days become shorter and crisp, which leads to cooler water temperatures and increased trout feeding activity,” said Laramie Regional Fisheries Supervisor, Bobby Compton. 

The rivers will be active with aggressive brown trout - target the Encampment River, North Platte River above Saratoga, and the Laramie River near Jelm. All have good public access and robust wild trout populations.  

Nice brown trout can also be caught at Lake Hattie, Rob Roy Reservoir, Twin Buttes Reservoir, and Wheatland #3 Reservoir. In interviews with 2015 bank anglers at Wheatland #3 Reservoir revealed good catch rates of large trout in October.  Besides having a healthy population of quality rainbow trout at Leazenby Lake, trophy-sized brook trout can be targeted during fall.  The rainbow trout also know winter is coming and will be on the bite as they try to build up their energy reserves.  
The North Platte River and all of the Laramie Plains Lakes will fish better and better as October draws near.    
  

Lander Region

Fishing in the Lander Region this fall is certain to bring home plenty of fish and good stories. 

“This time of year, the Alpine Lakes are an outstanding place to fish,” said Craig Amadio, Lander regional fisheries supervisor. Anglers have reported good fishing in the Wind River Range above Lander and Dubois, particularly in the golden trout fisheries. The high mountains are known for diversity; you can plan to reel in goldens and brook trout in the same watershed, bouncing lake to lake. Give the Lander office a call for more detail on species in this area. The season in the Alpine Lakes is limited by weather, so get into the high country in September - and perhaps for the lucky angler, October - before the weather turns.

Boysen Reservoir takes off in the fall. With hunting season in full swing, it’s a restorative anglers paradise. Walleye get particularly active in the cooling temperatures. Anglers can expect some of the biggest fish of the year in September and October. Chances might even be better now. Boysen has been fishing well the whole summer with good reports on walleye and yellow perch. Some happy anglers have photos with 5-pound+ rainbows.

Venturing out around Dubois country could up your catch numbers. Amadio reports his crew just finished population estimates in the upper Wind River. “The numbers of fish caught were incredible. Crews handled 2,300 trout. This is a spectacular number  based on size of the river.” Expect to catch brown trout, who spawn in the fall. To make up for their energy expenditure, brown trout will be actively feeding before moving into the long winter. 

The East Fork and Wiggins Fork boast the best conservation population of yellowstone cutthroat trout in the region. Guides around Dubois reported to Game and Fish the fishing in the East and Wiggins has been good all year. Cutthoat should be easy to catch. 

A caution to anglers in the mountains. This is grizzly bear country and bears are active in the fall. Be bear aware and take precautions. Carry bear spray and stay alert of your surroundings.
  

Pinedale Region

Fall fishing in the Pinedale area can be exceptionally rewarding, whether fishing a stream or a lake. Stream fishing will primarily result in catching brown or rainbow trout in the Green or New Fork rivers. As water temperatures cool down, hatches dwindle, but midges and small mayflies (Blue winged olive’s and Trico’s) hatches can be prolific. Trout will be found in slower water areas than you would find the during summer when the water is warmer, and will become active later in the day as fall progresses.  “Patterns imitating these bugs should be small (18-22) and include zebra midges, parachute Adams, and Griffith’s gnats.  Hopper and dropper setups with a Chernobyl and small nymph can also be effective. Streamers on a sinking tip may also fool some of the larger fish,” recommends  Hilda Sexauer, Pindeale regional fisheries supervisor. “For spin casters, small Rapalas and spinners are a sure bet in catching a trout.”

Lake trout fishing turns back on in the fall in the Finger Lakes-try Fremont, Halfmoon, and New Fork.  Lake trout will move into the shallows starting in October, especially on overcast days. Rapalas, spoons, or ¼-½ ounce jigs with tube or mister twister bodies are a good bet. Boat anglers should concentrate on points and bars, with fish often suspending at mid-depth during the day. “Vertical jigging for lake trout marked on your fish finder can provide fast and furious action or frustration….it is fishing not catching after all!” said Sexauer. A small piece of sucker meat on the end usually can help in enticing lake trout to bite, but remember, live bait is illegal in the Pinedale Area (Region 4).  For those without a boat, casting the same lures from shore can often be productive in the fall for lake trout, possibly a memorable sized lake trout. 

In early fall, fish become more active in both streams and lakes as water temperatures cool from summertime highs.  However, during late fall, water temperatures can cool enough that fish will become more lethargic.  Slow down your presentation and try multiple colors, weights and styles of lures/flies until you find what the fish are keen to bite. Whatever your method, fishing amongst the autumn colors is a fine day to spend fall day in the upper Green River valley.
  

Sheridan Region

Despite the Sheridan Region suffering from a hot summer with very little moisture, low stream flows, and dropping reservoir levels; fishing this fall should still be good.

In the northeast corner of the region, Keyhole Reservoir will provide anglers with excellent opportunities to catch 10 game species.  Sampling this summer found an excellent crop of walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and channel catfish.  As reservoir temperatures cool, fishing generally picks up as fish become more aggressive with the winter season looming.  Anglers can expect most walleye in the 14 to 19 inch range, perch in the 8 to 10 inch range, and channel catfish up to 12 pounds.

In the beautiful Black Hills just south of Beulah, Wyoming, Sand Creek offers anglers an excellent opportunity for wild brown and rainbow trout.  This spring creek is populated with 2,000 to 3,000 fish per mile; but make that first cast count, as fish within Sand Creek can be wary at times.  Most fish are 10 to 12 inches, but larger browns and rainbows can be found.

In the central portion of the Sheridan Region, several reservoirs will offer anglers opportunities for multiple species of fish.  Muddy Guard Reservoir #1 (flies and lures only) is our trophy trout water.  Snake River cutthroat, rainbow, brown and tiger trout tend to grow to large sizes and can challenge the best angler.  Healy Reservoir provides an excellent cool/warm water fishery with largemouth bass, yellow perch, and the elusive tiger muskie. “In talking with anglers and our sampling, we’ve seen (and heard) of largemouth bass in the 5 pound range and tiger muskie upwards of 40 inches and 12 pounds,” said Andrew Nikirk, Sheridan region fisheries biologist. Lake DeSmet, a large reservoir between Sheridan and Buffalo, WY is full of good sized rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout for your smoker (14 to 18 inches).  Lake DeSmet also has a strong yellow perch and walleye population, although they prove to be a little more difficult for anglers to find and catch.

In the western portion of the Sheridan Region, the Bighorn Mountains offer up numerous reservoirs (Tie Hack, Park, Willow Park, Sawmill, Sibley, Weston, Cloud Peak, Cross Creek, Big Horn, Twin Lakes and Kearney Lake) that are loaded with several species of trout. From cutthroat to tiger and lake trout, these reservoirs should fish well this fall. Fall is an excellent time to make one last trip to the Cloud Peak Wilderness before the snow flies. “In the Sheridan Region we have 64 wilderness lakes with fish.  The Bighorn Mountains also offer several hundred miles of streams that are full of good sized fish.  We encourage anglers to take advantage of our brook trout regulation which allows anglers to harvest 16 brookies in addition to other trout,” said Nikirk. The North Tongue, South Tongue, and Middle Fork Powder rivers are probably our most popular streams in the Bighorns, but don’t overlook those smaller creeks like Owen or Copper; you might be surprised.

No matter where you decide to fish this fall, or how skilled of an angler you are, the Sheridan Region provides plenty of options.  With over 3,000 miles of streams and 19,000 acres of lakes, hopefully one of the 30 game fish with find the end of your line.  
  

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