LARAMIE — Persistently low water levels across southeast Wyoming are limiting boating access at many fisheries, with little improvement expected this season. Despite these conditions, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Habitat and Access crews continue working to repair, maintain and install boating and fishing facilities throughout the region.

While some boat ramps and docks may have limited usability, anglers can still find excellent fishing opportunities from shore. As summer progresses, some waters may also see temporary closures as rising temperatures stress fish populations. 

Anglers can contribute to the health of their favorite fishery by following a few simple recommendations:

• Fish for trout before noon and at high elevations where temperatures are cooler, or consider fishing a warm water reservoir.
• Don’t catch and release  trout if the water temperature is above 70 degrees. 
• Minimize the time trout are out of the water by skipping the photos  and releasing them as quickly as possible.
• Consider keeping legal catches as increased stress may result in mortality, even if released quickly.  Additionally, Game and Fish encourages harvest at waters that may go dry or may become unfishable if conditions do not improve in the coming years.
  • Consider harvesting brook trout from Pole Mountain beaver ponds.  
  • Harvest at Wheatland Reservoir 3 and Lake Hattie is encouraged. 

Facilities Updates

Wheatland

Grayrocks:

• Dock repairs are complete.
• Continued dropping water levels may limit dock usability.

Cheyenne

I-25 AIS check station (Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center).

• The check station has moved to the east of the old check station about 100 yards and is now on the exit lane. 
• The new location will enable Game and Fish staff to more effectively check and decontaminate boats entering Wyoming. 
• For more information on AIS check stations and aquatic invasive species, please visit the Game and Fish website. 

Lower North Crow Reservoir (John and Annie Woodhouse WHMA) 

• Fishing pier to be repaired in mid-spring.

Laramie

Wheatland Reservoir 3 

• New boat ramp on south portion nearing completion, including restoration seeding, parking lot grading and gravelling, and signage. 
  • Please be advised that heavy machinery is in operation. Please give the crews plenty of room to ensure timely completion of the project
• Expected opening is mid-late summer.
• New dock and comfort stations will be installed.

Diamond Lake

• Dock repairs are completed and the dock is installed.
• Water levels continue to drop with no additional inflow expected this season.

Laramie River

• Flows are low in the town of Laramie and could approach zero by late summer.

   

Saratoga

North Platte River

• Boat launches installed at Pick Bridge and Sanger Public Access Areas.

Conditions will continue to change as summer approaches, and Game and Fish will adapt as needed to conserve fisheries and maintain access where possible. “Even in a dry year, there are still good opportunities out there,” said Laramie region fisheries supervisor, Bobby Compton. “We’re asking anglers to stay flexible and pay attention to conditions.” As anglers plan their trips, they are encouraged to reach out to their local Game and Fish regional office and check the website.

-WGFD-