CASPER, Wyo. — September is widely regarded by locals as one of the absolute best months to be outdoors in Wyoming. As the summer heat fades, autumn colors emerge along the riverbanks, and trout become increasingly aggressive. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages an excellent network of Public Access Areas that allow the public to step right into some of the finest trout waters in the West.

To help you plan a spectacular September outing, the Casper Regional Office is highlighting three fantastic riverfront Public Access Areas perfect for catching the fall action.

1. North Platte River – Paradise Valley Public Access Area

Located on the west side of the city of Casper, approximately 1¼- miles north of Wyoming Highway 220 on Robertson Road, the Paradise Valley PAA is a premier destination for urban-adjacent angling.

• What People Can Do: This area provides high-quality pedestrian river fishing. It is perfect for an evening wade-fishing trip after work or a quiet weekend morning on the water.
• Facilities Available: The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission holds an easement on private land here that provides one designated parking area and almost 1¼ miles of continuous river access. To protect the private property partnership, there are no comfort stations, and hunting, trapping, overnight camping, and fires are strictly prohibited. All pets must remain on a leash.
• Wildlife People Might See: The river here provides world-class, year-round habitat for trophy-sized rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Visitors will also spot native songbirds and white-tailed deer feeding in the dense cottonwood groves along the river corridor.

2. North Platte River – By the Way Ranch Public Access Area

For anglers looking to stretch their legs and cover a large amount of water, the By the Way Ranch PAA is situated roughly 17-miles southwest of Casper off Wyoming Highway 220.

• What People Can Do: This PAA offers expansive walk-in pedestrian fishing access. Because September typically brings lower autumn river flows, it is an ideal spot for wade-fishing. While not part of the Game and Fish easement, the west side of the river also connects to several miles of public Bureau of Land Management and.
• Facilities Available: This property features one dedicated parking area that leads directly to a massive 2.5-mile stretch of riverbank access. There are no comfort stations available. This area is strictly for fishing—hunting, trapping, camping, and fires are prohibited, and pets must be leashed.
• Wildlife People Might See: Anglers have the opportunity to hook into a diverse mix of salmonids, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and vibrant Bear River cutthroat trout. Osprey, bald eagles, and migrating raptors are also frequently seen hunting from the skies in September.

3. North Platte River – Speck/Bessemer Bend Public Access Area

Situated just nine miles southwest of Casper, the 2.6-acre Speck/Bessemer Bend PAA is a crucial hub for those looking to experience the river by boat.

• What People Can Do: This area is highly popular for both drift-boat fishing and recreational floating, serving as an excellent launch or take-out point for an early autumn float trip.  Parking is limited in this high-traffic area.  Please park close and leave room for others to maximize space.
• Facilities Available: The site has a parking area and a well-maintained, improved boat ramp. It sits immediately adjacent to a developed BLM access area. No comfort stations exist on the Game and Fish acreage, and hunting, trapping, camping, and fires are not permitted.
• Wildlife People Might See: The waters stretching through Bessemer Bend hold populations of brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. On the surrounding hillsides, visitors often spot mule deer, pronghorn, and wild turkeys navigating the transition zone between the river and the prairie.

Plan Your Autumn Excursion Online

As a reminder, many of Wyoming’s PAAs exist thanks to the generosity and cooperation of private landowners. Sportspeople are asked to always stay within the designated easement boundaries, pack out all trash, and respect posted regulations to ensure these areas remain open for years to come.

For interactive map layers, driving directions, and comprehensive rule listings for these and all other public access sites across the state, visit the official Game and Fish public access website.