The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has reopened LAK Reservoir near Newcastle to motorized watercraft on a limited, trial basis. 

The reservoir has been closed to motorized watercraft since August 2022, following the discovery of invasive zebra mussels at nearby Pactola Reservoir in South Dakota. That discovery has significantly increased the risk of introduction of zebra mussels into Wyoming waters. 

Public access to the privately-owned LAK Reservoir for fishing and boating is provided through an access agreement with Game and Fish and the property owner. The lake is a popular fishery offering anglers the opportunity to catch walleye, smallmouth bass, tiger musky and other warm water species. LAK primarily serves as the irrigation reservoir for downstream irrigation needs.

“The landowner has generously allowed public use of the reservoir for many years,” said Sheridan Region Fisheries Supervisor Stephen Siddons. “Protecting the reservoir and irrigation infrastructure from invasive aquatic species is a priority and the department has developed a managed system that will re-open motorized watercraft use, while also implementing safeguards to help prevent an introduction of mussels or other AIS.”

Members of the public intending to use motorized watercraft on the reservoir must adhere to the following procedures:

Access steps and rules

• Visit the Newcastle AIS watercraft check station on Ranch Market Road, one-half mile east of the junction of highways 16 and 85. Watercraft owners should verify open hours for the check station before arriving. (Please note: the Newcastle check station is currently open Thursdays through Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning May 21, the check station will be open expanded hours. The link above will be updated with current hours of operation.)
• All motorized watercraft must be inspected at the Newcastle check station prior to launch. 
• Only outboard and electric trolling motors are allowed.
• Watercraft owners will fill out a permission slip and be issued an access key to open the locked gate at the boat ramp. 
• Five keys will be available each day on a first come, first serve basis. The keys cannot be duplicated or shared. If the Newcastle AIS station is closed, keys will not be available.
• Keys are for one-day use only and must be returned to the drop box at the Newcastle AIS check station at the end of each day.
• Users must lock the gate after entering and exiting the boat ramp. 

“This is a trial program,” said Siddons. “Failure to follow these rules will result in a loss of motorized boating access and a return to non-motorized use only.”

Please be aware that as of mid-May, the reservoir level is low and watercraft may be unable to launch until levels rise.

Nonmotorized watercraft use along with shore and ice fishing has remained open on LAK since the motorized closure was implemented. Users do not need an access key for these activities but watercraft may be subject to AIS inspection requirements.

Any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1 through Nov. 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector before launching in any water of the state. Any watercraft that has been in a water infested with zebra/quagga mussels within the last 30 days must be inspected by an authorized inspector before launching during ALL months of the year. All watercraft must stop at any open watercraft check station on their route of travel, regardless of previous destination and intention to launch in Wyoming.

It is important that all boaters and anglers take steps to prevent moving zebra mussels or other invasive species. Cleaning, draining and drying watercraft and equipment between waters is the most effective way to prevent moving AIS to new locations.